South Coast Casuals opened on May 1st, 1995 after six weeks of intense preparation. The long-time vision of Bill and Tracey McKnight, South Coast Casuals was an immediate success drawing customers from the South Delta area. South Coast Casuals originally opened as a 2000 square foot store featuring men's and ladies casual fashions with a specific focus on Denim. Since 1995, the store has expanded to 3400 square feet and now caters to the casual, career and dressy needs of its customers. South Coast Casuals currently carries 80% ladies wear and 20% mens wear. The store is open 7 days a week and Friday evenings. Additionally, customers who wish a more personalized level of service may book an evening shopping appointment with one of the sales associates. South Coast Casuals currently has 7 sales associates, in addition to the McKnights, who share their unique flairs and perspectives with our customers to assist in their wardrobe building.

Our customers are a truly diverse collection of men and women from all over the Lower Mainland and from around the province who have discovered South Coast Casuals as their destination for service and selection. Many of the these customers have continued to shop at South Coast Casuals even after moving to Vancouver Island, Fort St John, Whitehorse and even Eastern Canada.

Bill and Tracey opened the store with a combined experience of 45 years in the clothing industry divisions of manufacturing, wholesale and retail. Prior to opening South Coast Casuals, Bill had been a manufacturer's sales representative for 20 years representing such great lines as Formfit Lingerie, Snazzie Sportswear, Baltex Swimwear, Ezze Wear and Morning Sun Sweatshirts. Tracey had developed her training in the retail environment of Woodwards from an early age and has completed the Woodward's Oakridge Sales Management program. Tracey had the opportunity to develop a business relationship with many members of the South Delta community through her 10 years as owner of CT Edibles, an appetizer and condiment company specializing in Red Pepper Jelly and various fruit chutneys.

Jill McKnight has had the wonderful opportunity to grow up in the industry she loves. Jill has been involved in South Coast Casuals since its inception and continued to have a close attachment even during the years she was away completing her Commerce Degree in Entrepreneurial Business at the University of Victoria. Jill now oversees the merchandise buying for the store and works closely with the staff to ensure that the product coming into the store meets the needs of the customers.

Since opening the business, Bill and Tracey McKnight have been active members of the Ladner Business Association and have worked hard to develop activities and events in the shopping district of Ladner Village. Bill and Tracey work closely with another Ladner business owning couple, to coordinate the highly successful Ladner Village Market which will be running for the 15th consecutive year in 2010. This market has grown into a destination for visitors from all over and is often referred to as the most successful street market in British Columbia. The event draws between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors each time and features live music throughout the day.

During the past 15 years, South Coast Casuals has also established a long history of support for Breast Cancer research in British Columbia. Each year, South Coast Casuals hosts an anticipated Evening of Dinner and Fashions which benefits Breast Cancer Research in British Columbia and the Delta Hospital Foundation. Over the period of 12 years, South Coast Casuals has helped to raise over $110,000 for Breast Cancer research through the Fashion Show, The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk event and selling of the Riedel Crystal Breast Cancer Champagne glasses. In recent years, South Coast Casuals has also expanded their support to include the Delta Hospital Foundation and has donated more than $9,000 towards the CT Scanner campaign. In addition to financially supporting the Delta Hospital Foundation, Jill McKnight has also been an active volunteer on the Delta Hospital Foundation Moonlight Gala Committee as Silent Auction Chair.

South Coast Casuals' support for the community is much broader than the larger events we participate in. South Coast Casuals supports over 150 community events and fund raisers throughout the year including school events, sports teams fund raising and other community activities.