The Treasury Store Metal Bottle Opener
One size / Silver
$19.99
Product Details & Size Guide
GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Open a conversation about American retail history with a metal bottle opener inspired by The Treasury Store. Its story reaches back to Treasure Island, the discount division of a Milwaukee mail-order company, and the stores remembered for their distinctive zigzag roofs. J.C. Penney’s Treasury rebranding carried the chain into new markets during the 1970s. This compact keepsake celebrates the rise, reinvention, and eventual closing of a memorable discount-store name.
The Treasury was a J.C. Penney-owned discount-store and hypermarket chain that grew from Treasure Island, the discount division of Milwaukee mail-order firm General Merchandise Company (GMC). David Kritzik and his sons Robert and Stanley founded GMC in Milwaukee in 1938. Treasure Island opened its first store in Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 24, 1961. Its large stores featured a distinctive zigzag design by Milwaukee architect Jordan A. Miller and promoted merchandise as being “under the squiggly roof.” J.C. Penney agreed to acquire GMC in December 1961; the $11 million acquisition was approved in February 1962. The chain expanded to the Atlanta area in 1968. In 1969, J.C. Penney announced the Treasury name as part of an effort to shift the chain’s image, although established Milwaukee and Atlanta stores kept the Treasure Island name. The first Treasury-named stores opened in California in 1970, followed by locations in Florida and Tennessee in 1971. After losses and store closures, the discount division ended in 1981. Some former Atlanta-area locations were leased to Home Depot. Treasury Drug Centers continued separately; J.C. Penney sold 45 Atlanta-area stores to Big B Drugs in 1993 and converted remaining Treasury Drug locations to Eckerd after acquiring that chain in 1997.
Open a conversation about American retail history with a metal bottle opener inspired by The Treasury Store. Its story reaches back to Treasure Island, the discount division of a Milwaukee mail-order company, and the stores remembered for their distinctive zigzag roofs. J.C. Penney’s Treasury rebranding carried the chain into new markets during the 1970s. This compact keepsake celebrates the rise, reinvention, and eventual closing of a memorable discount-store name.
The Treasury was a J.C. Penney-owned discount-store and hypermarket chain that grew from Treasure Island, the discount division of Milwaukee mail-order firm General Merchandise Company (GMC). David Kritzik and his sons Robert and Stanley founded GMC in Milwaukee in 1938. Treasure Island opened its first store in Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 24, 1961. Its large stores featured a distinctive zigzag design by Milwaukee architect Jordan A. Miller and promoted merchandise as being “under the squiggly roof.” J.C. Penney agreed to acquire GMC in December 1961; the $11 million acquisition was approved in February 1962. The chain expanded to the Atlanta area in 1968. In 1969, J.C. Penney announced the Treasury name as part of an effort to shift the chain’s image, although established Milwaukee and Atlanta stores kept the Treasure Island name. The first Treasury-named stores opened in California in 1970, followed by locations in Florida and Tennessee in 1971. After losses and store closures, the discount division ended in 1981. Some former Atlanta-area locations were leased to Home Depot. Treasury Drug Centers continued separately; J.C. Penney sold 45 Atlanta-area stores to Big B Drugs in 1993 and converted remaining Treasury Drug locations to Eckerd after acquiring that chain in 1997.
This slim, all-metal bottle opener feels like the trusted tool you reach for when friends gather and stories start. Forged from heavy-duty stainless steel, it slides into a pocket or bartending apron without bulk, then delivers confident leverage when a cold drink needs freeing. The flat surface accepts crisp laser engraving, so names, dates, or logos stay sharp through years of use. Use it behind the home bar, at backyard tailgates, or hand one to each member of your wedding party — it’s built to take commercial-level wear while still looking clean and refined. Simple, sturdy, and ready for the next toast.
Product features
- 100% heavy-duty stainless steel resists rust and bending
- Flat surface optimized for permanent precision laser engraving
- Ergonomic all-metal grip provides strong leverage
- Slim, ultra-flat profile fits pockets and bar drawers
- Commercial-grade durability for frequent use
| One size | |
| Width, in | 5.50 |
| Height, in | 1.50 |
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Generic brand, two year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland