After nearly five decades in business, Tom “TD” Deyton is considering selling all or part of his eclectic shop, TD’s Tuff Decisions — though he’s in no rush to hang a “for sale” sign.
Deyton, 67, first opened the store in 1979, officially launching in 1980. What began as a gift and record shop gradually evolved into a unique blend of costume rentals, balloons, party supplies, collectibles, novelties, and more. Today, it operates year-round from its original location on the corner of Frederica and East 25th streets.
“I started off with records and games. Back then, backgammon was huge, so I sold hundreds of boards,” Deyton said. “Then I went to a gift show and saw Ruby’s Costumes — that’s what really started us into costumes.”
Over the years, the store has expanded multiple times and now houses an extensive inventory of costumes, character heads, wigs, hats, makeup, and accessories in addition to records, cassettes, adult items, and other one-of-a-kind finds.
It’s also home to what Deyton recently discovered is the world’s tallest “Thinker” statue — a bronze figure perched outside the shop that’s become a local landmark.
Despite his love for the business, Deyton said age and health concerns have him weighing the future.
“My wife says, ‘Don’t you think you’re getting kind of old?’ And she’s kind of right,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s gotten really time-consuming for just me.”
For now, Deyton is taking a casual approach to selling. He’s open to selling the costumes, balloon side, or adult section separately — or the entire store if the right buyer comes along.
“I had a guy call last week and say, ‘I’d like to buy the whole thing and keep it exactly as it is,’” Deyton said. “I told him I’d have to come up with a price. It’s 46 years of stuff — that’s a lot of counting.”
Interest has already emerged for some of his rare character costumes, including Hulk, Sasquatch, and Batman.
“A lot of the companies that made these big head costumes aren’t around anymore. You can’t get this stuff,” he said.
Deyton said he still enjoys coming to work every day, but scaling back would offer him some needed freedom.
“If I sell the costumes, at least I won’t have to come in on Saturdays to send them out and Monday mornings for them to come back in,” he said. “That would give me a little more free time.”
While word of a potential sale is spreading through social media and word of mouth, Deyton said he isn’t actively marketing the business.
“My wife says, ‘You’ll never sell it if you don’t tell anybody,’” he said, laughing. “I said, well, I’ll let it leak out. I’m not ready to put a sign in the yard yet.”
Any sale would be flexible — and even the “Thinker” statue could stay or go, depending on what a buyer wants.
“It’s a landmark. I think it should stay here,” Deyton said. “But that would be their option.”
As he reflects on nearly 50 years of serving Owensboro, Deyton credits the store’s lasting success to its uniqueness and his willingness to evolve.
“I just kept adding more stuff through the years — this and that and whatever new thing I could come up with,” he said. “I never expected it to last this long, but it’s been fun.”
Whether interested in the whole story or just a section, prospective buyers can contact Deyton at 270-683-9897.
