The Original Sand Dollar and its third-generation owners have infused fresh o erings while sustaining a community legacy known for its hospitality.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Find the positive in every situation.
RETAIL NEWS
Industry supports wildfire relief efforts.
TAKING STOCK
Clean shop to prepare for peak season.
CUSTOMERS COUNT
Shop around for improvement strategies.
SEAWORTHY IDEAS
Baby/toddler, manatee, men’s gifts, neutral colors, pirates and sun protection products.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Make plans to attend these future events.
EVENTS COVERAGE
Past and upcoming industry show coverage.
RETAILER REFLECTIONS
Focus on initial markup for retail success.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Fresh merchandise ideas for your store.
AD INDEX
Easily locate an advertiser’s ad and website.
Starfish
community.
Having the right mindset
I remember sitting across the desk from my boss in my early 20s as he was giving me my annual review, “You sure spread sunshine around the newsroom,” he told me.
If anyone has ever spent any time in a newsroom, you know that it can be intense. You’re trying to meet unforgiving deadlines, trying to get scripts printed out, videos edited, anchors and reporters and videographers in place, and all the while keeping one ear on the police scanners for any kind of emergency that could change the course of the newscast at any moment.
I sure like the pace of magazines a whole lot better, and looking back at my days in television news, I’m glad that amid that environment, I could be that ray of sunshine for my colleagues.
But lately, I have to admit, it has been harder and harder to maintain that sunny disposition. Maybe you can relate. All the recent policy changes and concerns about pending new tariffs have likely have caused a few sleepless nights as you wonder what this all will mean for your businesses.
On top of that, seaside retailers are still working on reopening their businesses after last fall’s hurricane season. And retailers on the West Coast are still facing many harsh realities after a series of destructive wildfires this past winter.
But even with everything going on, it is not all doom and gloom. There are actually glimmers of hope all around us thanks to the great people who make up our industry. You can read about some these exceptional retailers in the following pages.
Julia Duytschaver’s Original Sand Dollar store in Holmes Beach, Florida, which is featured on the cover of this issue, is one of those stores. Another great comeback story featured on page 48 is that of Anita Cereceda and her store The Islander in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian.
Famous mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
That mindset sure seems to have paid off for Duytschaver and Cereceda. Perhaps we can all stand to brush up on those surfing skills.
LEE WHITE Sales Manager lee@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 707 • Direct: 215-798-3878
DEBBY CLARKE Ad Production Manager & Graphic Designer debby@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 705
KATIE TURNER Ad Production Coordinator & Products Editor katie@breakwallpublishing.com
800-705-6833, Ext. 709
Columnists: Tom Borg, Michael Hale, Cathy Donovan Wagner
Circulation: Greg Wolfe, Russell Marth
Business Advisor: Jerry L. Croft
BreakwallPublishing
Seaside Retailer is published bi-monthly by Breakwall Publishing, 3593 Medina Road #117, Medina, OH 44256. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Medina, OH and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Seaside Retailer, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834.
For almost 15 years, Tiki Toss has offered hook-and-ring games to retailers across the United States. Founders Kyle McGetrick and Amy Corey have launched a new brand, Island Time Sports, with a fresh perspective on the Tiki Toss concepts.
Island Time Sports is releasing several editions of its popular hook-and-ring games for the spring season. The brand will continue to release new products later this year.
“Our products remind people of being on vacation. Our goal is to make people happy,” says McGetrick.
C&F Enterprises expands showroom offerings in 2025
C&F Enterprises, a wholesale home and gift vendor, has unveiled a collection of unique gifts, seasonal decor and handcrafted collectibles this year. C&F Enterprises brings seven brands together, including brands known for their coastal offerings.
Rightside Design brand is expanding its nature-inspired offerings to include holiday and harvest table linens, such as new indoor-outdoor pillows crafted with Olefin fabric.
Also, the Beachcombers Coastal Life brand released coastal-inspired ornaments, including painted oyster shell ornaments created in collaboration with artist Beth Buffington.
All new products from C&F brands debuted at the winter home and gift shows in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas.
Industry organizations fundraise for California wildfire relief efforts
In response to January wildfires in Southern California that destroyed thousands of acres of land, including homes and businesses, industry organizations such as Heart on Main Street and Gift for Life stepped up to raise support for people and businesses in need.
Heart on Main Street, a nonprofit organization focused on helping independent retailers, launched its From Ashes to Action Campaign to help provide direct support to independent retailers impacted by the Southern California wildfires. The organization plans to use donations to provide retailers with grants to reopen, education and mentorship programs to guide them through rebuilding and other resources.
Heart on Main Street also hosted a fundraising event during Atlanta Market in partnership with the rep group, The Link Companies, which raised $40,000 to support small businesses affected by natural disasters, including those in Southern California.
Additionally, Gift for Life has rallied the gift and home industry to support World Central Kitchen’s Southern California wildfire relief efforts through a series of at-market fundraising events during the 2025 winter markets in Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York City. World Central Kitchen’s relief team has helped to provide immediate relief to impacted families and first responders by distributing fresh meals, water and sandwiches in Southern California.
Market organizers ANDMORE, Dallas Market Center and Emerald Expositions all partnered with Gift for Life to host at-market fundraising events in winter to provide direct donation opportunities.
ANDMORE launched a “United for California” campaign, which includes a $10,000 donation to World Central Kitchen, on-campus signage and donation QR codes across its Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market campuses, along with additional tenant outreach to drive support.
“As wildfires continue to impact Southern California, ANDMORE is proud to join Gift for Life and World Central Kitchen in providing meaningful support,” says Jon Pertchik, CEO of ANDMORE. “We believe in the power of community and are committed to doing our part to help families and first responders during this difficult time.”
Dallas Market Center encouraged donations through a social media campaign as well, and NY NOW ran a social media campaign, on-site signage and a Gift for Life-connected at-market Happy Hour Feb. 2 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Throughout the winter markets, every contribution made to Gift for Life helped to provide food, water and essential support to families and first responders who worked to combat the wildfires and restore safety to the region.
World Central Kitchen’s team delivered meals and water to first responders and families in need in Southern California.
A.T. Storrs celebrates its golden anniversary
A.T. Storrs, a leading wholesale supplier to the travel retail industry, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. The Vancouver, British Columbia, company began in 1975 at a kitchen table in Andy Storrs’ Vancouver apartment.
“It was a real mom-and-pop beginning,” says son Ian Storrs, now president of the family business that employs 40 team members and is based in a 25,000-square-foot facility in British Columbia.
Initially, Andy sold jade jewelry and he became a partner in a jade mine. His wife, Patricia, joined the business in 1977. “The business steadily grew, and we began targeting the souvenir market because it was steady, consistent business,” explains Storrs, who came on board
full-time in 2007 and became president in 2012.
Recognizing a demand for artisan souvenirs, in 1991 A.T. Storrs introduced its Wild Pearle line of abalone jewelry, which became one of the company’s bestselling jewelry collections. As with all its products, most of A.T. Storrs’ styles reflect the natural world.
Then in 2013, A.T. Storrs acquired North West Laser Design, a custom engraved wood souvenir business. And in 2019, A.T. Storrs bought Jackson Pacific, a custom brass ornament company.
Now, the company’s product mix also includes the Northwoods collection of boxes, sculptures, keychains, magnets and bookmarks that are handcrafted by artisans.
Looking ahead, Storrs says the company is working on a new line of Northern Lights metal jewelry that launches in March.
The company says it also plans to host a party at the IGES trade show in Tennessee in November.
Storrs says, “We are grateful and humbled, and we feel happy the business has been going strong for this long and continues to be successful.”
Ocean launches Echoes of Blue collection
Timeless sea life motifs, genuine turquoise and 14-karat gold vermeil offer a “rich and distinctive” look for Ocean Jewelry’s latest launch: Echoes of Blue, an extensive collection that was introduced just in time for Surf Expo, Atlanta Market and the 2025 retail season.
“This collection is inspired by the ocean’s beauty and tranquility,” says Alan Clancy, national sales director, pointing to themes including a wave, turtle, stingray, crab and starfish.
The mini collection includes matching pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets — a mix-and-match offering that naturally promotes up-sell opportunities for retailers, according to Clancy.
Pendants also feature a standard bolo-styled chain for easy layering. Clancy says this speaks to another jewelry trend of demand for mini pieces that can be attractively grouped to make a personalized statement.
The new Echoes of Blue collection in gold vermeil follows the Ocean Mini Pendant collection launch, Clancy notes.
“We like to start the new year with a splash, so this new collection afforded us an opportunity to gain maximum exposure at our two most important trade shows and offer another distinctive, timeless collection for retailers,” he says.
GeoCentral acquires Red Carpet Studios
GeoCentral, a leader in the wholesale gift industry known for its souvenir, wellness and children’s offerings, has acquired Red Carpet Studios, an established brand specializing in garden decor, home accents and holiday giftware. The acquisition brings together two innovative companies, enhancing GeoCentral’s product offerings and strengthening its position in the marketplace.
For over 45 years, GeoCentral has been a source of high-quality, trend-forward gifts and decor. The company is recognized for its children’s enrichment kits, boxed wellness crystal collections, crystal jewelry, natural home decor, loose stones and displays. With the addition of RCS Gifts, the company expands its
portfolio to include garden decor, wind chimes and whimsical home accessories, offering wholesale buyers a more diverse selection.
“The decision to sell was a necessity for the legacy and longevity of the company we proudly built,” says Mitchell Latch, co-owner of RCS Gifts.
“This was made easier knowing GeoCentral will continue the business alongside our employees, many of whom have been with us 20-plus years. We appreciate the dedication and loyalty of those employees and enjoyed working alongside them every day. We will miss the people we met
along the way, the company we built and the industry that has given us so much. In memory of [fellow co-founder] Paul [Schenz], Godspeed.” RCS Gifts’ existing product lines will continue to be available through all current sales channels, ensuring a seamless transition for existing customers while introducing new collaborations and innovations in future collections.
GeoCentral is a subsidiary of CM Paula, a family-owned holding company. In addition to GeoCentral, the company owns Up With Paper, Remtec Automation and ART Metals Group.
SPECIAL REPORT: 2025 TRAVEL FORECAST
BY MEGAN SMALLEY
2025 travelers seeking tranquility and sentimentality
Vacationers want to visit peaceful, nature-themed destinations as well as spots that remind them of the past.
Afew trends stand out with domestic travel this year, including things such as “noctourism,” nostalgia and wellness.
In December 2024, U.S. News & World Report released rankings on vacation spots for the new year. Tranquil beaches and national parks dominated the list of popular destinations. U.S. News & World Report lists Maui, Hawaii, as one of the top destinations to visit in the USA this year. The
report says people love this destination for its beaches, golf courses and beautiful sunsets.
Small towns are also trending. According to U.S. News & World Report, the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, was one of the popular small towns mentioned.
LOOKING TO THE SKIES
Travelers are increasingly interested in what the hospitality industry has dubbed “noctourism” or “astro-tourism.”
DID YOU KNOW? OVER 60% OF PEOPLE
Want to vacation in destinations with limited light pollution.*
According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions report, noctourism refers to traveling to experience the night sky in all its glory — travelers seeking dark-sky zones “with unprecedented enthusiasm to marvel at the solar system and engage in things such as stargazing.”
The Hilton Trends Report 2025 also noticed travelers’ fascination with the skies, noting that millions of Americans traveled in April 2024 to view the Total Solar Eclipse in cities in the path of totality.
Expedia.com’s Unpack ’25 Report revealed that travelers want to experience natural phenomena of all types these days. The company’s
survey found that the top natural phenomena travelers want to experience is seeing the Northern Lights (61%) followed by geological phenomena (30%) such as volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.
“Whether it’s looking toward dark skies to stargaze or see the Northern Lights or heading to the beach to watch sea turtles hatch, travelers want a front-row seat to breathtaking natural wonders,” the report states.
ADVENTURE AND REST
Vacationers seem to want both adventure and rest on their trips. Hilton reports that many travelers will trek toward thrilling, unique adventures this year with 69% of global travelers enjoying being active during their vacations.
But tourists also want to prioritize wellness and sleep this year. Hilton reports that there’s a rising interest in what’s called “hurkle-durkling,” a Scottish phrase for intentionally lounging all day in bed while on vacation. Hilton reports that about 25% of travelers also book a spa or wellness treatment specifically to enhance their sleep on vacation.
MeMoons, the hospitality’s fancy term for solo travel, are also
serve as their travel companion.
Booking.com reports that more people want to take longevity retreats, with travelers planning health-focused trips around experiences designed to extend their lifespan. The company says these trips will feature cutting-edge experiences such as red-light therapy, cryotherapy and stem cell treatments to bring both long-term health benefits and in-the-moment relaxation.
UNIQUE FINDS
Souvenirs are still important to today’s travelers, but people are fascinated with finding merchandise that speaks specifically to the destination they visited. People love finding domestically made souvenirs to take home, such as a local delicacy or snack that’s enjoyed in that city.
Expedia reports that travelers are searching for “treasures they can’t get at home and can’t go home without,” such as popular skincare products from Korea or trendy chocolate bars from Dubai. The company says 44% of travelers shop to buy local goods they can’t get at home.
Nostalgia is also big with today’s travelers. According to Hilton, “recreating memories” was the third most-cited reason for leisure travel in the U.S., and 58% of travelers revisit favorite childhood destinations. Some vacationers also want to buy their entire wardrobe at their
VACATION ON A BUDGET: Gulf Shores,
Alabama, and Cannon Beach, Oregon, made the top five of U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
trending, according to Hilton. About 55% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials are more likely to travel on their own than with others. To relax and unwind, many of these solo travelers (64%) love finding good books to
travel destination, so apparel is a big seller. According to Booking.com, over half of travelers are interested in buying their vacation wardrobe at their destination, with this figure rising to 63% for Gen Z.
A clean, well-maintained store leaves a lasting impression on your customers.
BY MICHAEL HALE
Refresh for success
Spring is an excellent time for seaside retailers to prepare for the busy summer season. One of the most important steps to get ready for the influx of tourists is thoroughly cleaning the shop.
LEAN ON TEAMWORK
When planning a thorough cleaning of the store, involve your entire team. Hold a staff meeting and walk through your store together, starting at the entrance. Encourage everyone to identify areas that need attention. Check for things such as wornout door mats, old signage on windows, dirty entryways, dusty fixtures and carpet stains.
to tackle maintenance issues that might otherwise go unnoticed during the busy season.
Replace old light bulbs and consider changing all bulbs within a section to maintain consistent lighting. Also make sure HVAC is working properly. Clean the vents in the ceiling or walls and replace air filters if needed.
It might be a good idea to power wash the exterior of the building if necessary and paint interior walls that might need to be refreshed. Ensure your exterior signage is clean and fully operational.
Michael Hale, CEO of Retail Rehab, transforms retail spaces and helps drive up profits.
michael@retail-rehab.com www.retail-rehab.com
Imagine that you are a customer as you move through your store. Take note of all the areas that need attention and create a to-do list. Then assign responsibilities to team members.
MAINTAIN AND ORGANIZE
Spring cleaning is also a great time
Your stockroom needs attention, too. Wipe the interiors of all storage drawers and cabinets. As you put items back, reorganize it to be efficient for the upcoming season.
MAKE IT COUNT
A clean, well-maintained store leaves a lasting impression on your customers. Refreshing and organizing your space ensures you’re ready to provide the best possible experience for your visitors during the busy months.
The real magic of this exercise is that you are getting everyone to experience and own the best practices needed in your gift shop.
BY TOM BORG
Shop for improvement strategies W
hen was the last time you or your employees shopped at another small retail gift shop?
Shopping at other gift shops can prove to be one of the best improvement strategies for your shop.
Here is a three-step process I recommend to my retail clients.
1
Brainstorm as a team. Schedule a meeting with your entire team and ask several questions. What do you think would happen if you visited another retail shop? Based on past visits, what do you suppose you would experience? Let the group share their comments.
Ask the group to identify the positive things they saw and experienced as well as the negative things they saw and experienced.
2
Plan field trips. Next, schedule each one of your employees to visit another retail shop. They’ll want to take note of everything on their trip.
Once inside the store, they should observe everything possible: the friendliness of the shop staff, the displays, the cleanliness, the merchandise, the signage. How were they treated if they either purchased or did not purchase an item?
3
Share findings. Schedule a meeting to discuss everything they observed. Assign someone to take notes, recording all positive and negative impressions.
Tom Borg is a retail consultant, speaker and author of “True Small Business Brilliance.” Contact him at: 734-404-5909 tom@tomborg.com www.tomborgconsulting.com
Discuss negative impressions first, then discuss the positive impressions. What kind of impact did the impressions have on them? How did these impressions affect their desire to purchase anything from that shop or return to it?
Go through each negative impression list and discuss which ones your shop might be guilty of and what you can do to change. Then go through the positive impression list and prioritize which ones are the most important that you can continue to use in your shop.
The real magic of this exercise is that you are getting everyone to experience and own the best practices needed in your gift shop.
Beach babes
1. Stephen Joseph: Fish pink hooded towel, www.stephenjosephgifts.com; 2. Bits & Bows: Harbor hat with pink scalloped ribbon, www.bitsandbows.com; 3. Turtle Tracks Family: Happy Hatchlings Buzz turtle baby rattle, www.turtletracksfamily.com; 4. FlapJack Kids: Reversible patterned hat, www.flapjackkids.com; 5. Me O My Earth: Penguin lovey, www.meomyearth.com; 6. Flopeeze: Infants zoo animals water shoes, www.flopeeze.com; 7. One and Only Creations Inc.: Shark hooded bath towel, www.jackandfriends.shop; 8. Pavilion: Blue and pink whale knotted onesie, www.paviliongift.com; 9. Roshambo Eyewear: Splash Hearts baby sunglasses, www.roshambo.com.
Manatee madness
The beloved sea cow is a favorite theme in areas
1. Ocean World Imports: 13.5-inch manatee decor, www.oceanworldimports.com; 2. Bamboo Trading Company: Manatee club bag, www.bambootradingcompany.com; 3. Nature Planet: 23-inch manatee plush, www.natureplanet.com; 4. Little Box Guy: Manatee sticker, www.littleboxguy.com; 5. Wild Delights: Sea manatee air freshener, www.yourwilddelight.com; 6. Mill Wood Art: Happy Manatee wood-framed wall art, www.millwoodartwholesale.com; 7. Melissa Lew: Manatee - a reminder to stay curious bracelet, www.melissalew.com; 8. The Ship's Hold: Manatee watercolor artwork on mug, www.theshipsholdstore.com; 9. Beadworx by Extol Accessories: Set of beaded manatee decor, www.extolltd.com.
1. Sea Lark Enterprises: Bone oval waterfall dish, www.soaplift.com; 2. Rustic Tides: Cherrywood tray with white and gold geode accents, www.rustictides.com; 3. Town Pride: Oyster Bay sweater, www.townpride.com; 4. Rightside Designs: Indooroutdoor lumbar pillow with embroidered shells, www.rightsidedesignstyle.com; 5. CBStation: Handy Safari open tote, www.cbstation.com; 6. Bali Queen: La Playa mini cover-up and Hanalei shell necklace, www.baliqueen.com; 7. Sincere Surroundings: Beach House Memories pinewood sign decor, www.sinceresurroundings.com; 8. Dune Jewelry: Round sandbead bracelet, www.dunejewelry.com; 9. The Cottonseed Marketplace: Beach chairs ornament, www.cottonseedmarketplace.com.
Pirate treasures
1. Cape Shore: Moscow mule shot glass with pirate ship, www.cape-shore.com; 2. Sea to Sky Photography: Pirate's playing cards, www.seatoskyphoto.com; 3. Impressions2: Pirate chest tavern sign, www.impressions2.com; 4. CoTa Global: Pirate skull keychain, www.cotaglobal.com; 5. Bell Buckle Country Store: Captain Rodney’s Private Reserve - original boucan glaze, www.bellbucklecompanystore.com; 6. Sea Bags Maine LLC: Jolly Roger tote, www.seabags.com; 7. Lemon & Line: Regatta belt with Jolly Roger deep ocean design, www.lemonandline.com; 8. Barry-Owen Co. Inc.: Large Queen Anne’s Revenge model ship, www.barryowen.com; 9. Doodle Pants: Pirate shirt, www.doodlepants.com.
Safe sun soaking
Soaking up the sun has never been
1. Salt n Rays: Mermaiden UPF 50 towel/wrap, www.saltnrays.com; 2. Caloosa WaterWear: Blue crab UPF 50 ultra comfort shirt, www.shopcaloosa.com; 3. BeachBUB USA: BeachBUB all-in-one beach umbrella system, www.beachbub.com; 4. Aloe Up: Sport SPF 30 continuous spray performance sunscreen, aloeup.markettime.com; 5. Maui Vera: Water-resistant mineral SPF 30 sunscreen, www.mauivera.com; 6. Capsmith: UPF 50+ Citrus Pop Green Bucket hat, www.capsmith.com; 7. BloqUV: Unisex UPF 50 dog sun shirt, www.bloquv.com; 8. Bajio Sunglasses: Tionia in gold sunglasses with green lenses, www.bajiosunglasses.com; 9. YouV: SPF 30 mineral sunscreen you can see, www.youvsunscreen.com.
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
TIMELESSLY
original
The Original Sand Dollar and its third-generation owners have infused fresh offerings while sustaining a community legacy known for its hospitality.
Some places are simply meant to be. Julia Duytschaver can attest to the unexplainable staying power of the third-generation Original Sand Dollar in Holmes Beach, Florida.
From navigating the pandemic to rebuilding by hand after Hurricane Helene nearly razed the shop and flooded it with salty, sandy water, the shop lives on as an ever-present Anna Maria Island establishment.
Duytschaver rewinds to 2020 when she and her husband, Shawn, found out his family’s former business was closing. His grandparents started it in 1960 and passed it to the next generation. He spent years working alongside his parents before opening his own store across the street.
When his parents eventually decided to retire and sell, the next local owner sustained the kitschy souvenir vibe with collectibles, crafts and favorites like Russell Stover candies. She exited quietly in 2020, deciding to not renew the lease. She sold off all the inventory.
Then the Duytschavers found out. They were shocked — but also moved.
“My husband said, ‘Let’s do it,’” says Julia Duytschaver. This swiftly advanced to closing a deal in 2020 and opening 10 days before the pandemic shutdown. She admits, taking over the Original Sand Dollar meant “big shoes to fill because it’s been here forever.”
She also had a vision to maintain the store’s treasure-trove experience while curating collections of coastal gifts, home decor, apparel and jewelry that differentiate it from other local shops that lean toward name drop. “We started from scratch,” she says, foreshadowing another theme: resilience and rebuilding.
MEMORABLE AND MODERNIZED
When the previous owner turned the shop over to Duytschaver to continue an island legacy, “She was so grateful it was coming back to the family,” relates Duytschaver.
The same Holmes Beach family that had been landlord when the store first opened was still the building’s landlord.
In many ways, the next chapter for Original Sand Dollar felt like a reunion. Duytschaver also wanted to make her mark on its decades-long retail story.
“CUSTOMERS FEEL REMEMBERED. I MAY NOT REMEMBER WHY I WALKED INTO A ROOM, BUT I REMEMBER A CUSTOMER WHO WAS EXCITED ABOUT NEW GRANDBABY.”
— Julia Duytschaver
Julia Duytschaver is putting her distinctive mark on The Original Sand Dollar as the 65-year-old store’s fourth owner, along with husband Shawn, and third-generation family business. Photos: Lori Sax
“It’s important for me to find something different,” she says of products in every category, from tableware to apparel. On a deadline with aspirations to open within a few months for spring visitors, she reinvented the shop, Shawn managing display buildouts and interior updates. The store reopened in March 2020 only to shutter for the pandemic just two weeks in business.
Original Sand Dollar. This balance allows the couple to juggle roles.
When the shop greeted customers again in April 2020, many regulars didn’t know the previous owner had sold and closed. “When they came in, it looked like a different store,” she says.
“FROM TABLEWARE TO APPAREL, IT’S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO FIND SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN EVERY CATEGORY.”
— Julia Duytschaver
Duytschaver says, “This gave us an opportunity to continue building up merchandise. We worked so hard to get the store open for the season so this gave us more time to work on the shop.”
Shawn runs a business called Surferbus that offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, so rainy days are slow, which is the opposite at
The Original Sand Dollar is very much a “happy place” for visitors and locals who are personally greeted by “the Sand Dollar girls,” now longtime employees and a tight-knit band of the same returning college students who contribute display ideas and provide an experience Duytschaver calls relatable.
“We just love to be here,” she says, adding that when visitors return to the shop, “Customers feel remembered. I may not remember why I walked into a room, but I remember
a customer who was excited about a new grandbaby!”
EXPECT THE UNCOMMON
While Duytschaver works directly with wholesalers and finds products online, she mostly relies on trusted sales reps at Uncommon Fashion. She enlisted in their expertise when she reopened the store five years ago. “They protect my best interests,” she says of maintaining exclusivity.
For apparel, Duytschaver keeps clothing classy and “appropriate.”
“I try to be body conscious,” she says, pointing to the popular lines
At Original Sand Dollar, dynamic tablescapes are eye candy with layers of coastal offerings. The store is full of out-of-the-box presentations of sea-themed decor, driftwood and more enticing customers to buy.
A fish teapot alongside some teacups seems fitting at Original Sand Dollar.
Blue Ivy and LaBiz, with versatile appeal for teens to ladies in their 60s and up. “We sell a lot of maxi dresses, rompers, summer wear. The biggest thing during the past year has been matching sets.”
Those include sweatshirts and shorts, lounge pants and tank tops, and all kinds of rompers.
Duytschaver points to a coastal set with big blue-and-white stripes — a nautical score for beachgoers.
Plateware and decor are popular, including pieces from Creative CoOp, Tableau and Kalalou. Unbreakable, dishwasher safe Melamine serving plates also appeal to customers.
Duytschaver also introduced floating hippos that are a hit. Sometimes, you try and customers buy.
Last year, Duytschaver added a display of nostalgic wooden birds, some positioned on stands — seagulls, sandpipers, pelicans and the like. “They’re perfect for a bookshelf,” she says.
Colorful, beaded jewelry by Ink-Alloy have coastal-tribal flair. Meanwhile, art pieces range from inspirational wooden word signs to watercolor to pieces washed with
island themes, from sea turtles and flamingos to vintage surf images.
Throughout the store, there’s look-at-that wonder that encourages customers to touch and take home. Impulse buys abound with palm-sized beaded pouches, ceramic coasters, party napkins, holiday ornaments, wooden word keychains, candles, drinkware and more.
Duytschaver along with her sales reps and longtime employees, Gillian Crago and Kate Fuchs, hunt for select products as a team to stock items that are decidedly Original Sand Dollar and not what other nearby shops offer. “It’s so nice to have colleagues you really trust,” she notes.
JOY IN THE ‘IN BETWEEN’
This level of trust and community helped Original Sand Dollar sustain
An assortment of coastal decor and serveware make for a great display.
a devastating blow when Hurricane Helene hit Holmes Beach on Sept. 26 last year and about six feet of storm surge blanketed the town.
The Duytschavers have boarded up their home and store before, but they never experienced a storm of this magnitude.
The shop lost $80,000 in inventory and fixtures. “Everything in here felt sticky with salt — we had to wash everything, cut up the floors and we did all the work ourselves,” says Duytschaver.
Duytschaver displays a poster with pictures of the damage, the renovation process and the Sand Dollar girls and friends who helped restore a business that was meant to be. While the interior and products suffered tremendous damage, the shop itself did not wash away.
“I always say, we find joy in the ‘in between,’” relates Duytschaver. That in-between time amounted to 40 days. “We were sweaty, wet and we had fun — we kept the stories going on social media,” she says. “An outpouring of people brought food, and the biggest thing we needed were storage tubs. We got a PODS.”
During this time, Duytschaver says retailers were out helping and working together. “I got to know more store owners because we never usually leave our shops,” she quips. “If someone else was open and we weren’t, we’d do pop-up shops.”
Original Sand Dollar was one of the first to reopen. “I said, ‘We weren’t lucky. We made our own luck,’” relates Duytschaver of the team rallying to renovate.
As of early 2025, Original Sand
Customers love tropical fish-themed serveware at Original Sand Dollar.
Dollar was the only store open on its strip open aside from a pizza place. Life, travel and traffic are finally returning to normal.
“Every day is better and better,” she says, grateful for the team and community’s support, and for the encouraging Facebook comments and emails saying, “We’re rooting for you!”
Surely, the Original Sand Dollar will have many more stories to tell.
RETAILING WITH PURPOSE
Motivate customers to make a difference by offering eco-friendly items they can feel good about buying.
STORY BY KRISTIN ELY
Many trends come and go in souvenirs, gifts, apparel, decor and accessories, but one that isn’t going away and in fact continues to grow is sustainability.
“Seaside communities often have a strong connection to the environment. By offering eco-friendly products, retailers can cater to this environmentally conscious customer base and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability,” notes Kork co-founder Katrina Gates, who founded the company during COVID with best friend Kelly Winch.
Kork’s entire product range is crafted from cork, a sustainable material sourced from Portugal. It is a natural, biodegradable and recyclable material. Cork is harvested by hand every nine to 12 years, allowing the cork oak tree to regenerate its bark.
“We’re seeing a growing demand for products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also align with consumers’ values,” says Winch. “Customers are increasingly seeking transparency about materials and production processes and are drawn to brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.”
Here are some other products and trends that can serve as inspiration as you start
Planet-friendly picks
Give eco-conscious customers plenty of options in your store with these good-for-the-planet buys.
1. Call For The Wild. Sea turtle hatchling made with recyclable and sustainable materials, including a bioplastic, 100% compostable egg. www.forwild.org
2. AmuseMints. Sea Snacks include compostable peg bags, tubs made with post-consumer recycled plastic, and post-consumer recycled boxes. www.amusemints.com
3. 4Ocean. Ghost Net bracelet contains plastic collected by 4Ocean, 100% recycled stainless steel charms and 95% post-consumer recycled content cord. www.4ocean.com
4. Daisy Mae Designs. Vintage map serving tray made in Finland with FSC-certified birchwood, protected with a matte layer of melamine. www.faire.com/direct/daisymaedesigns
5. Kork. Ormond bucket bag, made from water-resistant sustainable cork fabric, designed for everyday use or a day in the sun. www.korkgoods.com
6. Hobie Eyewear. Hull Float sunglasses with 100% upcycled scrap plastic frames and polarized lenses that incorporate castor oil-derived materials. www.hobieeyewear.com
7. The Petting Zoo. Earth Keeperz alligator plush includes recycled-water-bottle fabrics and custom-embroidered eyes. www.pettingzooplush.com
8. The RGU Group. Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified and graffiti-inspired teddies made from 100% recycled plastic. www.thergugroup.com
9. Wild Republic. Cuddlekins Eco Green Sea Turtle made of recycled and sustainable materials promotes environmental awareness and sustainability. www.wildrepublic.com
10. Pirani Life. 26-ounce insulated, stackable tumbler helps eliminate the 500 billion single-use cups wasted around the world annually. www.pirani.life
11. First & Main. Stingray, part of the new Marine Wonders line, is made from a blend of new and recycled fibers from recycled water bottles. www.firstandmain.com
12. Madd Capp Games. I am Palm 1,000-piece puzzle features sustainably sourced and recycled materials packed in a biodegradable, compostable bag. www.maddcappgames.com
13. Nature Planet. Ocean print 3.5-inch-by-3.5-inch coin purse made with 100% organic cotton featuring a variety of ocean animals. www.natureplanet.com
14. Ocean Sole. Right Whale sculpture made from recycled flip flops from Kenya beaches, waterways and landfills and crafted by Kenyan artisans. www.oceansoleonline.com
15. Harborside Rope Works. Laser-etched anchor made from upcycled fishing and lobster trap rope, sun dried and cleaned in Massachusetts. www.harborsideropeworks.com
16. Fiesta Toy. Earth Pals - Flamingo is made of plastic bottles collected, shredded into flakes, melted into pellets and extruded into fiber. www.fiestatoy.com
“Customers are increasingly seeking transparency about materials and production processes and are drawn to brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.” — KELLY WINCH, KORK
exploring the world of eco-conscious products.
PART OF THE MOVEMENT
4Ocean’s portfolio of eco-friendly products has expanded over the years beyond its bestselling bracelets to reusable water bottles, backpacks, jewelry, apparel, beach gear, home essentials, and even skateboards made from recycled nylon.
“Our goal is to make it easy for people to shop for their favorite items while helping protect our vulnerable waters,” says Jonathan Marshall, a 4Ocean spokesperson.
Every product 4Ocean manufac-
tures is made from ocean-recovered materials the company’s captains and crews have cleaned from waterways around the world.
“Our dedicated cleanup crews pull all sorts of materials from marine ecosystems, including plastic, glass, metals, discarded fishing nets, and so much more,” says Marshall. “We process these into bracelets and other items that we sell online, working with local artisans in Bali, Indonesia, to create our popular designs.”
He observes that consumers are looking for more storytelling from the brands that they purchase.
Kork bags are not only designed for their aesthetic, but also to align with the eco-conscious values of consumers.
“We’re seeing more people follow a brand’s story well before making a purchase, as they evaluate whether they support their mission and vision. As marketing and social media trends coalesce, a larger proportion of sales are driven by the desire to be
part of a movement.”
The Ocean Collection from Vent for Change includes notebooks and pens made from recycled ocean waste plastics.
Available in four seaside colors, the Ocean Collection is a big seller for seaside retailers. “People living by or visiting the seaside and coastal areas are more and more aware, and
DID YOU KNOW? 9.7% Is the additional percentage consumers are willing to spend on average for sustainably produced or sourced goods. 46% Is the percentage of people who are buying more sustainable products to reduce their impact on the environment.
Source: PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey
an eco-product, particularly one helping protect the oceans, is a fabulous way of demonstrating you care,” Evan Lewis, founder and CEO, says.
NOT GOING TO WASTE
Town Pride’s eco-friendly product options include tote bags, notepads, knits, wood signs and new hemp yarn goods.
“Our products offer such features as recycled cotton, paper and wood as well as limited packaging and a smaller carbon footprint manufacturing in the United States,” notes Tamara Moran, president of Town Pride. “Our bestselling products are our knit sweaters; they feature recycled yarn and an eco-friendly process that is water- and chemicalfree and limits waste.”
Moran is seeing trends in new materials that are recycled or upcycled, sustainable packaging and energy efficient production methods as well as some interesting uses of plant-based dyes as the desire for sustainable products accelerates.
“Conscious consumerism is growing,” says Moran. “We embrace slow fashion and continuously work to identify sustainable fashion solutions like our new hemp yarn.”
SHADES THAT SHINE
In January, Hobie Eyewear introduced its Hull Float sunglasses,
designed for eco-conscious anglers and water adventurers.
The floatable Hull Float sunglasses are crafted with frames made from 100% upcycled scrap plastic, a byproduct of the Hobie Kayak production process. In addition, the biobased polarized lenses incorporate castor oil-derived materials.
“The Hull Float style embodies Hobie’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, showcasing our determination to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Stephen Vaughan, Hobie Eyewear senior director for product development. “With Hull Float, we’ve pushed beyond conventional materials and techniques to create a truly sustainable sunglass.”
NOURISHING THE PLANET
AmuseMints, the souvenir division of Nassau Candy, is seeing popularity with its eco-friendly Sea Snacks, which include chocolate-covered red fish, mini sour sharks, fruit sours and sea salt caramels.
Each come in compostable peg bags, tubs made with post-consumer recycled plastic, and post-consumer recycled boxes. Paper packaging and acetate tubs for Sea Snacks are sustainable as well.
“The peg bags, tubs and boxes
Above, recovered ocean debris is sorted by color to become 4Ocean bracelets. At left, Town Pride’s bestselling knit sweaters are made in the U.S. using recycled yarn.
feature vibrant colors with an aquatic theme making them primed for gifting, particularly for seaside destinations,” notes Lance Stier, head of AmuseMints’ parent company, NC Custom.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Sustainability is at the core of everything Nature Planet designs, sources and produces, according to Lisa Jones, U.S. sales director. “That’s why we offer a wide range of eco-friendly products, including plush, toys and accessories, all crafted with the planet in mind.”
Its Eco Pals plush line is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and its selection of accessories are made from 100% organic cotton.
Nature Planet also uses uncoated hangtags attached with natural cords instead of plastic taggers, and display signs are made with eco-friendly materials. “We eliminate plastic from all packaging during transportation, further reducing our environmental impact,” adds Jones.
PARENTAL PRIORITIES
The Petting Zoo offers two signature eco-friendly lines. Wild Onez, its
flagship collection, known for realistic wildlife and aquatic creatures, are crafted with eco-friendly materials like recycled water bottle filling, soybased inks and recycled paper tags.
The Earth Keeperz line takes sustainability even further, according to Tawni Buhler, vice president of marketing, “with fabrics made of recycled water bottles and customembroidered eyes.”
First & Main’s new Marine Wonders line of plush includes humpback whales, rays, sharks, iguanas and gators. Both the outer and inner material is made from fibers that include recycled water bottles.
The company trademarked the Shark Skin Suede material used on its plush sharks described as “an innovative blend of new and recycled materials, providing a softness unparalleled in the market,” according to Brad Holes, owner.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
Wild Republic also offers several eco-friendly products made entirely from recycled materials, from biodegradable plush to toys made with wheat materials.
Bestsellers include sea turtles and
Call For The Wild supports wildlife conservation through hands-on efforts. (Photo courtesy of MLRP under permission of NMFS under authority of MMPA.)
axolotls made from 100% recycled fabrics, fillings and threads; come in plastic-free packaging; and are stuffed with recycled materials.
Doug Snider, global impressions director for Wild Republic, observes, “Demand is growing for eco-friendly products that educate children about sustainability while aligning with broader environmental values.”
Connor Atkins, marketing representative at The RGU Group, says the company’s goal is to convert as many of its items as possible to be sustainable by the end of 2026.
Its Totally United line is made from recycled materials and T-shirts on RGU’s 9-inch plushies use recycled fabric. RGU’s graffiti-inspired teddies are also made from 100% recycled plastic. “Since their inception in 2024, we’ve kept over 2 million
half-liter bottles out of the landfill or environment, and we’re just getting started,” Atkins says.
ANSWERING THE CALL
Call For The Wild’s products educate people about the vulnerability of wildlife while also using materials that help protect it and supporting organizations whose missions align with wildlife conservation. “At Call
For The Wild all our products are designed with eco-friendly, sustainable materials, packaging and processes in mind,” says Billy Campisciano, executive director.
For example, a glow-in-the-dark egg used in its turtle and aligator hatchling toys is made with bioplastic that uses plant-based resins. “The eggs are compostable with water, heat, and bacteria found in a landfill,
Sustainability is a main driver for the products Nature Planet produces, including plush, toys and accessories.
eliminating microplastic. All our shipping tags, materials and packaging are cellulose based or biodegradable,” says Campisciano.
By carrying eco-friendly products seaside retailers are indirectly caring for the environment that supports their livelihood, notes Atkins.
BRIGHT RETURN
The Islander Owner Anita Cereceda inspires seaside retailers as they rebuild following Hurricane Ian and the challenges of last fall’s storms.
Exploring The Islander’s displays and walking the 3,800-square-foot sales floor, you’d have no idea that 737 days before it reopened in October 2024, the shop was slammed head-on by Hurricane Ian.
Practically nothing was spared.
On Sept. 28, 2022, the category 4-plus hurricane directly hit Fort Myers Beach. The catastrophic storm washed away The Islander and Owner Anita Cereceda’s two other businesses, Local Color and The Pier Peddler. She also lost her home.
“What was I going to put back
together?” she asked herself during a period of serious soul searching.
By summer 2023, she knew The Islander must return.
“It’s like you’re standing on a ledge and you just jump,” relates Cereceda. “You know how to do it because you’ve done it before. But coming back from a disaster like that, you are battered. You are worn down. You are not the same person that you were before.”
With a team of about 45 longtime employees, she determined the go-to
business pillar in the community would return.
Today, The Islander is as large as all three previous shops together. Cereceda combined the best from Local Color and The Pier Peddler with The Islander’s resort wear, home decor and gifts. Seaside sophistication and sunny hospitality are The Islander way, guided by Cereceda’s vision and the support of a dedicated team.
“I want customers to have an experience when they visit us,” says Cereceda.
OPENING AGAIN — AND AGAIN
Initially, Cereceda planned the grand reopening for Sept. 28, 2024, the an-
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
The Islander's curated displays impress guests, highlighting cheerful coastal decor and gifts for visitors to the Fort Myers Beach store.
niversary of when Hurricane Ian hit. But Hurricane Helene was due to make landfall in Florida on Sept. 26. This one wasn’t a direct hit, but the region was already in recovery mode from Ian and weathered floods and wind damage as a result of Helene.
The following week, Cereceda felt confident The Islander could reopen Oct. 4. Then Hurricane Milton was due to arrive.
After that storm passed, she took inventory of the damages and was thankful for just some puddles and lost tables. The team restocked the shop and assembled displays. “We were open for the second time the following week,” Cereceda shares.
‘THE REASON WE MADE IT BACK’
Cereceda recounts the journey from disaster to a second reopening. First,
there was cleanup and working with the vendors.
“I had the great fortune of having a lot of help from a lot of people
shifted from typical track lighting to fixtures that emit pure lighting so every color of merchandise on display stays true.
“I had the great fortune of having a lot of help from a lot of people financially, emotionally, physically and vendors who were generous to me.” — ANITA CERECEDA
financially, emotionally, physically and vendors who were generous to me,” says Cereceda.
She also enlisted Lyn Falk with Retailworks to walk the store and consult on the redesign.
“To me, a store is a visual experience first and foremost,” says Cereceda. “And then you need sound, smell, texture. I wanted rugs on the floor and needed them to not be a liability. She was spot on with lighting.”
Following Falk’s advice, Cereceda
The Islander is ever evolving, says Cereceda, who loves to change things up daily to offer a dynamic shopping experience.
Cereceda also carries on with longtime vendor relationships and her shop is staffed with mostly original team members.
Cereceda shared in a letter to customers on her website, “We’ll never forget that the reason we are here and the reason we made it back is because of you.”
STORY BY KRISTIN ELY
Patio and outdoor decor, accessories and serveware help customers create coastal serenity right in their backyards.
CAPTURING SEASIDE
Bliss
Coast lovers are always looking for an excuse to pack their bags and head to the beach, but with today’s busy schedules, finding time to get away more than a week or two out of the year isn’t always easy.
But with the right decor, accessories, color schemes and serveware, seaside retailers can help beach enthusiasts turn their outdoor spaces into tropical escapes that will keep the beach close to home even if they are physically far away.
“When we have inviting, comfortable outdoor spaces, it’s only natural that we gravitate to them,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, ICFA. “There are so many furnishings and accessories — for all budgets and space sizes — to inspire people to step outside and enjoy their surroundings.”
And in 2025, trends in outdoor living spaces are breezier and more comfortable than ever.
d custom-name creations.
TIDAL touches
Help customers embrace ocean vibes in their outdoor spaces wherever they call home.
ZEN ZONES. Incorporating wellness aspects into outdoor spaces is trending. Colleen Hall, senior vice president of marketing, C&F Enterprises, says, “Back decks and patios are becoming a tranquil place to sit and relax, meditate or do yoga or another workout. Products that enhance the wellness aspect of a space through comfort and color reflective of that personal wellness activity are key for 2025.”
She suggests paring soft blues and comfortable fabrics with wind chimes or fountains for a zen zone.
2
COMFORT COLORS. As Pantone noted in its announcement of the 2025 Color of the Year, “There is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. Characterized by
its organic nature, Mocha Mousse honors and embraces the sustenance of our physical environment.”
This trend is also finding its way into outdoor products. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute says the color,
Zaer Ltd. International. “In today’s world, it is best to stand out with something unique and well made, something that a customer can’t find from 100 different sellers.”
More than a trend, Hall says she has noticed a shift in values overall
“In today’s world, it is best to stand out with something unique and well made, something that a customer can’t find from 100 different sellers.”
— VALIKO ERGEMLIDZE, ZAER LTD. INTERNATIONAL
“extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures.”
3
SHIFTING VALUES. “Customers are seeking quality and unique products more and more,” according to Valiko Ergemlidze, co-owner and vice president of
with customers requesting sustainable outdoor products.
She explains, “Sustainability goes beyond just using recycled materials, but also looking at reducing waste and environmental impact in the creation of those products as well as extending the life of the products.”
4
BEYOND BARBECUES. Outdoor dining and the build out of outdoor kitchens is continuing to grow. What was once an area to grill has turned into place to bake brick oven pizzas, or even prepare a full four-course meal.
“Tabletop dining products are an important part of the outdoor dining experience from table linens to modern melamine or bamboo dishware,” says Hall.
Mud Pie’s new collection of acrylic and rattan serving pieces, featuring a wide variety of serveware such as ice buckets, charcuterie boards, and deviled egg trays, are on trend.
5
ICONIC ACCESSORIES. The motifs that adorn outdoor and patio accessories enhance the coastal vibe. Shore birds, tropical
fish, sea turtles, sailboats, mermaids and tiki are all in demand and appear on stepping stones, birdhouses, wind chimes, statuary, garden flags, serveware and candles.
Nic Gatewood, buyer/sales manager for Chesapeake Bay Ltd./ JD Yeatts & Son says tiki items are always great for spring/summer as
everyone is ready to spend as much time outside, and the tiki theme always brings fun to mind.
He adds that outdoor statuary has always been very popular, “offering a classic coastal feel to any garden or the pool. They also look great on the retail sales floor and get plenty of customers talking.”
Garden stakes can add a touch of seaside whimsy with lifelike creatures, including these tropical fish and birds from Zaer Ltd., featured among flowering plants and rocks.
Every summer, thousands of people take the ferry to Kelleys Island, a popular Ohio vacation spot. People enjoy the island’s bars, restaurants and outdoor activities such as fishing or camping.
For visitors who want to commemorate their time on the island, Kelleys Island Clothing Company has been a go-to shop for name-dropped apparel and souvenirs. Customers are drawn to the store’s vibrant T-shirts displayed prominently along the two main walls of the store.
Carla Pelz, who owns the shop alongside her husband, Kevin, says vacationers love to buy coastal, name-drop apparel at her shop.
And Kelleys Island Clothing Company is not alone. Vacationers and locals alike in seaside locations all over the country love purchasing name-dropped shirts, hoodies and caps to remember their trip or show off some town pride.
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
CLOTHES made for theCoasts
Customers are seeking out comfort, style and location commemoration in their beachy apparel selections.
In Santa Barbara, California, Carpinteria Beach Company carries a wide range of beachwear and gifts, such as beachy T-shirts, sweatshirts, loungewear, caps and more. Store Manager Kate Mascari says the shop caters to locals and tourists alike by offering one-of-a-kind merchandise.
“Locals love to support where they’re from, and tourists that come in want a little memento of Carpinteria,” she shares. “You have both areas of clientele wanting things that say Carpinteria. That’s what does best for us.”
CATER TO THE CROWDS
Since many coastal and lakeside destinations are popular vacation spots,
Carpinteria Beach Company focuses on carrying vibrant colors in its apparel selection to match the vibe in town.
it is important to make sure apparel options resonate with tourists coming into town during peak season.
Mascari says Carpinteria Beach Company serves quite a few tourists throughout the year, with most coming in the summer months to camp at the Carpinteria State Beach campground.
“We have a great camping ground at the end of the main street that goes right to the water,” she explains. “So we sell a lot of name-drop sweatshirts and apparel geared toward people camping or doing a beach trip. I make sure we have a lot of sweats and T-shirts that say Carpinteria since that’s what they’re seeking out.”
Throughout the year, April Daze Boutique in Stuart, Florida, carries a variety of trendy coastal apparel options and gifts for customers. But March and April mark busy season for the store with many spring breakers coming to town, so Owner April Hope says she makes sure she focus-
“what are people looking for?” she explains. “Then we start to tailor our inventory for the things people are asking for most.”
TAILORED FOR TRENDS
Many customers seem to be seeking out comfortable yet classy looks in
Locals love to support where they’re from, and tourists that come in want a little memento of Carpinteria.”
— Kate Mascari, Carpinteria Beach Company
es on having apparel that will appeal to college students at that time.
“For spring break, I always want to have a few more crop tops, shorts or dresses,” she explains. “Spring breakers love cute T-shirts or dresses.”
Name-drop shirts are always popular at Kelleys Island Clothing Company, but Pelz adds that she carries some popular sports shirts in late summer to appeal to customers who come to watch football games at bars on the island in early fall.
Pelz says she’s learned to lean on customers when deciding what to carry each season. “We listen —
April
coastal communities. Mascari says nice-looking loungewear and activewear have been big in her area.
“In small coastal cities, people want something to wear all day that’s comfortable yet slightly put together that’s not too dressy,” Mascari says. “People might be grabbing lunch with friends but don’t want to be dolled up.”
Hope agrees that the coastal comfort look is trending.
“People are wanting more smart-looking, dressier T-shirts,” she says. “We’re still casual in Florida, but people still want something put together. It might look like a tennis skirt that you can workout in or go out to eat in it when you add a cardigan.”
Comfortable yet stylish T-shirts and sweaters are popular among customers at Carpinteria Beach Company.
Daze Boutique stocks up on vibrant, cute apparel options early in the year to appeal to spring breakers.
She adds, “Cute sneakers that you can wear with everything is also huge right now.”
The comfy yet cute vibe is popular with women. Achieving this look can be tricky, but Mascari says she
Show-stopping apparel
displays some great pieces to show how it works, such as matching sweat sets or linen pants with a nice, loose-fitting top.
Men, on the other hand, seem to love classic name-drop T-shirts.
Many coastal retailers as well as wholesale vendors went to Orlando, Florida, Jan. 8-10 for the Winter 2025 edition of Surf Expo. Show Director Roy Turner said the winter event had an “upbeat, positive vibe.”
“Retailers seemed upbeat coming off a final holiday push and are looking forward to a stronger 2025,” he said. Turner said he noticed a few trends in apparel at the show, including:
• Athleisure remains a popular style, with customers wanting comfortable clothing
• Neutral color tones and prints are in style as well as a mix of some bright tones at coastal shops
• Functional apparel appeals to people who want to wear the same outfit for multiple activities such as fishing and boating
Mascari says she’s also seen a rising demand in shorts that double as swim trunks.
“Guys don’t like to pack a lot when traveling — they want something they can wear throughout the day,” she says.
Hoodies are also very popular. Even in warm climates like Florida, sweatshirts sell year-round. Hope adds, “We do great with our Stuart name-dropped sweatshirts, especially the ones that are lightweight.”
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
In addition to carrying apparel that is both classic and trendy, placing some accessories near apparel displays can boost add-on sales.
Hope says she always mixes in some hats, bags and jewelry with apparel. She adds that hair accessories
have also been popular lately.
“Right now a big thing is hair ties that look cute as a bracelet and that also can be used to pull back hair,”
“of the Year), Mascari says she often sticks to carrying brighter color tones in her clothing section, such as turquoise, yellows, corals and blues.
Blue is always a No. 1 seller, It’s tried and true, but overall blue and white are huge in Florida.”
—April Hope,April Daze Boutique
she explains. “Hair clips are also huge right now. A lot of the nautical ones like octopus or whale hair clips have been really popular for us.”
In Stuart, various shades of blue are often a hit in the apparel category.
“Blue is always a No. 1 seller,” says Hope. “It’s tried and true, but overall blue and white are huge in Florida.”
Although neutral color tones are trending these days (consider that Mocha Mousse won Pantone Color
“We always do a lot of bright colors,” she says. “That’s our goal — for people to walk into the store and see bright, happy merchandise. I think people find that refreshing.”
Paying close attention to the vibe of the community and what customers are asking for is key when Mascari selects apparel for Carpinteria Beach Company.
She says, “The reason we’re doing as well as we do is we know the community we’re working with. We
Nautical themes and name-dropped apparel are popular sellers at Kelleys Island Clothing Company.
know what they’re looking for and listen when they have suggestions. When you have a good relationship with the community you’re in, they want to see you succeed. Locals make an effort to shop with us. The more you know your community, the better your store is going to do.”
SAVETHEDATE
Atlanta Spring Market
MARCH
March 7-11
Minneapolis Mart Minnetonka, Minnesota www.mplsmart.com
March 9-10
Cape Cod & Islands Gift Show
Falmouth, Massachusetts www.ccgiftshow.com
March 9-10
Travelers ShowWestern PA Pittsburgh www.thetravelers show.com
March 9-12
ASD Marketweek Las Vegas www.asdonline.com
March 14-16
GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
March 15-16
Atlanta Jewelry Show Atlanta www.atlantajewelry show.com
March 15-17
New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Shows
Portland, Maine www.nemadeshows.com
March 23-25
Northstar Fashion Exhibitors St. Paul, Minnesota www.northstar fashion.com
Atlanta Spring Cash & Carry Atlanta www.americasmart.com
May 7-9
IFJAG
Charlotte, North Carolina www.ifjag.com
May 16-18
GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
May 21-23
Spring Sample Sale Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com
JUNE
June 3-6
June Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.americasmart.com
June 20-22
CARV Expo San Diego www.carvexpo.com
Expo
Winter 2025 Atlanta Market energizes gift and home industries
Atlanta Market kicked off ANDMORE’s Winter 2025 shows with renewed energy and optimism, drawing buyers from around the globe to AmericasMart Atlanta from Jan. 14-20. With an 8% increase in attendance to open the week, Atlanta set the stage for an abundant buying year for the gift and home industry.
The Winter 2025 edition of Atlanta Market welcomed buyers from all 50 states with increased southwestern attendance, plus Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as over 50 international countries and significant gains in Canadian attendance.
ANDMORE said independent retailers looking to refresh offerings came to AmericasMart Atlanta with the promise of cross-category sourcing. Apparel buying was up 10% compared with Winter 2024, highlighting the importance of Market activation across three buildings.
With more than 40 updates to the 1,000-plus gift and home showroom portfolio, AmericasMart Atlanta offered many opportunities for discovery and sourcing at the event. The Winter 2025 launch of Atlanta Market’s over 1,400 temporary exhibitors encompassing seven categories across Buildings 2 and 3 delivered increased exposure to new accounts, according to exhibitors. Temporary offerings this January included exhibitors from over 20 countries.
The temporary exhibits’ Best Booth Awards featured a “People’s Choice” winner in the gift and home temporaries. This Winter, Table of Clay won the popular vote among four standout contenders. Other Best Booth Awards winners included: Best of Show - etúHOME, 1-217; Best Product Merchandising - Fairhaven Circle, 2-309; Best Branding Display - Hop Up Shop by Hunt Slonem, 1-309; Best Interactive Elements - Oak & Vale, 2-422; Best Use of Color - Granado NYC, 3-2508; Best Storytelling - Varnish Collection, 1-813.
The inaugural April Buying Week runs April 1-4 at AmericasMart, combining Atlanta Apparel, Formal Market and Spring Gift & Home Market.
Ocean City Resort Gift Expo marked by renewed energy
The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, which took place Nov. 13-15, 2024 in Ocean City, Maryland, offered attendees renewed energy, with both returning and new exhibitors that were excited to reconnect with the market. Show organizers shared that several exhibitors returned to the show after a few years’ hiatus.
Show Director Christina Bell said show attendance was on par with 2023. Buyers came from a variety of store types, including beach shops, resort boutiques, souvenir stores and general gift retailers. Bell added that there was a lot of interest in eco-friendly and homemade products.
The show awarded Living In Glass Houses with its Best New Exhibitor award, which highlights the innovation that new exhibitors bring to the show. The vendor offers a variety of fun, coastal-themed glass art and decor.
Ocean City Resort Gift Expo returns Nov. 16-18 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.
Surf Expo showcases industry trends and retail momentum
The January 2025 edition of Surf Expo attracted over 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers Jan. 8-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
According to show organizers, the January show underscored the continued growth of the retail market, which is expecting to see a strong year in 2025 driven by trends in sustainability and the demand for active outdoor lifestyles.
The exhibitor lineup featured more than 200 new brands, injecting fresh energy into the show. Sustainability was a key theme at the event, as more exhibitors displayed eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products.
Performance gear for active outdoor lifestyles also stood out, with brands offering new hardgoods, activewear and versatile accessories designed to meet the demands of today’s outdoor enthusiasts.
Companies also presented stylish yet functional pieces that appealed to surf shops and the broader coastal lifestyle market.
Surf Expo will return Sept. 4-6 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Oak & Vale won a Best Booth Award for Best Interactive Elements.
Winter 2025 Las Vegas Market delivers optimism for buyers and exhibitors
Las Vegas Market delivered renewed optimism throughout all key categories this Winter, with strong order writing, broader resources and industry connection at the event, Jan. 26-30 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Whether you’re a gift shop owner looking for trends and inventory, a furniture retailer restocking your floor or an interior designer managing residential and commercial projects, Las Vegas Market provided something for every buyer,” said Jon Pertchik, ANDMORE CEO. “Las Vegas was a testament to the power of optimism, unity and rebound across the industries that we serve.”
The Winter 2025 edition of Las Vegas Market served four key industries — bedding, furniture, gift and home decor — with each category citing notable resource gains to satisfy buyers. Retailers and designers from all 50 states and more than 60 countries attended.
Many of Las Vegas Market’s more than 3,500 exhibitors discovered a renewed sense of optimism as sales and new accounts permeated the event.
“We’re really seeing a re-energization in Las Vegas — customers are happy with the return of Mud Pie, remodels across our brands bring fun pops of energy and little details around the showroom truly make a difference in the showroom experience,” said Emalee Hoffman, CMA vice president of sales.
Summer 2025 Las Vegas Market runs July 27-31 and will feature the first co-location of *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo.
ANDMORE shares 2025 Apparel Market plans
The ANDMORE Apparel Markets plan to deliver new programs this year. The year-round initiatives are designed to provide fresh ways to experience markets.
“Based on attendee feedback, we are delivering more meaningful programs, inspiring content and memorable market experiences,” says Caron Stover, ANDMORE senior vice president of apparel.
In 2025, ANDMORE will launch three initiatives: Market Insiders, New Buyer Meet & Greet and Taste of Atlanta. The initiatives are designed to share market expertise, foster connection and encourage exploration around the city.
CARV Expo welcomes retail relations manager
RedlineXpo has added Abraham Paskowitz to its CARV team as retail relations manager. California Action Retailer + Venture (CARV) will debut June 20-22, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center. Paskowitz will play a role in driving CARV’s growth and brand visibility.
“As we set out to launch a premier West Coast expo for manufacturers to showcase the latest in outdoor, adventure and sports products, we recognized the need for an experienced industry leader to help share our vision,” says Evan Shoda, CEO of RedlineXpo. “Our mission isn’t just to meet the needs of manufacturers and retailers but to push the industry forward and create an event that makes a lasting impact. Abraham’s experience and deep industry connections make him the ideal partner to position CARV at the forefront of the market.”
Paskowitz spent his summers teaching at the Paskowitz Surf Camp in San Clemente, California, the first surf camp in the United States. Today, he is co-owner of surf-skate brand Hamboards.
CARV Expo will occupy more than 70,000 square feet at the San Diego Convention Center, showcasing a diverse lineup of manufacturers from surf, skate, bike and outdoor sports industries. More information is available at www.carvexpo.com.
A PROFIT-BOOSTING NUMBER
If you’re an independent retailer looking to boost profits, there’s one critical number you need to focus on: initial markup (IMU). Understanding and optimizing IMU is the key to sustainable success in your store.
Let’s dive into what IMU is, why it matters, and how you can use it to grow your business.
UNDERSTANDING IMU
IMU is the percentage difference between the cost of an item and its selling price. It’s the markup you assign to a product when pricing it for sale.
Understanding and optimizing IMU is the key to sustainable success in your store. CATHY DONOVAN WAGNER helps
IMU ensures that your pricing covers both
your operating expenses and profit goals. Without the right IMU, even high sales volumes can leave you struggling to make ends meet.
For example, if an item costs you $40 and you price it at $80, it means your IMU is 50% (the markup represents 50% of the selling price). We recommend that you work to get the average IMU for your whole store to 60%. To do this, you want to use a 2.5x multiplier (cost x 2.5).
IMU covers operating costs, ensuring your pricing accounts for rent, salaries, utilities and other expenses. It also drives profitability. A higher IMU means higher gross margins, giving you breathing room for promotions and markdowns.
When your prices are set correctly from the start, you’re not relying solely on sales volume to stay afloat.
INCREASING IMU
There are some strategies to increase your markup that will have an immediate impact on your sales. First, update pricing on any products with an IMU of lower than 55%.
As new shipments arrive, raise your prices on the new products and match any products already in the store. Train your staff to focus on selling value, not price. When your team communicates the benefits of a product, customers are less likely to resist higher prices.
Every store has some items where you can’t increase your IMU because of MAP pricing (pet food, books, etc.), which is why we look at your IMU as an average for the whole store. It’s imperative that you find products that you can get more than 60% IMU on to compensate.
TAKE ACTION
Finally, calculate IMU for your top 10 products. Identify at least one product where you can increase the price based on perceived value.
I offer a free guide to ensure your pricing aligns with your profit goals. Mastering your initial markup is the first step to taking control of your store’s profitability. Start today and watch your profits grow!
On our radar
1. Butler Hill & Co.: Sea glass earrings with engraved charms, www.butlerhill.net; 2. Ocean Jewelry: Echoes of Blue collection with ocean-inspired designs, www.oceanjewelrystore.com; 3. Simply Southern: Varsity crew-neck sweatshirt, www.simplysouthernwholesale.com; 4. Liberty Graphics: Earth Art octopus adult denim T-shirt, www.lgtees.com; 5. Slippery Elm: The Dunes Boardwalk Series candle, www.slipperyelm.com; 6. Impulse Souvenirs: Beachy magnet with unique charms, www.impulsesouvenirs.com; 7. Kim Rody Creations: Flamingo chorus line tri-dish platter, www.rody.com; 8. Country Home Creations: Beach Dip mix, www.chcdips.com.
Have a product you would like featured? Send a high-res image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com
Winner: Mermaids on Cape Cod
Location: West Dennis, MA
Owner: Shari Aussant
Mermaids to the rescue
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
There’s room for every woman to succeed.
Mermaids on Cape Cod Owner Shari Aussant offered this encouragement to longtime customer and friend, Amelia Houde, who opened her own shop, Tide and True.
Houde, who nominated Aussant for the Starfish Award, is inspired by Aussant’s selfless nature, generosity and energy.
Personal connections and an innate desire to support those in
SPONSORED BY:
need drive charitable efforts at Mermaids on Cape Cod earmarking a percentage of shop sales for local food banks.
When a fire in Falmouth, Massachusetts, closed multiple gift shops, Aussant raised funds to provide financial assistance.
clothing line of classy Cape Cod beachwear. She opened her store in West Dennis, Massachusetts, five years ago. She since has expanded her offerings and capacity to give back.
SPREADING HER WINGS
Mermaids on Cape Cod will open
“Sometimes the mood strikes and you just want to help, so you give of yourself and your time and you can make a small difference.” — SHARI AUSSANT
Other efforts are spontaneous.
“Sometimes the mood strikes and you just want to help, so you give of yourself and your time and you can make a small difference,” she says.
FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Mermaids on Cape Cod started as a mobile boutique selling Aussant’s
another location in Wareham, Massachusetts, by the former Old Company Store that Aussant rescued in 1991 with her sister and mother and ran until it closed in 2016.
The relic of a shop was home to many of Aussant’s fundraising efforts, including an Elf on the Shelf event that raised thousands for local food pantries and Toys for Tots.
Photos: Lydia Leclair
Aussant plans to bring back the fundraiser, adding, “I’m really excited to bring joy to the community.”
Starfish Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.
Mermaids on Cape Cod carries casual apparel for women heading to the beach.
