IGES Feature Story Going for Style Apparel and Sunglasses at Resort Gift Stores

By Sara Karnish

Apparel and sunglasses are two consistent best-sellers at resort gift stores. From name-dropped and logoed T-shirts to upscale resort wear, resort stores carry a selection of apparel for everyone. Sunglasses, more of an essential accessory, can add a stylish finishing touch to any outfit.

“My top sellers are T-shirts and sweatshirts—this year in crew neck—with ‘Garden City, SC’ in the design,” said Emily Fassett , owner of The Deck Shop at Water’s Edge Resort in Garden City, S.C. “I sell Comfort Colors tees and MV Sport Vintage sweatshirts, and carry Florida Hat Company and all styles sell very well.” The Deck Shop carries a wide assortment of merchandise in their 1,000-square-foot store, from beach-themed gifts to beachwear and essentials like sunscreen, sand toys, and snacks.

Standard crew neck sweatshirts have seen a comeback in recent seasons and continue to be popular. “Hoodie”style sweatshirts continue to hold their own in the apparel category; pull-over styles are a best-seller at the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven, N.J., according to Resort Manager Jaimee Boyle . Name-dropped apparel always sells well, as it’s a clear memento of a special getaway. Robyn Daniszewski , gift shop supervisor at Audrey’s Gift Shop at Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., said their best-sellers in apparel include “Pink Shell 50 SPF sun shirts in youth, women’s, men’s, Pink Shell sweatshirts in season, Pink Shell tees in youth, women’s, and men’s.” Daniszewski explained Audrey’s is “not your typical souvenir shop. We have items in the store that represent the Pink Shell, boasting the Pink Shell logo and all along with other brands such as Lilly Pulitzer accessories, Spartina bags and jewelry, Gretchen Scott apparel, Ibkul and Gottex Apparel, Rockin’ Footwear, and many more brands.”

At the Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pa., Retail and Rental Manager Ryan Fanelli said long-sleeved tops are strong sellers. “Being a mountain resort we do a significant amount of sweatshirt

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Going for Style (From page 126) sales. In the summer we sell a couple nice light weight hooded long sleeve shirts as it does get cool at night up here,” he explained. The key with apparel is to strike a balance. “For apparel I found it most important to find a balance between your resort logo, some of which are not exactly great to put on a T-shirt, and themed or seasonal designs. Making something that is fun and unique to your resort draws the eyes of someone in the shop looking for a souvenir but also making sure that you do not have too busy of a design has been something I have found to be very important.”

Sunglasses are both fashionable and functional Although functionality is more of a concern than style for many, finding a look that suits a person’s face is still vital. Fassett has a limited selection at The Deck Shop, carrying only the Panama Jack line, with classic wayfair and aviator styles still the most popular. At the Pink Shell Beach Resort, “we sell a Cliff Weil assortment of glasses in women’s, men’s, youth in the following brands: Red Carpet,

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