Jewelry Section

For a Crisis-Weary Public (From page 114)

vacation. “This is a place where you could get a linen shirt that you can take back and use in Atlanta,” Butler explained. “I look for effortless pieces to dress up or dress down.”

At Lovebird Boutique and Jewelry Bar in Santa Barbara, Manager Talia Hankey said shoppers are ready to dress up again. At least by California stan- dards — which means dainty gemstone earrings and layered necklaces, to go with sundresses and embroidered shirts. “During the pandemic, there was a huge loungewear trend, but that is dissipating,” said Hankey.

All of Lovebird’s jewelry is set in sterling silver, some of it gold plated. Delicate earrings have been a top item this season; most cost $50 to $200. Necklaces and charms from local artists are also popular. With jewelry displayed in a large glass case, on earring trees and accessorizing outfits on mannequins, the boutique has a boho-chic feel.

Tourists have also returned to Alaska, where business is brisk in the coastal resort town of Girdwood. At the Great Alaskan Tourist Trap, Constance Cooley’s 16-year-old store, newly vaccinated locals are also shopping for the store’s locally crafted jewelry and gifts. “The name of my shop is Great Alaskan Tourist Trap, so I don’t do fine jewelry,” chuckled Cooley.

Handmade beaded necklaces and earrings sparkle on shelves; the average piece sells for about $25. There’s even a tanning booth in the 900-square-foot store. Guests can check out regional music, coffee and artisan soaps. From native earrings to seashell charms, all of it sells briskly, and Cooley knows why: “People are buying a little piece of Alaska.” ❖

Gift Merchandise Vendor Profile

Merchandise to Inspire Is Available from Nature’s Retreat

Nature’s Retreat was founded in 2017 by Anne Marie Rose with goal of creating a unique offering in Natural wellness products to uplift and inspire. Most of our products are made in USA and support local artists, from our displays, to the products, and the packaging, we have artists of all kinds coming together to build order by order, retail ready display programs for the wholesale market. From recycled wood floor displays, to tree display fixtures filled with everything from gemstone and sea glass jewelry, to sage, crystals, essential oils, and much more, we have become a one stop shop for wellness wholesale.

Our goal now is to continue to expand our offering across the country and we are very excited to be attending many in person trade shows in 2021, as wellness and positive mindset are now on the forefront of many people’s minds, as we all open back up and get set in the new way of being!

(For more information, call 443-536-5783 or circle 42 on the reader service card.) ❖

For a catalog please visit www.WheelerJewelry.com or call toll-free 1.800.843.1937