What Sells Best at the Beach Souvenir Sure Sellers at Beach Stores

By Sara Karnish

Beach getaways give individuals and families a much-needed break from their everyday routines; most look for a souvenir to remember their special visit. Whether looking for a memento that’s ordinary, or most definitely out of the ordinary, visitors can find it at the various beach stores that populate boardwalks and beach communities.

Many beach retailers enjoy repeat business from loyal vacationers and visitors year after year. Angelika Unzens , who co-owns Geronimo’s Outpost in Pensacola Beach, Fla., with her sister Valerie Unzens, said her store has become a tourist destination. “Ninety-five percent of our customers are return customers. We have a local following. Tourists in our area come back every year—they come to our store time and time again. Some of them—we have relationships with them. We really don’t advertise much,” she said. She works with many local artists and crafters and carries one-of-a-kind items in her 3,000 square foot store. “At the moment, our fashion boutique is our most popular section. In souvenirs, [it’s] local art and locally-made items—ornaments, painted wine glasses, handmade pottery, paintings of landmarks that relate to our beach. We advertise local souvenirs, apparel, arts, and crafts.”

Items that reflect the area or are made by local vendors are the standout best sellers for the retailers who carry this type of merchandise. Name-dropped trinkets are also strong sellers for visitors looking for a fun gift. Karen Young , owner of Gift Box at the Beach in Olcott Beach, N.Y., said her best-selling souvenirs are “Life is Good T-shirts, especially our name-dropped ones, and specialty food items. We sell locally-made jams, jellies, scone mixes, and barbecue sauce. Also, our magnets are made using pictures we’ve taken.”

Larry Hume , owner of Sunset Beach Gifts in Cape May, N.J., said mugs are a consistent best- seller in their souvenir category. “They’re at a good price point. We always try to price value for our customers. With the cost of everything, we’ve had to raise a lot of our prices. Most of our mugs are now $12.99; they still sell. We also sell a lot of jewelry.” He added, “Last year was an anomaly. Every [retailer] at a destination had their best year ever. Anything we put on our shelves sold. One thing I’ve realized—it’s about trying to pick the right product mix and create visual displays with themes. Price isn’t as important as it used to be. Instead of worrying about the price, we try to emphasize

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