Which Smells Spell Sales

social media or other online promotion.”

Mosley said that the shop does well with bath bombs, and that CBD bath bombs are among the most popular. “They soothe muscles after taking a hike, and they’re locally made.” She noted that “Carrying locally made items definitely helps sell all kinds of products, particularly in our area, and soaps and candles are no exception. In our community we are not allowed to have any franchises. Everything in this town is locally made or owned by someone here.” The gift shop in the hotel does not sell lotion, but the property’s spa shop does. “We try not to compete with the spa shop in what we offer,” she said.

Mosley offers a tip for resort gift shops. “I think no matter where you’re located, locally made items are always going to be top sellers. Having local products is the best way to sell more soap or candles.”

All in all, candles, lotions, and soaps all still offer the aroma of success for resort and resort area gift shops; in each category having locally made, handcrafted, or regionally associative items leads to the strongest sales. ❖

Top Selling Scents in Soaps, Lotions and Candles

What scents in soaps, lotions and candles sell best? At resort gift shops, scents that represent resort location are sure-fire hits.

At McMenamins’ Kalama Harbor Lodge, located in Kalama, Wash., Hotel Manager and Gift Shop Manager Rachel Curtin said the top selling scents are unique for each type of product the shop offers. “With our Backwoods Soap, among the variety of scents they offer, the Ridge Run Stout and Oatmeal, and the Honey Nut Bumbler are our most popular. In the Roman Ruby Botanicals lotions that we carry, the most popular scents are Sandstone Clove and Rose, the

Rose City, and the Oregon Coast. They remind people of the local area, they’re named after the area or local brews, and that makes them reminiscent for people.” She added, “With candles, green clove and aloe is the most popular scent.”

For Katie Brown at the Old Wheeler Hotel, the owner of the resort and gift shop sees red current as the most popular scent for both soaps and candles. “It reminds people of their stay here, and both are created locally, handcrafted.”

According to Sales Associate Janeece Lowder, speaking for owner Sue Rikalo at The Steamer Trunk gift shop in Avalon, Calif., popular scents include Inis brand sea mineral soap and diffuser, Michel Designs’ brand ocean tide and beach scents in both soaps and candles, and wine, Mojito, and Margarita scents from the Rewine brand in candles as well.

At the Hallmark Resort and Spa in Cannon Beach, Ore., Guest Services Manager Genelle Mosley said that “In terms of scent we have so many different scents in both our bath bombs and our candles. We have a variety of 15 scents with the candles we offer – cucumber mint, a scent called Cannon Beach Breeze, and a light hydrangea sell among the best, as do driftwood and a Very Vanilla scent.” ❖