Retailer Perspectives on the Summer Season

Retailers See Reasons for Optimism

From beach stores to zoo gift shops, there is reason to be optimistic for a strong sales season as more of the country reopens and business rebounds in 2021.

At Stash gift shop in the central California beach town of Cambria, Calif., Operations Manager Monica Casas related that the store’s location should make the upcoming summer season positive in terms of selling gifts and souvenirs. “We are positioned in a quiet, more remote community, and the trend has been for people to get away to places like that, where they can enjoy the scenic views and routes in less crowded places. “I have noticed that a lot when I talk to people in the shop. They like the area, that’s why they chose to come here, and because of that, I predict this season will be better than last, and people will also be looking for the kinds of unique items our shop offers.”

She said best-sellers to be “easy, packaged, readyto-go items that are locally made. Those have a lot of appeal, whether it is a handmade scarf or key chain or small-batch chocolate, those are the kinds of items people are looking to get at this time. They are looking for something that has a bigger impact on the community, something that directly supports the small businesses and shops and makers.”

Currently, Casas said, “One of our best-sellers is an artisan, locally-made chocolate from Cellia Chocolatier in San Louis Obispo. In items not related to food, I would say locally made, scented candles at the moment. People like to add them to their home to help them relax and feel good while reminding them of their visit here.”

The 800-square-foot shop has made some changes during the pandemic that were positive and will continue. “We started offering a local delivery within a 35mile radius and within the town which has been very popular and easy to access online. We will continue that as it reaches the local community, and we have seen a lot of good results from it.”

Heading south to the beach community of La Jolla, near San Diego, Phillip No , owner of La Jolla Outpost, is also looking forward to a more robust summer season. “My opinion is that once everyone is vaccinated, in June and July, we will be up to at least 80% of where we were pre-COVID 19. I think it will be more domestic visitors than foreign, however.”

In terms of upcoming top-sellers at his 1,200-squarefoot shop, he said, “You don’t really know until the

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