Selections for When the Sun Shines

Summer Apparel and Accessories at Resort Stores

Whether name-dropped or one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans and vendors, apparel and accessories are among the top sellers for resort stores as guests look for unique vacation mementos. Retailers are also tasked with stocking appropriate apparel and accessories selections for each season—both staples and trending items. Marcilene Smith , retail manager/buyer for The Shops at Emerson at Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper, N.Y., said their best-selling summer apparel includes the tried-and-true pieces: “Men’s and women’s swimsuits are our top sellers because of our outdoor pool, spa (steam, sauna and hot tub) and swimming in the Esopus. Also, men’s graphic T-shirts, Catskill hoodies for cooler evenings, summer dresses for local weddings or dinner out.” In accessories, Smith said, the strong sellers are “straw bags, outdoor gadgets for camping, and books for reading by the pool.”

Lori Comey , product development manager at Westgate Lakes Resort in Orlando, Fla., said, “For ladies, our top items are Raya Sun’s floral maxi dresses and floral rompers, and from La Class, strapless maxi dresses and jumpsuits sell well. For men, we sell lots of board shorts and Hawaiian print camp shirts. We also sell a lot of unisex red Lifeguard hoodies,” she explained. In accessories, Comey said in their 6,500-square-foot store, “flip flops and water shoes consistently sell well for us. Also, fanny packs are back in a big way. We sell a big variety of bags, from crossbodies to backpacks and tote bags. [They are popular because] Comfort is key for footwear here year-round. Our guests can buy the flip flops they need here in January when it might be snowing back home for them! We carry a variety of bags, but backpacks, fanny packs and crossbodies are the most popular here to take to the theme parks.”

Practicality is also a factor at Post Ranch Inn in Big