Surf Expo Section

Gift Shops that Complement (From page 42) in Arcata.”

Locally poured candles in scents like Simmered Cider and Lumberjack — a woodsy blend of fir and patchouli — are among the home decor favorites at Humboldt Outfitters. Parsons said houseware items, especially those designed for entertaining, are selling more briskly now that Americans are emerging from their pandemic isolation and socializing more. Californians, who have a reputation for taking COVID precautions seriously, “are maybe more likely to get together right now in each other’s homes,” Parsons explained. “They feel safer in small settings rather than places that are crowded.” That explains why a wooden charcuterie platter has been this past fall’s bestseller.

Humbled Outfitters occupies a fairly small space — less than a thousand square feet, which presents some challenges. Parsons takes advantage of ceiling and wall space to display décor items like Humboldtthemed signs, minimizing crowding on the sales floor. “It’s a balance — we have a lot of merchandise, but we don’t want customers tripping over things,” she noted. Foot traffic has indeed been strong this year, bolstered by a high visibility location next to the hotel and a popular eatery.

The lobby store at the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyo., emphasizes the old time Western aesthetic. Drinkware is the most popular housewares category lately, including coffee mugs as well as beer and shot glasses, according to Hotel Co-Owner Jackie Stewart . Other popular items include bird houses, candles, and vintage style knickknacks with a prairie vibe.

A selection of Western art by local artists “hasn’t been a big seller,” reflected Stewart. But at many resorts, guests gravitate toward signs and other items bearing the destination name. Occidental Hotel does a brisk business in decorative license plates that say “Wyoming,” which are popular as wall displays.

“Signs can be tricky,” observed Megan Kiley , director of Retail at Streamsong Resort in Streamsong, Fla. “I think they are so cool, but everybody has such particular taste when it comes to home furnishings.” The resort does not currently carry any decorative signs at its three retail outlets — a 500-square-foot lodge shop, another 500-square-foot store and the Streamsong Red/Blue Shop, the largest at 1,500 square feet.

Kiley said the resort’s best-selling housewares include glassware from Signs by the Sea, candles from Capri Blue, and personalized blankets from Custom Made Comfort. ❖

What Are Your Top Staff Training Tips?

“Give your team the information and tools they need to feel empowered to make decisions and assist guests with confidence. And secondly, make learning fun. Give people incentives to further their knowledge in other areas.” — Director of Retail Megan Kiley, Streamsong Resort, Streamsong, Fla.

“Teach them to engage guests right away. To focus, really pay attention to what people need. Be- cause for our guests, that special touch is our signature.” — Manager Fulya Castrello, The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, Nantucket, Mass.

“I look for employees who are personable and who can read people. You need to be able to tell if someone wants to be helped or if they’d rather shop on their own. And you need to learn about our products — where they’re from and why they’re special — so you can communicate that to our guests.” — Manager Emily Parsons, Humboldt Outfitters, Arcata, Calif.

“Fortunately, I haven’t had to train much because all our of people have been with us for seven or eight years. But customer service, that’s the most important.” — CoOwner Jackie Stewart, The Historic Occidental Hotel, Buffalo, Wyo. ❖