Signs of Selling Success

Sea-Themed Signs Are Still Popular

What decorative signs sell well at beach and resort shops? In general, they all point to the sea.

At California Seashell Company in Seal Beach, Calif., Manager Rachel Robilotta said, “Decorative signs are one of our really big sellers, and in fact every inch of the store is covered in beachthemed, nautical signage. We have wooden signs that say things like ‘Welcome to Paradise,’ tiki bar type signs that say things like ‘Let your dreams set sail,” and ‘The Beach is my Happy Place.’ Those are all very strong sellers.” She added, “Mermaid themed signs are also very popular, often with mermaids on them, and saying simple things like ‘Be a Mermaid and Make Waves.’”

In Rehobeth Beach, Del., at The Sea Shell Shop, General Manager John Derrick agreed that signs are popular indeed. He related that the store carries “tons” of decorative signs and they all sell well. “Some of my best-sellers say things like ‘Gone to the Beach’ or ‘On Beach Time,’ ‘I love you to the beach and back,’ those kinds of things. Most are decorative wood. We have hundreds of them.”

The story is different in Astoria, Ore., at Finn Ware of Oregon, however, where Owner Saara Matthews only carries a few

‘welcome’ style signs. “Decorative signs are not a big thing for us here, so I don’t carry many,” she explained.

And in Needles, Calif., at the riverfront Pirate Cove Resort and Marina, gift store Manager Marissa Curtis reported, “I do well with some metal signs and flags, as long as they are pirate themed.” ❖