Resort Show Section

Setting a Stage (From page 40) new visitors, and the atmosphere of the store is designed to reflect that, she said. “We have clientele that tell us they make a point to come here every summer when they’re in the area on vacation. We create a casual, comfortable feeling that makes people want to come in, and come visit us again and again.”

As to best-sellers in the coastal gift category, they are plentiful. “We do very well with the coastal-themed wall art that we sell. Sea glass pictures are especially popular right now. We also sell a lot of mermaid figurines, tea towels and placemats that have coastal themes, and periodically, when we have them in stock, we have ocean-themed table runners that do great, too,” she explained. And there’s more: “We’ve started to keep Christmas and Halloween items out all year ‘round, some have seaside themes, too. People like to collect those as souvenirs or for holiday gifts, as many of them say ‘Outer Banks’ on them.” Additionally, beach-themed coffee mugs, books with coastal subjects, and children’s beach toys are also popular.

In short, creating a welcoming atmosphere in spaces that reflect resort colors or decorations, enhances the shopping experience, and encourages purchases of coastal gift items by customers at coastal stores. ❖