Spring 2012

Sea Sells By Heather Johnson Durocher

Just Beachy!

Bring out the shades. Your store can have its share of the fun in the sun. Here are some must-have props that can shore up sales.

Tablecloths. Try a simple pale blue tablecloth. Contrasting layers help accent merchandise being sold.

Sand. Nothing works easier and says “beach” better than sand. And in case you’re not up for that gritty stuff all over the store, consider corralling sand in galvanized buckets and then sticking products in them, suggests Rebecca Townsend, owner of wholesaler Seaside Designs in Truro, MA.

Containers. Some of Seaside Designs more popular products include sea glass soaps that look like slivers of sea glass. Packaging them in a container that is in fact a deep scallop shell, draws attention to the “coastal” nature of the product.

Words. These are the least expensive props. A clever play on words can make a big difference. Townsend has drawn shells that say “Shello” (the beach version of Hello). Draw an octopus or a squid on a prominent display with the words: “Inking of you.” Sure to make your customers smile and set that coastal mood.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman's Day, Parents and American Baby. Visit her website at HeatherDurocher.com