OUR MISSION

Through product updates, feature articles and inspiring shop owner profiles, the goal of Seaside Retailer is to provide resources and insightful information to beach, coastal and nautical retailers to help them navigate purchasing decisions and manage their business.

A dedicated website, bimonthly print magazine and monthly e-newsletters are designed to keep readers up to date on industry trends that affect their business. Through our content offerings, our goal is to help you increase your knowledge of the marketplace and excel in your business.

OUR AUDIENCE

Seaside Retailer is mailed bimonthly to more than 11,000 gift shops, souvenir stores, boutiques, zoos, aquariums, water parks, surf shops and home decor stores that sell beach, coastal and nautical merchandise. Items include: apparel, aromatherapy, beach accessories, bed and bath accessories, books, candles, CDs, children’s toys, dinnerware, footwear, furniture, garden accessories, gifts, holiday decor, home decor, jewelry, kitchen, lighting, patio and outdoor accessories, health and wellness, personalized items, pet accessories, souvenirs, stationary, sunglasses, wine accessories and barware. 

OUR STORY

Seaside Retailer magazine was founded in 2019 by Karen Carr and Kristin Ely. The two have a longtime friendship that began when they were working for a magazine publishing company in Cleveland, nearly 10 years ago. Karen has more than 25 years’ experience in publishing and graphic design, and over the last 17 years, Kristin has led the editorial direction of industry-leading magazines. The two have always had a great synergy when it comes to making words come to life with design.

Both have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in editorial and design with dozens of awards from media associations, including ASBPE, Folio and the Press Club of Cleveland.

Karen and Kristin had always dreamed of one day launching a magazine together, but it wasn’t until Kristin relocated to San Diego that their vision became reality. They combined their passion for creating niche magazines with their love for coastal towns. Recognizing that beach, coastal and nautical retailers were underserved by media, Karen and Kristin determined this niche market would benefit from a dedicated publication.

Karen, based in Medina, Ohio, serves as publisher and creative director of the magazine, while Kristin, based in San Diego, is associate publisher and editorial director.