Smart souvenir strategies

Many products can be classified as souvenirs, from T-shirts and hats to mugs and magnets. Yet a souvenir is more than just a product you find on a shelf — it is a memory you can hold.

The best souvenirs strike a balance between emotional connection and everyday usefulness.

Identify key sellers

Every seaside shop has its top performers that consistently fly off the shelves. These might not be high-ticket items, but they add up quickly in volume and impact. Check your sales reports to pinpoint which SKUs dominate overall sales and souvenir category performance.

"The best souvenirs strike a balance between emotional
connection and everyday usefulness."

Once you’ve identified your key items, make sure they get the attention they deserve and consider a suitable placement for them.

Expose and stock

Repetition also sells. Placing your top items in multiple areas of the store increases their chances of being noticed and purchased.

Consider cross-merchandising strategies: display beach-themed tumblers in the drinkware aisle as well as near the beach towels. Feature locally made jewelry in both your fashion section and near the checkout. Showcasing items in different contexts tells a broader story. It also reinforces your store’s unique seaside vibe.

Create memorable displays

Souvenir shopping should be fun! Instead of traditional shelving, use unexpected props and containers that reflect your seaside setting — think seashells spilling from a treasure chest, or soaps displayed in a vintage wash basin. These imaginative touches create moments that customers will remember.

The best seaside souvenir displays are those that capture the essence of a beach town and invite customers to take a piece of that feeling home. Prioritize your bestsellers, place them strategically and never underestimate the power of a little storytelling.

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Michael Hale, CEO of Retail Rehab, transforms retail spaces and helps drive up profits. michael@retail-rehab.com, www.retail-rehab.com