It’s hard to believe we closed out yet another year, and are ushering in a new one. While 2025 had its challenges, it sure was a resilient year for many coastal retailers. We saw so many stores that had been damaged by hurricanes Milton and Helene in late 2024 put the finishing touches on their newly built or remodeled stores and reopen with better stock and in more beautiful, hurricane-proof settings than before.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading some of the stories from these resilient retailers over the past year. The first cover story of 2026 kicks off with yet another rebuilding success story with Beach Bazaar. We hope to bring you even more of these amazing comeback stories throughout the year.
"We are excited to say we will be hosting the 2026 Coastal Connections Conference, Sept. 18-20."
And as the industry is coming back in a stronger-than-ever fashion, the team at Seaside Retailer thought it would be a good time to relaunch the Coastal Connections Conference. We’ve had quite a few people asking when we would be returning, and we are excited to say we will be hosting the 2026 Coastal Connections Conference, Sept. 18-20 at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando. We can’t wait to share more details with you on the expert panels who will be bringing you a program designed specifically for coastal retail success. Be sure to visit
www.coastalconnectionsconference.com for more information and to register. Space is limited, and early bird discounts will be available to those who register early.
I wish you a prosperous year ahead. Please know that Seaside Retailer magazine and the Coastal Connections Conference are here to be a go-to resource for running your business, new and effective merchandise and display ideas, and connecting with relevant brands and like-minded retailers.
Now is also a good time to update your subscription to Seaside Retailer magazine. By confirming your subscription to Seaside Retailer once a year either by phone, responding to our emails or going online to
www.seasidretailer.com/subscribe, you can help us ensure uninterrupted delivery directly to you of the only magazine dedicated to beach, coastal and nautical retailers like yourself.
We thank you for your support and look forward to serving you in the new year. We’ve got some exciting things in the works for 2026 and we can’t wait for you to be a part of them. Keep checking out the magazine, our website and newsletters for updates, and I hope you position your seaside store to make 2026 your best year yet.
