Seaside retailers play an essential role in making trips to the beach extra special, simple and breezy with supplies that enhance comfort, make transporting goods easy and help create positive vacation memories.
Beach accessory suppliers are upping their games in 2026 with products that provide the added features, functionality and style consumers are seeking.
Chaby International, a manufacturer and distributor of beach chairs, umbrellas, canopies and multi-
purpose carts across the Salt Life, Caribbean Joe and Cabana Beach brands, has seen its business flourish in the beach accessory category.
The company services a wide range of retailers and consumers, particularly since it began its partnership with Salt Life in 2025 as the exclusive partner for beach chairs and umbrellas, according to Ben Miller, director of business development.
In 2026, Chaby International has plans to scale up its Salt Life assortment.
“Despite tariff headwinds, sales exceeded expectations, and we’re expanding the line with new features, colors and SKUs,” he says. “The Salt Life collection resonates with ocean enthusiasts and brings lifestyle appeal to the beach gear category.”
Heading west
Raleigh, North Carolina-based Shibumi Shade’s popular shades and chairs are prevalent in the Carolinas. The brand made its debut at CARV Expo in San Diego this past June to help gain traction with retailers on the West Coast as well. The company offers two shade sizes and introduced a beach chair in 2025.
Salt Life’s beach chairs and umbrella’s bring lifestyle appeal to beach accessories.
Jeff Schwaninger, vice president of wholesale, says regional beach habits play a major role in determining which shade sizes resonate. On the East Coast, families often spend long stretches on the sand, making the large Shibumi shade “necessary.”
People in California, on the other hand, tend to make quick trips rather than setting up for the day. The smaller Shibumi model “fits your back, your backpack, your bike basket,” making it ideal for California’s more mobile beachgoers, Schwaninger explains.
Wacho launched its beach chairs and beach blankets in the U.S. market in 2025. The Wacho chair, made with soft and water-resistant fabric, is ideal for enjoying a comfortable and dry backrest, according to Co-founder Diego Zimmerman. “It’s foldable, lightweight, and features bold, stylish patterns, so you can just sling it over your shoulder like an accessory,” he says. “Once you find your spot, the foam padding keeps you comfy and off the damp ground.”
The Original Wacho Blanket packs down to a compact 3.7 inches by 16.7 inches but unfolds into a massive 63-inch by 55-inch chill space, Zimmerman adds. And the company has more products in the works. “We’re constantly working on new gear. Duffel bags and lunch bags are dropping soon, and a brand-new beach tote is already in the pipeline.”
GCI Outdoor introduced a new lineup of beach chairs for 2026, including the GCI Outdoor Big Surf beach chair, featuring “an innovative slide table to hold snacks, drinks and summertime necessities while you hang loose by the water,” according to the company website.
Each of the company’s premium beach chairs offers customizable comfort with adjustable backrests, cushioned headrests and breathable materials, according to Sierra Krebsbach, marketing director.
Multi-use matters
Shaka Love offers a curated collection of premium, eco-friendly beach essentials designed for resorts, gift shops and coastal retailers. The line includes luxury Turkish towels, oversized beach blankets, hooded ponchos, lightweight robes, hats and small accessories. Every item is woven from recycled cotton and packaged plastic-free.
Wacho’s colorful, waterproof beach chairs can be slung over the shoulder for easy carrying.
“Shoppers rave about the softness, quick-dry performance, vibrant designs and the fact that each piece doubles as both a towel and a stylish wrap or blanket,” says Amy Connelly, CEO and owner. “The eco-friendly story continues to be a major sales driver as consumers increasingly look for products with purpose.”
Unbeatable bags
ShoreBags showcased its Big Sur line at CARV Expo. Developed to be water resistant and therefore perfect for all shore activities, the bags even feature a special hangtag that reads, “Made for sun, sand, shade, surf, and shore.”
“The bags are designed with proximity to water in mind. There are two drainage holes in the bottom so you won’t find water or sand in the bottom of your bag,” says Nidhi Sharma, CEO and founder.
“We’re adding colors every season now. For Spring 2026, we’re adding bright pink, pine green and orange,” Sharma adds.
Simply Southern is seeing popularity with its Simply Tough Tote. According to Georgio Aydogdu, co-owner and creative director, “The totes have become a must-have item with every order because they are easy to clean with a quick rinse after a day at the beach.”
Beachy solutions
Some products are perfect for solving problems exclusive to the beach and ocean. Powder Pouch is one of them. The sand remover comes in multiple beach patterns and cornstarch powder refills are available in unscented or beach scents.
Founders Jeff and Mary Conway say that the product will get an upgrade in 2026 with a new water- resistant Tyvek carrying case with button closure to carry the Powder Pouch in. “It’s soft to the touch, lightweight and is easier to slide in the powder applicator than our old case,” they say.
Powder Pouch Sand Remover invites you to leave the sand at the beach.
As another solution, Coconut Smuggler is a saltwater-focused haircare line created by a professional hairstylist. “Our products are designed specifically for surfers, divers, swimmers, and anyone who lives in and around the water,” says founder Brittany Jones.
The company’s Feeling Nauti – Salt Shield Spray is a lightweight, oil-based pre-ocean protectant that mimics the hair’s natural lipid layer to prevent salt damage, tangles, and dryness. The line also includes Landlubber – Leave-In Conditioner and body lotion and Island Dweller perfume roller: a nostalgic, ocean-inspired scent that’s become a signature favorite.
Products are plentiful for beachgoers so carrying the right ones in your beach store are important. As Zimmerman sums it up, “People want brands that make them feel good. They want products that are actually useful, look great and that are easy to carry. And more than anything, they want brands that are doing their part to take care of our oceans and our planet.”
