Sharpen those skills

By Kristin Ely

Sharpen your retail skills.

It’s hard to believe another busy summer of operating a coastal retail shop is coming to a close. But for many of you, the start of September and the beginning of fall are by no means slow. In the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the busy season may be winding down, but you still have a number of folks who like to make a fall voyage to places like Cape Cod or the North Carolina shore for a taste of fall infused with a bit of the coast.


Floridians and others in the South are also bracing for the influx of snowbirds who are getting ready to make their annual treks away from the snow and cold down to where they don’t have to worry about the next snow or ice storm.


And while there may be a slight respite before next spring, you still have local customers and online orders to fulfill for the holidays.


Of course, amid all this activity, you are also trying to prepare for the busy 2025 season by attending trade shows, reordering from old vendors and finding new vendors.


“The Coastal Connections Conference is unlike any other
event you’ll be attending this fall or winter. That’s because the emphasis is on building relationships and building business acumen.”


How many of you are also taking time to sharpen your retail management skills? You may have found a new vendor, but what about finding a way to better handle marketing, better create a display, or even price your merchandise more profitably? If you answered no, then you are missing a big opportunity.


The good news is Seaside Retailer has an event designed just for you, the Coastal Connections Conference, Feb. 11-12, 2025. Now in it’s third year, the Coastal Connections Conference is unlike any other event you’ll be attending this fall or winter. That’s because the emphasis is on building relationships and building business acumen. And we are doing it in a convenient location in Orlando during a time of year that should be less busy with customers and trade shows.


We’ve also taken feedback from past attendees and have worked to offer affordable and convenient registration options that make attending the event easier than ever. You can learn more about the topics being covered, the vendors and speakers who will be there and what past attendees have to say about the event at www.coastalconnectionsconference.com.