Blend festive flair with coastal charm

By Michael Hale

Blend festive flair with coastal charm.

As the holiday season draws near, seaside retailers have the opportunity to bring festive flair to their stores while staying true to their coastal charm.


Whether your customer base consists of tourists, locals or cruise ship passengers, an inviting and well-merchandised store can significantly increase sales during the holiday season.



Bright and beachy

Adding warm string lights and LED candles throughout the store is a simple way to enhance the holiday mood. You also don’t need to go all out with reds and greens. Instead, consider decorating with colors that reflect your seaside location — think sandy beiges, ocean blues and seafoam greens. Add seashell garlands and fishing net overlays to give displays that beachy and festive feel.


"An inviting and well-merchandised store can significantly increase sales during the holiday season."



Make ornaments shine

Holiday ornaments might be a staple item you carry all year long, but the holiday season is your moment to make them shine. If space allows, elevate a pre-lit tree on a sturdy pedestal or decorative base and trim it entirely with ornaments from your current assortment. This inspirational display helps to give customers ideas to use in their own homes.



Gather the gifts

Use your prime display areas to showcase your gifts and stocking stuffers. Think beach-themed candles, shell jewelry, resortwear, locally made goods or holiday decor with a nautical twist. Group them by theme or price point and include signage such as “Gifts Under $20” or “Holiday Must-Haves” to guide gift-seeking shoppers.


Prepackaged gift sets might also do well this time of year. Place bundles near the register for easy grab-and-go options and impulse buys.



These kinds of immersive, seasonal displays don’t just sell product — they tell a story, spark emotion and create a memorable shopping experience.




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