Coastal Connections Conference attendees will learn how to 'Put Experiential Retail into Action'

Speakers from Dune Jewelry, Flip Flop Shops and Clarkston Consulting to share insights into this important aspect of brick-and-mortar retail during the Oct. 22-24 event.

Attendees of the Coastal Connections Conference, Oct. 22-24, 2023, at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, will have the opportunity to learn about experiential retail from some of the top retailers and consulting firms in the industry.

During a panel session titled, “Putting Experiential Retail into Action,” on Monday, Oct. 23 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., Holly Daniels Christensen, owner and founder of Dune Jewelry & Co.; Steve Shultz, director of shop shenanigans, Flip Flop Shops; and Dave Foos, principal consultant, Clarkston Consulting, will share their best ideas for creating a retail experience at beach, coastal and nautical stores.

Christensen is a kitchen table entrepreneur who has propelled her business, Dune Jewelry & Co., from a passion project to a worldwide brand over the past twelve years. She is a talented designer focused on capturing memories to create tangible reminders of life’s most cherished moments, which symbolizes Dune’s line of handcrafted Experiential Jewelry, which is sold in hundreds of beach, coastal and nautical stores and two Dune Boutiques in Harwich Port, Massachusetts, and Ketchikan, Alaska, that provide unique retail experiences for customers. In summer 2023, she opened her first gift boutique in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Schultz' vast career in footwear spans 49 years and covers everything from Blue Light Specials to Toes in the Sand. He spent over 20 years with Meldisco, which became the over 2,400 locations of K-Mart, and another 20 years with Famous Footwear. Steve now handles the operations of Flip Flop Shops. He's been integral in the new shop design, visual look, POS system and marketing direction of the stores. Under his direction, he has helped franchise owners open 49 shops in the U.S. in just three years and recently signed locations in Canada, Dominican Republic and Antigua.

Foos’ career in retail spans nearly 20 years with roles in both consulting and corporate environments. His corporate experience includes time at fashion retailers such as Chico’s FAS and L Brands where his work focused on assortment building, store planning and inventory management. As a consultant, Dave and the Clarkston team focus on solving a variety of challenges for retailers and wholesalers worldwide.

“We are pleased to bring together such an experienced panel to share their ideas about this critical aspect of growing business at coastal retail locations,” says Kristin Ely, director, Coastal Connections Conference. “Not only will attendees come away with new strategies to put into practice to help them grow their businesses, they’ll have the opportunity to get their questions answered during the Q&A portion of the session.”

To learn more about the Coastal Connections Conference, including registration, full speaker line-up and agenda, visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com. Early Bird registration rates are available until Aug. 31.