By Sara Karnish
Items that best capture a moment or place are among the most in-demand gifts at beach gift stores. Whether it is a name-dropped picture frame or unique piece of art by a local crafter, visitors to beach gift shops gravitate toward the items they know they won’t find anywhere else.
Carol Lee Kelliher, owner of Carol Lee’s Cottage in Rockport, Mass., prides herself on carrying the beach- and Rockport-themed merchandise customers love, but won’t find in other local retailers. Among the best-sellers in her 300-square-foot shop are etched drinking and wine glasses featuring the recognizable Rockport key logo, sea glass, and a Rockport bag, custom-made in Bangladesh for her shop using fair trade practices. “I only sell things in the store that I would personally buy,” Kelliher explained. “There is a certain level of quality and taste that I like, and I think that’s reflected in the pieces I sell.”
A merchandise photo highlighting the color purple at Carol Lee’s Cottage. The owner gets to know her customers so she can make suggestions on purchases.
Whether locals or tourists, long- or short-term visitors, beach gift shops are grateful to the customers who keep their doors open all year long. Cole said her local customers kept her going during the pandemic; during the summer she has a 50/50 customer base. Lodwick said, “We work hard, and our first priority is always our customers. We stop whatever we are doing to talk and laugh and have fun with our customers—helping them when they want help, but also letting them browse to their heart’s content.”
