Shore Shops
When the weather isn’t cooperating or you just want to take a break from the sun, there is plenty of shopping to do in and around Sea Isle. Unlike being at a large mall, here you will find unique boutique stores that carry everything you need for your beach vacation, home, closet, and so much more. We caught up with the owners of the hottest shops around to find out where they get their inspiration from.
Tiffany Moore of Beachy Keen
Beachy Keen
4601 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
beachykeensic.com
How did you come up with the store’s name?
My daughter thought it was peachy so it became beachy.
What colors and inspirations did you consider when buying items for this summer?
Coastal cool, relaxing colors like mint, light aqua and white.
How do you stay on top of the current trends?
Industry shows and magazines.
Why did you choose to be in this location?
We always felt Sea Isle was family friendly.
What is your favorite item in the store right now?
Our new heat recreational swimwear. Particularly the skirt with swim shorts and a zipper pocket.
What kind of experience do you aim for your customers to have when shopping here?
Relaxed, market-style shopping.
Is there a memorable moment you had in the store that stands out to you?
The moment I realized we had 3 generations of family working here.
Arthur and Lisa Iannone of Sands Department Store
Dalrymple Card & Gift Shoppe
20 JFK Blvd., Sea Isle City
dalrymplecardandgift.com
How did you come up with the store’s name?
My mother's father, Louis Braca, came to Sea Isle in the early 1900s and over time owned and operated a range of businesses. One of those businesses was Braca News. Following the destruction by the 1962 storm the family rebuilt on the current location of Dalrymple Card & Gift Shoppe and my mother, Angela Braca Dalrymple, expanded the news agency and gift shop to include Hallmark cards and collectible gifts.
What kind of brands do you carry?
We are currently an independent Hallmark Gold Crown store and continue to carry collectibles including Willow Tree and Byers' Choice figurines, along with a number of popular product lines like Springbok puzzles, TY plush, Michel Design Works soaps and paper products, and Melissa and Doug toys. We also have a robust book selection with NYT best sellers, book club choices, and many regional titles for adults and children.
How has the store evolved since you first opened it?
Our store has evolved in size (more than triple the original shop) and in product variety. We have beautiful t-shirts and sweatshirts for infants through adults and everything you need for the beach from chairs and umbrellas to lotions and novelties. Post summer, our product lines focus on Hallmark ornaments and gifts for the holidays.
What is your favorite item in the store right now and why?
One of our favorite products is our custom shell ornaments from KDPhotography studios. These handcrafted shells feature photos from Sea Isle and the surrounding beaches.
What kind of experience do you aim for your customers to have when shopping here?
We hope that our customers enjoy our warm, family atmosphere. We enjoy talking with people, sharing memories, and seeing generations of shoppers. We also have quite a following of four legged visitors who stop by daily for a treat and a pat!
Is there a memorable moment you had in the store that stands out to you?
My most treasured memories are growing up in the business and working with my mother. Now I love working with my daughters, Kate and Nicole, passing my love of Sea Isle and Dalrymple Gifts on to them.
Arthur and Lisa Iannone of Sands Department Store
Sands Department Store
6208 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
sandsdepartmentstore.com
What is the inspiration behind the store?
“There was a need for a department store, so we started it,” explained Art Iannone speaking about why his father, Matthew Iannone founded the Sands Department store. Since the opening in 1958, Sands has been a town staple. Originally selling pharmacy style makeup, shoes and shampoos, Sands has evolved significantly in the types of products offered. When competition came to town they shifted to meet customer needs, focusing more on clothes, housewares, and premium brands. “We literally have everything from greeting cards to hardware, toys, shoes, and clothes,” says Lisa Iannone.
How did you come up with the store’s name?
Even the original name has evolved. Sands comes from the original name Surf and Sand Variety Store which was shortened over the years as a nickname.
How do you stay on top of the current trends?
They have their daughters and young family members to thank. Art and Lisa both agree that green is definitely the color for the summer.
What kind of experience do you aim for your customers to have when shopping here?
Over the years, no matter the changes Art and Lisa have made, the most important things at Sands have remained the same. The feeling of walking into a store and receiving real advice of what to buy. The experience of getting help without even needing to ask. Seeing generation after generation return, parents who once came in as children are now shopping with kids of their own. Keeping Sands “old school” is something Art and Lisa still hold dear.
Is there a memorable moment you had in the store that stands out to you?
For Sands, the true impact isn’t in the sale, but in the relationship formed during it. It's about making human connections in everyday moments. The joy of seeing generation after generation have meaningful experiences is what keeps them in the business. And one thing’s for sure, they won’t let you leave unhappy.
Sam and Angela Marsh of Global Pursuit
Global Pursuit
4000 Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City
shopglobalpursuit.com
What is the inspiration behind the store?
The inspiration behind the store is our love for the shore. I grew up in the area and our family has always felt a deep connection to these beaches.
How did you come up with the store’s name?
The store's name is indicative of our passion for the outdoors and recognition that we are stewards of our ocean and that ocean connects us to everyone on the globe. We live by the ocean and make our livelihoods here because the people who live and visit us also appreciate our beaches.
What colors and inspirations did you consider when buying items for this summer?
In buying for the season we find our inspiration in coastal vibes, blues, warm sands and sunny yellows.
Why did you choose to be in this location?
We chose Sea Isle because we fell in love with the friendly people in that town when we were checking out options for a second location. We bought the store formerly known as Kiwi Boutique and have kept the store close to what it had been, just adding a men's department. We have been welcomed by so many people including fellow business owners and look forward to a great first season.
What is your favorite item in the store right now and why?
My favorite item in the store right now are the people who work in it. Customer service is at the core of what we are and why people come back to see us every season.
Is there a memorable moment you had in the store that stands out to you?
My most memorable moment came on August 1 the first season we owned Global Pursuit in Stone Harbor. It was a packed evening and suddenly we lost connection with our Point-of-Sale system. I was huddled under the desk in the office with Susie, our long-time manager trying to recover it while on the phone with the IT guy when we received the news that the POS was gone, we lost all our data.
Claudine Turbedsky of Coastal Palms Boutique
Coastal Palms Boutique
4110 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
How did you come up with the store’s name?
Coastal comes from summering on the Coast and Palms is for Florida, where I promised my husband that I would buy us a condo if my boutique was successful. Hence, that “promise” was realized in 2023 after hustling all these years.
What kind of brands do you carry?
We carry an impressive list of brands, including AnaClare, Lilly Pulitzer, La Mer Luxe, Cabana Life, and so many more!
How do you stay on top of the current trends?
Coastal Palm Boutique boasts a selection of women’s resort wear with a Palm Beach flair, casual dresses, jewelry, bags, and accessories. I am constantly curating new merch and brands and then rotate brands throughout the years.
Why did you choose to be in this location?
Prior to my Sea Isle location, I had rented a small space in multi-boutique shops in Avalon for one year, where my merchandise was well received. This inspired me (along with a big nudge and full support from my husband, Todd) to open my own business in Sea Isle. I was still working my full-time job as an office manager for a chiropractor in Bucks County, Pa., where we resided at that time prior to moving to Cape May County in 2015. Juggling my job, the Avalon rental space, and a website was quite the feat to undertake at the time in order to create my vision for Coastal Palms. There was no other option than Sea Isle, as it’s where I have spent every summer of my life, including 15 years of it in Strathmere.
What kind of experience do you aim for your customers to have when shopping here?
We welcome each customer with a fun and happy shopping experience, where customers become friends and friends feel like family.
Jared Gaburo of Tortuga Men's Store
Tortuga Men's Store
3700 Boardwalk, Sea Isle City
What is the inspiration behind the store?
Tortuga came about mainly because my customers in The Shade Shack were looking for upscale men’s clothing. I have also always had an interest in fashion and style and when the space became available, I took the opportunity to bring Tortuga to life.
How did you come up with the store’s name?
Tortuga is Spanish for turtle, and we all know how much Sea Isle loves their turtles. It seemed fitting.
What colors and inspirations did you consider when buying items for this summer?
I hand select every item that goes into the store. For me, it’s about finding textures and patterns that play well together and will keep you feeling cool and fresh all summer long. Pastels are trending as well as bold colors and there’s a bit of a retro vibe to the clothing this season.
How has the store evolved since you first opened?
I think the store has stayed true to its original intent of bringing quality beachwear and accessories to the guys of Sea Isle. I’m constantly adding new brands that I feel fit the vibe of the shop and the island. It is true boutique shopping. There are limited quantities of most items and small size runs. This helps to not oversaturate the market. It also allows me to continually refresh and restock the shop with new items and keeps the shoppers coming back.
What is your favorite item in the store right now and why?
There are several handcrafted Italian leather accessories that were all made to order for the shop. The duffels and wine bags are my favorite. The wallets and card cases are customer favorites.
What kind of experience do you aim for your customers to have when shopping here?
I want everyone that comes in the shop to appreciate the quality of the items they are buying.
