Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A Vision Brought to Life
4. Crafting Unique Memories: The Personalization Station
5. A Diverse Product Offering
6. Enhancing the Guest Experience
7. Tailored for Families
8. A Paradigm Shift in Vacation Retail
9. Future Implications for Resort Retail
10. Enhanced Collaborations with Brands
11. Conclusion: A New Chapter in Retail Experiences for Families

Key Highlights:

• Starboard Group has launched a new retail outlet, Crafted by Starboard, at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, emphasizing personalized shopping experiences.
• The store features the first personalization station in a Westgate resort, allowing guests to create custom keepsakes and souvenirs.
• Crafted by Starboard aims to enhance family vacation experiences through thoughtfully curated products and engaging retail opportunities.

Introduction

The world of retail is continuously adapting to consumer desires, especially in the highly competitive landscape of vacation shopping. Recognizing a growing demand for personalized experiences, Starboard Group has taken a bold step by launching Crafted by Starboard at the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. This innovative retail experience is designed to cater specifically to families and vacationers seeking unique souvenirs and products that reflect their personality and memories made during their stay.

This opening not only signifies a vital expansion of Starboard Group’s retail division but also highlights the importance of immersive shopping experiences in the hospitality sector. As travelers increasingly seek memorable ways to commemorate their vacations, this initiative offers an exciting glimpse into the future of resort retailing.

A Vision Brought to Life

Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard Group, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, “This launch marks another major milestone in our Starboard Resort growth strategy and the latest expansion of our strong partnership with Westgate.” The concept behind Crafted by Starboard revolves around personalization, aiming to deliver a retail adventure unlike anything seen in conventional vacation shops.

The outlet, spanning 780 square feet and strategically positioned in the resort’s lobby, showcases a carefully curated selection of products. It represents a convergence of creativity, engagement, and the unique preference of each visitor. The store is a testament to how the retail landscape can pivot towards creating enriched customer experiences.

Crafting Unique Memories: The Personalization Station

One of the standout features of Crafted by Starboard is its dedicated personalization station. Guests are encouraged to express their individuality by customizing items that they can take home as unique keepsakes. Customization options include various products, from apparel like tees and hoodies, to accessories like handbags and backpacks. The personalization extends to tumblers from The Darling Effect, allowing families to create memorable mementos of their holiday.

The jewelry section offers further customization with engraving options from Metal & Stone and charm stations provided by Jet Set Candy and Canvas Style. Customers can even select custom-length chain jewelry from Inch of Gold, giving them meaningful pieces that reflect their adventures.

A Diverse Product Offering

Crafted by Starboard is not just about personalization; it boasts a diverse assortment of products tailored for families. The retail space includes an exciting range of apparel, sportswear, swimwear, and lifestyle goods sourced from notable brands like America & Beyond, Eat My Socks, and Shiraleah. Guests can find stylish accessories, including sunglasses from NYS Collection, watches from Citizen and Invicta, as well as jewelry crafted by Starboard’s exclusive brand.

The store’s emphasis on family-friendly offerings is evident in its range of plush toys, customisable dolls, and accessories from brands such as Jellycat and Squishmallows. The inclusion of treats from Candy Club further enhances the family-centric shopping experience, ensuring that vacationers of all ages can find something delightful.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

Starboard Group has partnered with Westgate Resorts to elevate the guest experience through this innovative retail concept. Jared Saft, Chief Business & Strategy Officer of Westgate Resorts, described the partnership as a way to bring convenience, connection, and fun to vacationing families. The retail offering is part of a broader strategy to create unforgettable experiences in a centralized area of the resort.

“By partnering with Starboard Resort, we’re able to enhance the vacation experience for our guests with a range of unforgettable shopping experiences in a single, on-site destination,” Saft noted, underscoring the significance of making shopping not just a task, but an integral part of the vacation memory.

This comprehensive shopping destination comes as Westgate Vacation Villas Resort undergoes significant renovations, which include the installation of other attractions such as a $10 million Mystery Fun House Arcade and new dining options like Sid’s American Bistro and the Viva coffee shop.

Tailored for Families

Crafted by Starboard’s concept is distinctly curated for families, recognizing the modern traveler’s desire for engaging and memorable experiences. The offerings reflect the needs and preferences of every family member, from kids seeking fun toys and interactive experiences to adults looking for quality fashion and wellness products.

“Crafted by Starboard is designed to cater to modern families, offering specially curated assortments for vacationers of all ages along with unmatched customisation options and fun, engaging retail experiences,” said Stacy Shaw, Senior Vice President of Luxury & Resorts at Starboard Group. This approach underscores a strategic understanding of vacation dynamics, ensuring every visitor can find something that resonates with their personal journey.

A Paradigm Shift in Vacation Retail

With the increasing focus on personalization and visitor experiences, Crafted by Starboard serves as a vital case study in vacation retail. Tourism trends indicate that consumers are increasingly valuing experiences over conventional transactions, prompting retailers to adapt in significant ways. Starboard Group’s initiative aligns with this shift, showcasing how resorts can provide unique and engaging shopping environments.

The curated product selections, personalized services, and immersive offerings at Crafted by Starboard not only aim to enhance visitor satisfaction but also point towards a broader trend in the retail industry—one where customer engagement, customization, and experience reign supreme.

Future Implications for Resort Retail

As the industry evolves, the success of Crafted by Starboard may set a precedent for other resorts looking to refine their retail strategies. The model highlights the potential of integrating retail with the overall guest experience, facilitating stronger connections between visitors and their memories of the destination.

Additionally, the focus on local and unique offerings could be instrumental in promoting regional brands and artisanal products, further contributing to the local economy while enriching the vacation experience. As resorts adapt to the changing landscape, the integration of personalized retail options could become a standard expectation among travelers.

Enhanced Collaborations with Brands

The partnerships Starboard Group has forged with various brands for Crafted by Starboard highlight an important trend in the retail space—collaboration. Working with well-known brands and local artisans not only broadens the product range but also infuses a unique character into the retail experience. This collaboration cultivates trust and interest among consumers who are increasingly choosing brands that resonate with their personal values and lifestyle.

Moreover, as consumers become more socially conscious, offering products that reflect sustainability and ethical production can further deepen consumer loyalty. These elements can enhance the attractiveness of the resort's retail offering, potentially drawing in a demographic that prioritizes responsible consumption.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Retail Experiences for Families

Starboard Group’s Crafted by Starboard is more than just a retail initiative; it is a significant step towards revolutionizing how families engage with shopping during their vacations. By catering to the modern family’s desire for unique, personalized experiences, Starboard Group is setting a new standard for what resort retail can be.

As the integration of personalization, exciting product offerings, and immersive experiences reflect broader trends in consumer preferences, Crafted by Starboard could very well serve as a blueprint for future developments in the tourism and retail sectors. It highlights a new paradigm where shopping becomes an enriching part of the holiday experience, ultimately creating lasting memories and connections for families.

FAQ

What is Crafted by Starboard?

Crafted by Starboard is a new retail concept launched by Starboard Group at the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. It focuses on providing personalized shopping experiences for families and guests.

Where is Crafted by Starboard located?

The store is located in the lobby area of the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort, covering 780 square feet.

What customization options are available at Crafted by Starboard?

Guests can customize a variety of items, including apparel, accessories, and jewelry. The store features the first personalization station in a Westgate resort, allowing families to create unique keepsakes.

What types of products can be found at Crafted by Starboard?

The store offers a diverse range of products, including fashion, accessories, lifestyle goods, plush toys, and sweets, sourced from both well-known and niche brands.

How does Crafted by Starboard enhance the vacation experience?

By integrating personalized shopping options within the resort, Crafted by Starboard boosts convenience and engagement, allowing families to create memorable experiences that align with their vacation themes.