Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A Revolutionary Approach to Vacation Retail
4. Enhancing Guest Experiences with New Amenities
5. The Future of Retail in Vacation Resorts
6. Conclusion: A Model for Future Retail Concepts

Key Highlights:

• Starboard Group rolls out its new retail concept, Crafted by Starboard, in Kissimmee, Florida, focusing on family-friendly shopping experiences.
• The boutique features a unique customization station where guests can personalize a wide range of products, enhancing their vacation memories.
• This launch is part of a significant renovation initiative at Westgate Vacation Villas, complementing other new attractions and amenities designed to improve guest experiences.

Introduction

The retail landscape of vacation resorts is evolving, with innovative shopping experiences becoming an integral part of guest satisfaction. Starboard Group, renowned for its cruise ship retail offerings, has stepped into this emerging space with the launch of Crafted by Starboard, a new retail concept at Westgate Vacation Villas in Kissimmee, Florida. This 780 square-foot boutique seamlessly integrates personalization with a curated assortment of products, catering specifically to families seeking memorable vacation experiences. In an industry where the shopping experience can often be mundane and uninspiring, this initiative represents a bold stride toward redefining how guests interact with retail in vacation settings.

A Revolutionary Approach to Vacation Retail

The concept of crafting a tailored shopping experience is at the heart of Crafted by Starboard. Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard Group, emphasizes that the boutique was designed with personalization as the focal point. “This launch marks another major milestone in our Starboard Resort growth strategy and the latest expansion of our strong partnership with Westgate,” she stated, highlighting the commitment to creating immersive retail experiences.

By integrating thoughtful curation with unique offerings, Starboard Group aims to transform vacation shopping from a mere transaction into an engaging adventure. The strategic collaboration with Westgate Resorts embodies a shared vision of enhancing the overall guest experience, offering visitors not just products, but opportunities to create cherished memories.

Personalization: The Heart of the Experience

At the core of Crafted by Starboard is its pioneering customization station—the first of its kind in a Westgate resort. This feature invites guests to personalize various products, allowing them to transform standard items into cherished souvenirs. Options include custom embroidery on apparel, bags, and accessories, as well as engraving and charm-making opportunities for jewelry.

This emphasis on personalized shopping aligns with a growing trend in retail where consumers are not just looking to buy products; they want to create something that reflects their individuality. Whether it’s a specially embroidered hoodie for a child or a custom-engraved bracelet commemorating a family vacation, guests are given the freedom to craft their own unique mementos.

Curated Experience: Brands and Products

Crafted by Starboard showcases a thoughtful selection of brands including America & Beyond, Eat My Socks, NYS Collection sunglasses, Shiraleah, Venus, Citizen, and Weekender. This curated assortment is designed not only to appeal to the diverse preferences of vacationing families but also to elevate their shopping experience. Each product has been chosen to resonate with visitors, offering them a taste of unique, quality merchandise that complements their holiday spirit.

Stacy Shaw, Senior Vice President of Luxury & Resorts at Starboard Group, noted, “We’ve drawn on our strong network of global sourcing partnerships and our curation expertise to craft an unforgettable array of products, brands, and immersive experiences.” This selection is aimed at enhancing the guest's stay and providing them with quality options that reflect the essence of their vacation.

Enhancing Guest Experiences with New Amenities

The opening of Crafted by Starboard aligns with a broader renovation effort at Westgate Vacation Villas, marking a significant evolution in guest amenities. Alongside the boutique, several other attractions are being introduced to provide a comprehensive and enriched vacation experience.

One of the noteworthy additions is the $10 million Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience, which promises to captivate young guests while offering entertainment options for families. Additionally, the launch of Viva, a new coffee shop, and Sid’s American Bistro, an upscale American dining option, complements the broader effort to cater to diverse guest needs and preferences.

Jared Saft, Chief Business & Strategy Officer at Westgate Resorts, articulated that the partnership with Starboard Resort is crucial in elevating the vacation experience. “By partnering with Starboard Resort,” he asserts, “we’re able to enhance the vacation experience for our guests with a range of unforgettable shopping experiences in a single, on-site destination.”

The Future of Retail in Vacation Resorts

The emergence of Crafted by Starboard signals a potential shift in the retail approach within the vacation industry. As consumers increasingly look for unique and experiential shopping options, resorts are presented with a fantastic opportunity to integrate creativity and personalization into their retail offerings.

The vacation retail experience will likely continue its trajectory toward customization, focusing not solely on selling products but on creating memorable interactions that resonate with guests long after they leave. It’s a strategy that recognizes and responds to evolving consumer preferences for distinctive, personal experiences over mere convenience.

Conclusion: A Model for Future Retail Concepts

Starboard Group’s pioneering effort with Crafted by Starboard effectively sets a new benchmark for vacation retail. The fusion of thoughtful curation with personalization creates an engaging shopping environment that encourages families to make memories and cherish their vacations.

As resorts like Westgate Vacation Villas innovate and expand their amenities, the focus on immersive experiences and customer engagement will likely be essential in appealing to a new generation of travelers seeking more from their vacations. The retail experience is poised to become a vital component of the holistic vacation, allowing guests to connect deeply not only with the destination but also with each other, through shared experiences in shopping.

FAQ

What Is Crafted by Starboard?

Crafted by Starboard is a newly opened retail concept at Westgate Vacation Villas in Kissimmee, Florida, focusing on personalized shopping experiences for families.

What Kind of Products Are Available?

The boutique offers a range of carefully curated products from various brands, including clothing, accessories, sunglasses, and customizable items such as jewelry and bags.

How Does the Customization Station Work?

Guests can personalize selected items through embroidery, engraving, and charm-making to create unique souvenirs that reflect their vacation experiences.

What Other Attractions Are Being Introduced at Westgate Vacation Villas?

In addition to Crafted by Starboard, Westgate is launching the $10 million Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience, a new coffee shop called Viva, and upscale dining at Sid’s American Bistro.

What Does This Launch Mean for the Future of Vacation Retail?

Crafted by Starboard exemplifies a growing trend toward personalized and immersive shopping experiences in vacation destinations, signaling a shift in how retailers engage with consumers on holiday.