Perdido Key Souvenirs and More focuses on 'more' with new vendors, products | New Business

When you think of a souvenir shop, the sights of brightly colored beach towels and shirts splashed with the city name across the front in big block letters immediately come to mind.

If you're on vacation and you're looking to purchase some trinkets to take with you when you leave, a souvenir shop is perhaps the first place you will go.

But during the off season, when it's too cold to go to the beach, how can a souvenir shop stay open year-round? Judy Davis believes she has figured out a way to turn Perdido Key Souvenirs and More into a place that has something for visitors and locals alike.

"It's so hard to go to the mall these days," Davis said. "It can be a real journey when you live in Perdido Key and you want to find a nice birthday gift that's upscale and unique, for example."

Perdido Key Souvenirs and More, located directly below the JellyFish Bar at 13700 Perdido Key Drive, recently added a host of new merchandise from local vendors and craftsmen, including handmade soaps, candles and custom-made sterling silver jewelry.
Perdido Key Souvenirs and More, located directly below the JellyFish Bar at 13700 Perdido Key Drive, recently added a host of new merchandise from local vendors and craftsmen, including handmade soaps, candles and custom-made sterling silver jewelry.

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Perdido Key Souvenirs and More, located directly below the JellyFish Bar at 13700 Perdido Key Drive, recently added a host of new merchandise from local vendors and craftsmen, including handmade soaps, candles and custom-made sterling silver jewelry.

"I believe it's easier to keep a customer than it is to gain one," Davis said. "When you offer a lot of variety, customers will keep coming back."

According to Davis, revamping Perdido Key Souvenirs and More wasn't focused on products and merchandise alone. A more open floor plan, new display cases, and sections that prominently feature some of her flagship brands are carved out throughout the store.

Perdido Key Souvenirs and More, located directly below the JellyFish Bar at 13700 Perdido Key Drive, recently added a host of new merchandise from local vendors and craftsmen, including handmade soaps, candles and custom-made sterling silver jewelry.
Perdido Key Souvenirs and More, located directly below the JellyFish Bar at 13700 Perdido Key Drive, recently added a host of new merchandise from local vendors and craftsmen, including handmade soaps, candles and custom-made sterling silver jewelry.

"I sell the Beachbilly Collection in my store," Davis said. "Josh Brown is one of my best friends and such a nice guy. They have their own TV show called 'The Beachbilly Lifestyle' that's on YouTube and WFGX 35. We have their clothing and stickers on display and then we added a television overhead that plays episodes of their show."

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Perdido Key Souvenirs and More also supports literary pursuits while putting philanthropy at the forefront. Local children's author and illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt, best known for her wide array of characters such as The WhatIf Monster and Cordelia, has recently hosted book signing and reading events — with her books and hand-sewn stuffed animals featured in the store.

"It's important to have something for everyone, and give everyone a chance to sell their merchandise," Davis said. "We give the proceeds to the local children's hospital in Pensacola. It's important to give back, and we have a lot of fun here. We want people to come visit us and see what all we have to offer."

Perdido Key Souvenirs and More is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/PerdidoKeySouvenirsAndMore or call 850-497-0868.

Kalyn Wolfe is a freelance columnist for the News Journal. Send new business tips to pcolanewbiz@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Perdido Key Souvenirs and More offers new look and local merchandise