Gifts galore at the Sand Dollar
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SANDDOLLAR
The Sand Dollar beckons
shoppers to browse for gifts, home accents and clothing.
Anna Maria Island has its fair share of traditions. Visitors to the Island will never give up the tradition of watching the glorious sun evaporate into the Gulf’s crystal waters, or being mesmerized by silvery dolphins leaping in the air. They’ve embraced the trolley as one of its newer traditions and turn out in record numbers for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
And when they want to take a break from the beach, they have traditionally wandered into the Sand Dollar in Holmes Beach and have been doing so for 50 years.
Eleven years ago, Andrea Stewart purchased the well-established Sand Dollar Home Accents Gift Shop. Down through the years she has put her own signature on the store with a revolving line of tasteful home accents, gifts and clothing.
And just to shake things up a little more, Sand Dollar now has a guy running the day to day operation of the shop. Ben Stewart, Andrea’s husband, is the new addition to the six other staff members who keep things going.
The diversity of items at the Sand Dollar is amazing. You can purchase all types of candles with the square candles being their most popular, decorative glycerin loaf soap, great jewelry under $10, and little sun dresses that fly out the front door during spring break.
You’ll also find shoes, wonderful beachy dishes, glasses, frames, greeting cards and items for baby. There’s too much to mention, and all of it can be gift wrapped by Sand Dollar’s staff for free.
Inventory is continually changing, sometimes from one day to the next, with seasonal items coming in and out frequently. Regular customers stop by just to take a look and see what’s new. Ben Stewart says they are also planning on updating and improving the appearance of the shop and are committed to a long term investment in the business.
In addition, they will be hosting a customer appreciation open house at the end of season to thank everyone who patronizes the Sand Dollar.
Having Ben Stewart, her mother, Ginny Possehl, and the other long-term employees overseeing the store, has freed up Andrea Stewart to travel around the country and use her artistic eye to choose unique and tasteful items for the shop. She is also working on maintaining and updating The Sand Dollar’s new web-site, www.MyYellowShovel.com, where you can purchase may of the Sand Dollar’s inventory on line.
With four boys between them, the Stewarts maintain a fast-paced life that is centered around their business. Andrea Stewart says she is appreciative of the support of the local Anna Maria residents, her mother and husband in helping her continue to bring new and inspiring items to the island
The Sand Dollar offers a diversity of inventory that reflects the quiet good taste of Anna Maria at affordable prices; a tradition the Stewarts plan on continuing for a long time. "Live inspired" is Andrea Stewart’s motto which accurately reflects the inspired line of products you’ll find at the Sand Dollar.
Sand Dollar
5302 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach
941-778-2024
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
www.MyYellowShovel.com