Hotel-Retail Pioneer The Best Kept Secret of Palm Beach Shopping
The Breakers Distinctive Boutiques Lure Shopping-Minded Vacationers, Locals
PALM BEACH, FL – At the forefront of the relatively new resort-retail industry in the mid 90s, The Breakers Palm Beach recognized that its market of sophisticated, seasoned travelers – whether at leisure or attending a meeting – are also discerning retail customers in pursuit of distinctive merchandise. The award-winning AAA Five Diamond resort then set out to capitalize on the growing trend of domestic and international visitors who count shopping among their preferred activities during travel.
The Shops at The Breakers – an alluring courtyard of exclusive specialty boutiques, owned and managed by The Breakers – features renowned brands such as Guerlain, Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer, as well as private-label concepts including Absolutely Suitable, Mix at The Breakers®, Match at The Breakers®, Coconut Crew, Signature Shop, The Breakers News & Gourmet and The Sports Pro Shop. Each shop is designed to complement the taste levels of the resort’s guests.
“This select audience of vacationers appreciates the allure of a magnificent setting, a place that fosters a relaxed state of mind and the time to peruse beautiful merchandise,” said John Zoller, vice president of retail operations of the resort since 1995, and previously, a veteran of Neiman Marcus.
Upon joining The Breakers, Zoller created an in-house merchandising department that quickly set the standards for the resort-retail business, and conceived of unique specialty boutiques to satisfy the growing consumer trend of “shopping as entertainment.” This strategy fit perfectly into the entrepreneurial style of The Breakers, a market-driven enterprise independent of chain affiliation. Its retail operations became a subsidiary of its businesses and reflected the resort’s reputation for world-class hospitality.
The objective: to transform shopping into an enjoyable and even entertaining experience for the traveler. The strategy: to create a luxurious yet quality atmosphere in stores that emulates the same quality standards found throughout The Breakers, and deliver personalized, thoughtful service that exceeds expectations (the hospitality side of shopping). Having established successful partnerships to lure some of the world’s top designers and merchandisers, The Breakers offers a one-of-a-kind, international array of ready-to-wear, beauty products and gifts.
The Shops at The Breakers are designed to stand apart from the proliferation of cookie-cutter department and mall stores. Each boutique possesses its own artistic décor and sensory appeal, and with an expert retailer’s eye for unique merchandising, they satisfy guest preferences for something different.
ABSOLUTELY SUITABLE
The first and only shop dedicated to designer swimwear in the U.S.
World-acclaimed European and American designers featured in this extraordinary selection of swimwear include La Perla, Eres, Manuel Canovas, Maryan Mehlhorn, Karla Colletto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gottex, Shan, Trina Turk and many others. Patrons enter this newly remodeled, one-of-a-kind boutique with its contemporary decor, and are immediately drawn to the flooring inspired by the sidewalks of Rio de Janeiro and a giant ocean wave built into the ceiling. The store features designer sunglasses (such as Gucci, Tom Ford, Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Oliver Peoples), and an assortment of men’s swimwear including Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren, Peter Millar, Billabong, Shan, Island Company, and Vilebrequin.
THE BREAKERS NEWS & GOURMET
Delectable gourmet ingredients, confections and presentations; fine quality kitchen gadgets, artistic quality ceramics, hand-made pottery, books and sundries
As Palm Beach’s foremost gift store, The Breakers News & Gourmet (TBN&G) offers merchandise suited to a unique lifestyle for the home gallery and kitchen, while being a fun place to shop. The casual, whimsical store excites the senses. It arouses taste buds and creates delightful aromas with its peerless assortment of offerings: a premium selection of baked goods and sandwiches, The Breakers private-label coffees; candies, ice cream, specialty cupcakes and Neuhaus Belgian chocolates. TBN&G also features hand-painted ceramics from Italy and France, an extensive collection of metalware from artisans such as Michael Aram and Mariposa, candles, home fragrances and bath and body collections. A newsstand carries international newspapers and best-selling reads, plus a clever assortment of greeting cards and stationary. Guests can purchase sundry items for personal needs.
GUERLAIN
Fragrance, skincare and color direct from Paris
With its new design reminiscent of the boutique in Paris, the legendary French label presents a world of sheer indulgence and pampering with high-performance skincare, cosmetics and unforgettable fragrances. Discover the extraordinary powers of Orchidée Impériale and Abeille Royale skincare and a collection of perfumes including a selection of exclusive fragrances only available at Guerlain boutique locations.
COCONUT CREW
An imaginative children’s specialty shop created for the younger set
An exclusive collection of designer clothing and swimwear for children, from newborn to size twelve. Featured labels from the U.S., France, Italy and Spain include Ralph Lauren, Helena & Harry, David Charles, Eliane et Lena, , Toms Espadrilles and Lacoste, along with Ray-Ban sunglasses and jewelry and watches. A selection of collectible Madame Alexander dolls; classic games, toys, plush animals, puppets, books and sterling silver pieces, comprise the long list of specialty gift items for kids. Conceived as “a Worth Avenue for little ones,” the shop’s theme was inspired by legendary cartoon artist Mort Walker, who created parrot characters Lulu, Loco and Louie, known as the Coconut Crew, and authored the namesake book especially for The Breakers.
MATCH AT THE BREAKERS®
The ultimate shoe salon offering a refreshing take on resort footwear
The Breakers now brings an unparalleled, edited selection of resort footwear to its own shoe salon, Match, featuring a wide array of leading designers and contemporary brands. The ultimate resort shoe boutique, it offers a unique mix of flats, sandals, wedges, espadrilles, and heels from the most sought-after brands, priced in the range of $195 - $995, with median pricing from $325 - $700.
MIX AT THE BREAKERS®
The island’s mecca of fashion jewelry and accessories
Featuring the ultimate in modern accessories – primarily fashion and fine jewelry, watches, hair accessories and more. Mix is a must on everyone’s shopping list. This unique shop features a continually changing selection of designs that are relevant, daring, and functional. Merchandise is garnered from the best of collections by nationally known and local designers and priced in the range of $150 - $4,000, with median pricing from of $800 - $1,200.
LILLY PULITZER® AT THE BREAKERS
The lifestyle brand inspired by authentic Palm Beach
It all started with a juice stand and a simple shift dress that showcased a colorful print intended to hide fruit juice stains while looking fabulous. The dress became such an instant hit, Lilly stopped selling juice and started selling dresses. Now after 50 years of success, Lilly Pulitzer is bringing truly tropical resortwear to The Breakers providing dresses, sportswear, footwear, and accessories for women, as well as men’s neck ties, in gorgeous colors and prints. The Breakers offers Lilly Pulitzer children’s clothing among the collections available in its children’s fantasyland boutique Coconut Crew, as well as ladies and men’s swimwear in its designer swim boutique Absolutely Suitable.
RALPH LAUREN AT THE BREAKERS
An elegant showcase of the consummate American designer, featuring timeless, contemporary-style apparel and accessories
Ralph Lauren offers an extensive variety of men’s and women’s clothing. The boutique offers the Black, Blue and Purple labels, and Polo Sportswear. A full range of accessories including shoes, fragrance, eyewear, small leather goods and hosiery are also available.
SIGNATURE SHOP
The Breakers exclusive, private-label signature collection features resortwear and unique gift items
With a bright, open floor plan and an engaging, contemporary atmosphere, this boutique is emblematic of this iconic resort, featuring stylish men’s and women’s resort logo wear and gift items. The Sun Petals bath and body line, exclusive to The Breakers, is featured here and in great demand, particularly by resort guests who enjoy complimentary samples during their stay. Kiehl’s and Aqua di Parma fragrance and body collections are also available.
THE SPORTS PRO SHOP
Located in the Ocean Course Clubhouse, this boutique offers award-winning sports apparel shopping
Featuring an extensive selection of the latest selection of men’s, women’s and children’s golf and tennis resort wear, The Sports Pro Shop carries everything from sports equipment and shoes to resort wear from world-acclaimed designers such as Polo Golf for Men, Ralph Lauren Golf for Women, Lacoste, Fairway & Greene, DKNY, Lilly Pulitzer, Nike, Geox, Greg Norman and Peter Millar among others.
THE BEACH SHOP
Conveniently located between the Beach Bungalows and The Ocean Grill
For a day in the surf and sun, The Beach Shop offers last minute “must have” items including suntan products, beach toys, hats, t-shirts, flip flops, beverages and snacks; plus fashionable sunglasses, dive watches, and totes for those on the go.
About The Breakers Palm Beach
One of America’s legendary resort destinations, this 540-room, Italian Renaissance-style hotel resides on 140 acres of oceanfront property in the heart of Palm Beach. The Breakers was founded in 1896 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and continues to thrive independent of chain affiliation. Renowned for its gracious service, the resort indulges its clientele, whether couples on a romantic getaway, multi-generational travelers on a family vacation or large gatherings in celebration. With the commitment of its long-standing ownership, descendants of founder Henry Flagler, The Breakers invests $20 million each year in the property’s ongoing enhancement to ensure it remains appealing to future guests. Following a comprehensive ten-year $250 million revitalization, its timeless atmosphere -- from its magnificent interiors to its artfully designed landscape -- has been renewed in a style of relaxed elegance.
A multi-faceted destination, The Breakers features 36 holes of championship golf, including the Ocean Course and The Breakers Rees Jones® Course; 10 Har-Tru tennis courts; luxury spa; a breathtaking oceanfront with a half-mile of private beach, Mediterranean-style beach club, as well as luxury beach bungalows for daytime-rental, five pools, four whirlpool spas and a variety of water sports; a Family Entertainment Center and an extensive program of family and children’s activities. Nine distinctive restaurants, as well as an array of on-site boutiques, are all owned and managed by the resort. The Breakers is recognized as a AAA Five Diamond property and has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to the environment, community service and the quality of life it provides to its employees. For reservations or more information, contact the resort toll-free at 1-888-BREAKERS (273-2537), (561) 655-6611, visit www.thebreakers.com, or contact your travel professional.
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