Reseller Spotlight: Woody’s Boathouse & Gifts
Nestled in the scenic lakeside town of Port Clinton, Ohio, Woody’s Boathouse & Gifts is charting a fresh course in the world of independent retail. Launched just a year ago, this nautically themed gift shop is already making waves with visitors and locals alike, thanks to its one-of-a-kind selection and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Drawing in anglers, holidaymakers, and lovers of the great outdoors, Woody’s has quickly become a go-to stop for those seeking meaningful souvenirs and standout décor.
In honour of Independent Retailer Month, we caught up with shop owner Dennis Stacy to learn more about the inspiration behind the shop, his journey as an independent business owner, and why MOVA Globes have become a standout feature in the store.
Tell us a little bit about how Woody’s Boathouse & Gifts started.
Woody’s Boathouse & Gifts started out as a pole barn to store a 30’ wooden boat prototype. We had been storing this beautiful, all mahogany prototype speedboat that my wife’s father designed and built in the late 1990’s. We thought it would be much better if we had our own heated building instead of paying someone else to store it year after year. Well, the plans kept expanding so we ended up purchasing some vacant land and decided to incorporate a nautical gift shop around the boat. So after about 6 months of building and stocking the gift shop we opened Woody’s Boathouse & Gifts on August 21, 2014!
The wooden boat prototype behind the inspiration for Woody’s Boathouse.
Why are you proud to be an Independent Retailer?
My wife and I enjoy the “mom and pop” type stores. We want to be able to contribute to the economy and development of Port Clinton and this is one way we hope we can. We’ve had several retail shops in the past, and enjoyed it, so it seemed like a perfect fit for us.
What makes your store unique? Why do your customers love shopping there?
We strive to carry a line of merchandise that people do not find just anywhere, such as the MOVA Globes. We also carry many nautical items both vintage and antique for the marine collector and many fine gifts for home decor. Also, my wife and I are basically the only ones who run the store so we try to have a friendly customer relationship with all our visitors.
The eclectic mix of nautical and adventure-themed gifts offered at Woody’s.
How are you impacting your community?
By giving the community and its visitors another place and choice for shopping. Woody’s has [also] donated items for community fundraisers and [we] support the area Chamber of Commerce. We will be holding our first Nautical Flea Market on September 13.
What makes the city of Port Clinton interesting and why should people visit the area?
Port Clinton, Ohio is located on the shores of Lake Erie, the Walleye Capital of the World, about midway between Toledo. Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio. Tens of thousands of tourists visit each year for fishing, vacationing, Cedar Point, the Lake Erie Islands, and much more! It is a very exciting, friendly and fun place to visit!
When did you first discover MOVA Globes?
About one year ago in a gift shop in Michigan. What was your initial reaction to them? I couldn’t understand HOW they were rotating on those acrylic spindles! We both thought what a great item to offer to our customers!
What are your customers’ general responses to MOVA Globes?
Most are in awe of the operation of the globes. Everyone agrees they are a special item and a perfect gift when the customer asks “What do you get for someone that has everything”? Get them a MOVA!
The gift shop’s beautiful MOVA Globe display.
Which model is your favorite and why?
The Satellite View with Gold Lettering and the Earth with Clouds seem to be the most popular.
Port Clinton, Ohio
www.woodysboathouseandgifts.com
https://www.facebook.com/WoodysBoathouse
