Getting Ship-shape

In a sea of closing businesses, foreclosures, and record-breaking unemployment rates, it was a great pleasure to cover the celebration of a business enjoying long-standing success.

The owners, Liz and Diane, are successful because they provide great customer service and wonderful merchandise at a great price.

These beautiful candles, made by one of Liz's neighbors, are aromatic and decorative.

They offer skim boards for the beach and nice shirts so you can look stylish on the beach.

There is decor for your home with a soothing tropical theme.

I loved this shirt because it exudes a tropical relaxed feeling that says, "Relax and enjoy paradise."

There are blouses for the ladies,

VERY stylish clothes for men,

and even clothes for stylish little beachgoers.

gorgeous bikinis in every flavor,

and wild fun stripes for your fancy feet.

These summer slip-ons reminded me of delicious, cold watermelon - perfect for summer!

The cool tropical theme could even be found in gold for your ears.

Wouldn't this clock look so cool on your wall?

The turtles in this piece seem as if they are soaring through the ocean with their jeweled backs.

Everyone's favorite question here is, "Is it 5:00 yet?"

This stunning pirate ship was an eye-catcher and a sure conversation piece.

Wouldn't it be cool to take a ride on the real pirate ship we have here but to board the ship with your own hook for a hand? Ship-Shape makes your kid the coolest one on the bARRRRge!

There is even a large section of interesting, educational and fun books.

You owe it to yourself to visit this wonderful store for your outfits, toys, visors, glasses, windchimes and so much more that is not pictured here. These wonderful ladies were kind and friendly, welcoming each new customer and their regulars with a genuine smile. You could tell by the traffic in their store that they knew how to make each customer feel like they were the most important person in the store even while it had many customers. This is the truth and this is why they are celebrating 16 years in business in a time marked by economic turmoil and crisis. Connecting with your customer is the key to success in business and these ladies are proof that they are doing it right. Come feel what it is like at 5212 Padre Blvd. You'll be glad you did.