The Next Best Thing to Being There
Throughout Atlantic Edge’s showroom are life-size representations of large, aquatic creatures. Some of these are sculpted from styrofoam or other lightweight materials. Others are fish that John caught himself or obtained from professional taxidermists.
“There’s a fellow that has displayed these every year at DEMA,” John told me, “Whatever show specials he has, I buy,” John has also scoured curio and souvenir shops throughout the Keys and south Florida. “When I see a display item I like, I’ll find out where they got it and see if I can obtain one for myself.”
John has also gotten some professional help with his merchandising and display. Next door to Atlantic Edge is a ski shop that is part of a large chain. John enlisted the help of one of its managers. “This guy is a display genius,” says John.
John incorporates a number of unusual items in his displays.
- There is a large piece of artificial coral that was no longer being used by the National Aquarium.
- There is an authentic New England lobster trap hanging from one wall.
- Artificial palm trees are located throughout the store, creating the impression you’re in the sunny Caribbean — and not the busy DC suburbs.
John has even fashioned oversized “scuba” cylinders from PVC. These serve as a backdrop to manikins and provide a unique way to display complete scuba packages.
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