GULF SHORES — ­ Many exciting changes have come to Gulf Shores in recent months. The city has a new welcome center, brand initiative, website and even a city store where shoppers can purchase Gulf Shores brand merchandise.

New items for purchase in the city store include jewelry, T-shirts, visors, cups and ornaments.

According to Grant Brown, city of Gulf Shores director of recreation and cultural affairs, merchandise like this will help promote the city’s brand, and give people a chance to express their love of Pleasure Island.

“(It’s) to support the city’s ‘Small town, big beach’ brand,” he said. “Making city logoed merchandise available to the public, both residents and visitors alike, allows us to take advantage of the people who love our area and proud to be able to represent it.”

Ed Delmore, the city store manager, agreed.

“All of the items we sell include either our official Gulf Shores logo or our ever popular ‘Small Town, Big Beach’ slogan,” he offered. “Every item we choose to retail completely encompasses our brand. We want our gear to make an impact across the country. We want those that haven’t visited us before to ask, ‘Small Town, Big Beach? Where’s that?’

Delmore said that all the merchandise was chosen carefully to offer quality items for consumers.

“We want to make sure that what we sell and how we represent the brand of our city through our merchandise, is of the utmost quality; carefully examining and testing all products before we put them on display and online at gulfshoresgear.com for our residents, and those across the country,” he explained. “All of our items are unique and high-quality, yet still have that traditional look and feel that people love.”

He said that the new building and quality merchandise fit the city’s vision.

“We brought the beach to the corner of Highway 59 and Clubhouse Drive,” he began. “We are located in one of the most unique building’s I’ve ever seen--it’s actually designed to look like a shrimp boat. It was originally the Tourist Information Center back in the ‘60s and has been a variety of things since, even functioning as our fire department for a bit.

“The building has a history that we are able to share with everyone that walks through the door. So many of our employees were passionate about the restoration and renovation of this building. The fact that we are surrounded by sand is just the tip of the iceberg. I’d recommend everyone come in and check this place out. There are uniquities you will discover every time you stop in. We have everything from custom jewelry (made locally by Blue Girl Beading Co.) to Tervis Tumblers. One of our best-selling items right now is called a SiliPint (pronounced “Silly-Pint). It’s a 100% silicone cup that’s unbreakable and they are selling great.”

While each individual chooses items according to his or her taste, style and needs, Delmore said he thinks everyone who visits shares something in common.

“I would hope that when our visitors get back home, wherever that may be, our gear reminds them of the great times they had in our wonderful city,” he said witha smile. “The time they spent on our beautiful beaches, the Alabama seafood they were able to enjoy, and all of the small businesses they were able to support when they were here with us.”

To start shopping, visit gulfshoresgear.com or visit the store, located at the corner of U.S. Highway 59 and Clubhouse Drive.