Spring break and summers down the shore are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what swimwear to sport on the water. While a lot of women may look at bikini shopping as the seventh layer of hell, a small but mighty store in Bayonne is looking to change that mindset. Tropicalia Resort Wear, located at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne, is opening on February 22nd and will be selling resort wear as well as allowing private shopping experiences to make shoppers more comfortable while finding their next favorite beach outfit. Read on to learn about Tropicalia Resort Wear and why the owner chose to open her store in Bayonne, New Jersey.

A Woman-Owned Business In Bayonne

The owner of Tropicalia, Jessie Laracuente, launched the brand in May of 2020. Swimwear has been a staple in Jessie’s life. She is Puerto Rican and grew up surrounded by water and living most of her days in a swimsuit. While she collected many different styles of swimsuits, Jessie felt there was something missing in those styles and wanted to create a brand to fill those gaps for women of all shapes and sizes.

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She is an active-duty military member currently serving in the Army. In 2021, she made her move to the East Coast. The military relocated Jessie from Los Angeles, CA, to Staten Island, NY, and during her move, she fell in love with Bayonne. It’s what made her decide to put down roots here and open a storefront for her growing business.

“I had visited New York twice before and knew I wanted to be in the city but not directly in it,” Jessie told The Hoboken Girl. “I discovered Bayonne, and it was love at first sight. I was drawn to its close-knit community, accessibility to the Light Rail, New York City, and other attractions. Now, as Bayonne continues to grow and expand, I’m excited to introduce my brand to the area.”

Since moving to New Jersey, Jessie has been growing her business within Hudson County by participating in local markets like the Main Street Pops Market. She says she’s looking forward to further introducing her brand to the Jersey City and Hoboken areas.

The Tropicalia Experience

Tropicalia Resort Wear officially opens to the public on Saturday, February 22nd at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne. Jessie welcomes shoppers with a big smile, surrounded by a rainbow of swimsuits lining the walls. The items for sale are luxury resort wear and swimsuits from premium Colombian brands. Jessie tells HG her collection is for women looking for a high-quality, stylish piece that makes them feel confident, elegant, but still on trend.

The bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups on display come in all sizes and colors, making it simple to find a piece to make one feel confident near the pool or beach.

On top of curating a colorful collection of swimwear and resort wear, Tropicalia will have solo shopping experiences available by appointment. “I know how stressful swimwear shopping can be,” Jessie shared with HG. “I want to create a space where my customers feel comfortable and confident.”

For those looking to schedule a private shopping session, email [email protected]. Prospective customers can also fill out the contact form on Tropicalia’s website. Depending on availability, guests can shop for as long or as little as they please. There is no spending requirement, so shoppers can browse at their leisure.

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“This personalized approach ensures they have the time and privacy to find exactly what they’re looking for,” Jessie said.

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