The Sky’s the Limit for Some Museum Shop Shoppers

By Karen Appold

For some customers at museum shops, money is no object. They’re willing to spend $100, $1,000, or even more. So what appeals most to these clientele?

For Ian Cunningham , operations manager at Crater Rock Museum in Central Point, Ore., jewelry and handcrafted items made by local artists are some of the higher priced merchandise that sells quickly and for upwards of $300 each. Home décor is among the 1,800-square-foot shop’s most expensive merchandise, and includes ame- thyst cathedrals ranging from $500 to $7,500 each. “They’re a steady selling item, and the appeal is wide ranging,” he said. “Guests mainly buy them as gifts for others, decorations, collection pieces, and family heirlooms. Because many minerals and gems hold their resale value, they’re a good investment as well.”

Glenn MacPherson , director of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pa., said the 750-square-foot museum store sells a variety of home décor items for history buffs. Signed prints from artist Don Troiani, who currently has a special exhibit at the museum, are selling well. They range from $120 to $250.

At the 1,500-square-foot shop at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville, Ky., a large portion of merchandise is bourbon related. In 2018, the museum was Continued on page 44

Of the African American Museum AAMP in Philadelphia, shown from left to right: Vice President of Programming Ivan Henderson; Group Sales Coordinator Cassandra Murray Phillips; Gallery Guide Morgan Lloyd; Vice President of Operations Amber Mays; Visitor Services Associate Marcia Gray; and Facility Manager Kirk Dorset. Mays said the book, jewelry, and home décor categories contain some expensive choices

The Sky’s the Limit (From page 42) named the official start of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, so lots of guests start their journey there, said Heidi Janes , manager of visitor services.

Amber Mays , vice president of operations at the African American Museum (AAMP) in Philadelphia, Pa., said that the book, jewelry, and home décor categories have some expensive merchandise. “These items appeal most to our clientele because they assist in exploring the Black experience,” she said. “Through our book selection, customers can learn more about African Americans and people of the African diaspora, which provides them with a better understanding of their cultural and historical relevance. By purchasing jewelry, customers not only support the museum, but they also have the opportunity to support local Philadelphia vendors. Purchasing a home décor item allows customers to share the AAMP experience and our brand outside of the museum’s four walls.”

Best-Sellers

Crystal Buxton , retail manager, LeMay - America’s Car Museum, Tacoma, Wash., said the book, “Lamborghini: Where Why Who When What” by Antonio Ghini,” is a top seller at the 350-squarefoot shop. “This classy high-fashion book features beautiful photography of one of the most iconic Italian cars on the market,” she said.