AMUSEMENT PARK SOUVENIRS TO SCREAM ABOUT
Theme park visitors seek mementos that capture the thrill of their favorite rides.
HOLIDAY-THEMED DECOR IS A HIT YEAR-ROUND
No matter the time of year, destination retailers are all in on the holiday cheer.
APPAREL DISPLAY IDEAS THAT WILL GET NOTICED Boost apparel sales with expert merchandising tips and advice from the pros.
EDITOR’S LETTER
SGN continues to enhance its content offerings.
RETAILER ROADMAP
Special Section: Product previews and exhibiting advertisers. 42
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
Drew Smith and Cheryl McIntosh of the Tiny Timbers Resort gift shop in South Fork, Colorado, share how the shop aims to deliver a unique experience for the resort’s customers in every shopping trip.
Thrilling ride and lovable character themes are hits at amusement park gift shops. These retailers are taking unique approaches to remind their customers of the exciting experiences they had on their favorite rides and attractions.
Discover the stores featured in this issue.
NEWS BRIEF
SGN wins Azbee award, Zoo Boise opens gift shop and more.
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
Make plans to attend these upcoming trade shows.
TRADE SHOW NEWS
Coverage from past and upcoming trade shows.
ATTRACTION ACTION
Draw more customers in with exceptional event support.
SAVVY SHOPKEEPING
Differentiate your shop by offering private labeling.
TREND TALK
Stock souvenirs that resonate with the local culture and community.
FRESH IDEAS
Wolves; patriotic red, white and blue themes; and puzzles and games.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Get fresh new product ideas for your store.
AD INDEX
Easily locate an advertiser’s ad and website.
SUNSHINE AWARD
The Penguin Gallery serves tourists but also loves giving to locals. 8 12 14 26 30 36 38 40 52 142 144 146
PRODUCT TREND: Zoo Jewelry
Animal themes and conservation brands appeal to many.
THEME FOCUS: Old West
Implement these strategies to capture Old West vibes in your shop.
NEXT EXIT: McGinn’s PistachioLand
A nutty tribute that attracts visitors from around the world.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Dugins West
Dugins West has been a go-to shop for souvenirs in Park City, Utah.
PRODUCT TREND: Holiday Gifts & Souvenirs
Tourists love holiday-themed gifts to buy now and enjoy later.
MERCHANDISING: Aquariums
These shops’ products connect guests with marine life.
ON THE ROAD: Heart on Main Street
Learn about shops in Colorado, Iowa Wisconsin, Tennessee and Illinois.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Riverboat Gift Shop
Tourists visiting the Gateway Arch in St. Louis love this shop.
PRODUCT TREND: Toys & Games
Children and parents won’t be able to resist these trending play items.
MERCHANDISING: Apparel Displays
Well-organized apparel displays help to boost apparel sales.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Florida Caverns
Employees at the gift shop act as both tour guides and storytellers.
136 74 82 88 90 96 106 112 114 120 130 136
88
82
90
130 120
When Breakwall Publishing purchased Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties in January 2023, the team went to work making updates to the design. Those efforts to introduce a new design of the magazine were recently recognized by National Bronze and Regional Silver Azbee Awards of Excellence from the American Society of Business Publication Editors in the Publication Redesign category.
When you acquire a magazine that has been in business as long as SGN has — 62 years to be exact — it can be intimidating when it comes to implement any changes. We certainly had some trepidations but trusted our gut and decades of publication experience when making any modifications to this beloved publication. And those instincts have paid off with more than just an award. The updated content and design elements have been well-received by our audience.
This issue is building on the momentum of these award-winning changes. We are excited to welcome three new columns, Trend Talk by Melody Caban of Melody Caban Consulting; Attraction Action by Tommy Brown of the Saint Louis Zoo; and Savvy Shopkeeping by Kathy Cruz of The Savvy Shopkeeper Podcast. Each columnist has specialized expertise in various aspects of tourism-driven retail and will share their expert advice in each issue.
We’re also introducing The Next Exit, which will provide a fun read about some of America’s quirkiest roadside attractions and the wonderful people behind their souvenir stores. And lastly, our Retailer Spotlights are getting a refresh with more information tidbits that we hope resonate with our retailer readers.
We hope you enjoy the latest issue of SGN, and we welcome your feedback. Please let me know what you think. SGN
Published six times a year by:
Breakwall Publishing LLC 3593 Medina Rd. #117, Medina, OH 44256 800-705-6833
Subscriptions and address changes: Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834 subscriptions@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 1
KAREN CARR
PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR karen@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 701 Direct: 330-591-2575
KRISTIN ELY EXECUTIVE EDITOR & CONFERENCE DIRECTOR kristin@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 702
MEGAN SMALLEY ASSOCIATE EDITOR megan@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 704
KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR kristen@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 710
DEBBY CLARKE AD PRODUCTION COORDINATOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER debby@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 705
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BROOKE BILYJ, CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
COLUMNISTS
TOMMY BROWN, MELODY CABAN, KATHY CRUZ
LARRY WHITE MARKETING DIRECTOR larry@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 708 Direct: 610-324-2100
DEBBY NICHOLS SALES MANAGER debbynichols@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 706 Direct: 859-321-8770
BRIAN SKEPTON SALES MANAGER brian@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 703 Direct: 689-257-4377
LEE WHITE SALES MANAGER lee@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 707 Direct: 215-798-3878
KATIE TURNER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER katie@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 709
CIRCULATION
GREGORY WOLF, RUSSELL MARTH Entire contents copyright 2024 Breakwall Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
1880 Town
Midland, SD
Karen Smith
Akron Zoo Akron, OH
Shannon Sheck
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
New Orleans, LA
Randy Dickson
Bell Farm Shops York, ME
Michelle Corgan
Boise Zoo Boise, ID
Doug Holloway
Cincinnati Zoo Cincinnati, OH
Stephanie Seibert
Coronado Mercantile
Coronado, CA
Rachel Hengst
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park
Tipton, PA
Jim Mayall
Dig’n Zone Theme Park
Sevierville, TN
Doug Gaither
Dinosaur Land
White Post, VA
Samuel Seldon
Dugins West Park City, UT
Linda Dugins
Desiree Thoma
Florida Caverns Gift Shop
Marianna, FL
Brenda Shirah
Ghost Town Museum
Colorado Springs, CO
Kathy Harris
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Springs, CO
Jonathan Jiron
Goodsprings, NV
Stephen Staats
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, IL
Joseph Straub
Kelleys Island Clothing Company
Sandusky, OH
Carla Pelz
Goodsprings General Store
Margaritaville Resort
Orlando
Kissimmee, FL
William Hill
Clarissa McGinn
Timothy McGinn
Suzanne Liola Matus
McGinn’s PistachioLand Alamogordo, NM
New England Aquarium Boston, MA
North Carolina Aquariums Roanoke, NC
Amanda Cross
Pahaska Tepee Golden, CO
Bill Carle
Penguin Gallery of NH
North Conway, NH
Tiga Brault
Reid Park Zoo Tucson, AZ
Kimberley Rohr
Riverboat Gift Shop at The Arch
St. Louis, MO
Amber Barbeau
Sesame Place
Philadelphia, PA
Meagan Passero
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties interviews retailers in popular destinations all over the United States. These are the stores featured in the July-August 2024 issue.
Seymour Marine Science Discovery Center
Santa Cruz, CA
Emily Casaretto
The Christmas Shoppe
Boerne, TX
Emily Carvalho
Tiny Timbers Resort
South Fork, CO
Cheryl McIntosh
Drew Smith
Tomahawk Lake Waterpark Sparta, NJ
Lynne Gallo
Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
David Reid
Utica Zoo
Utica, NY
Kyla Jacobs
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA
Sara Nguyen
HAVE A STORY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
We would love to hear from you! Email Kristin Ely at kristin@breakwallpublishing.com.
Medina, Ohio-based Breakwall Publishing has announced its two publications, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (SGN) and Seaside Retailer, have each been recognized by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) with 2024 Azbee Awards of Excellence.
SGN and Karen Carr, publisher and creative director, were awarded a National Bronze Award and a Heartland Chapter regional Silver Award in the Publication Redesign design category.
Breakwall Publishing acquired SGN in January 2023. The publishing company debuted its first issue with a fresh look and feel in March/ April 2023, including new editorial sections and several design updates.
“This honor from ASBPE is a testament to our commitment to excellence,” Carr says. “From day one of owning SGN, we’ve placed an emphasis on enhancing all aspects of the publication, and this award is a culmination of those efforts.”
co-owner Felipe “Flip” Oliveira.
Seaside Retailer and Brook Bilyj, contributing editor, were awarded a National Silver Award and a Heartland Chapter regional Gold Award in the Company Profile editorial category. The winning editorial entry was for Seaside Retailer’s July/ August 2023 Cover Profile, “Experiencing the Magic,” written by Bilyj, featuring the Jupiter, Florida-based Ocean Magic Surf Shop and its new
With hopes of taking environmental commitment to the next level, the New England Aquarium in Boston, along with its retail partner Event Network, has taken steps to remove plastic from the aquarium’s gift shop.
The aquarium’s gift shop has replaced all plastic products with those that are plastic-free, biodegradable or constructed from recycled plastic materials. According to the New England Aquarium, the effort is part of Event Network’s Plastic S.T.O.P.S. Initiative, which the gift shop first implemented in 2023.
“The Plastic S.T.O.P.S. Initiative is a journey we are taking together, and we’re not at the finish line yet,” says Julie Ricci, vice president of purchasing at Event Network. “We are upfront about items that don’t currently have a viable alternative, but we all celebrate together when we can introduce a process or product that gets us closer.”
Kristin Ely, Breakwall Publishing editorial director, says, “When we were deciding what profile to enter in the awards, this story stood out to me as it was both inspiring and insightful. Brooke’s approach to the article as well as Flip’s moldbreaking approach to retail made for an engaging article. We are thrilled that ASBPE also recognized the enterprising work that went into the feature.”
M&W Design Co., a sustainable souvenir and gift manufacturer, has launched “ThinPrints” as a new product in its Home/Gift division. These new sustainably sourced signs made of furniture-grade wood are “thin enough to hang, wide enough to sit and fun enough to show off,” according to the company.
ThinPrints come in various categories, including family, work, fun, sarcasm and holiday. According to M&W Design Co., these unique signs offer a fresh take in the home decor market. The new product line brings the values of M&W Design to the home and gift market.
“We have a lot of fun bringing these words to life with our designs,” says Mike Whalen, founder of M&W Design. “Not only do some of these pull at your heartstrings, make you laugh or radiate positivity, but in some instances also say out loud what others are thinking.”
He adds, “Being able to make a product in the U.S. and do it sustainably, while also being competitive, energizes us. We’re excited to push the envelope and create products that bring awareness to consumers. Products such as ThinPrints show that being diligent, listening to the marketplace and being creative show what is possible.”
Aurora World Inc., a provider of plush toys, has acquired Mary Meyer, a branded plush toy company that specializes in baby, general and seasonal plush products. The move solidifies Aurora World’s position in the plush toy industry and expands possibilities for both brands.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Meyer into the Aurora World Inc. family,” says Henry Gweon, CEO at Aurora World. “Their dedication to quality and innovation in the various types of plush products perfectly complements our own values. Together, we look forward to continuing to delight children and families with our adorable creations.”
Aurora World says there is a natural synergy between the two brands. By combining Aurora’s
global reach, design expertise and manufacturing capabilities with Mary Meyer’s 90-plus year legacy of plush products, the companies say they will strengthen their product offerings and streamline operations.
Under the umbrella of Aurora World Inc., Mary Meyer will continue to operate as an independent brand, maintaining its distinct identity while benefiting from the resources and expertise of its parent company. Customers can expect the same level of attention to detail that they have come to associate with both Aurora World and Mary Meyer.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition brings,” says Kevin Meyer, president at Mary Meyer, who will remain with the acquired company along with other
family members. “By joining forces with Aurora World Inc., we can further expand our reach and bring our beloved baby plush toys to even more families around the world.”
The acquisition allows Aurora World to expand its lineup of plush toys, including new baby-safe designs inspired by Mary Meyer’s legacy. Mary Meyer also benefits from Aurora World’s extensive national account distribution network, according to Aurora World.
City of Boise leaders, Friends of Zoo Boise board members and project partners have celebrated the groundbreaking of two big improvement projects at Zoo Boise. The expanded indoor and outdoor red panda
exhibit will increase animal care and viewing opportunities, while a new gift shop will help support Zoo Boise’s wildlife conservation and education efforts around the world.
“This is an incredible day for Zoo Boise and an opportunity for us to highlight all of the generous donors who have made these investments possible,” says Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We are proud to own and operate this premiere zoo and even more proud of the dedicated staff who continue to put animal care first.”
The new and expanded red panda complex at Zoo Boise will contain unique outdoor habitats, indoor day rooms and an overhead walkway to allow the red pandas to move between different areas. The project also includes accessibility improvements for guests at the zoo to better see and interact with the animals.
This first phase of the “Heart of the Zoo” campaign includes the
construction of a new gift shop, separate zoo exit, as well as additional upgrades to aging exhibits and facilities planned over the next eight years. Donations support a revamp of the Small Animal Kingdom, a state-of-the-art education facility, as well as planned updates to the penguin and snow leopard exhibits, among others.
To date, the Friends of Zoo Boise nonprofit has raised nearly $9 million to support the current phase of the zoo’s visionary master plan, which is expected to cost $11.5 million to complete.
The new, larger red panda exhibit and updated gift shop are expected to open in the spring of 2025. Areas of the zoo will be fenced and closed during construction.
Silver Streak, a Tempe, Arizonabased gem, mineral, souvenir and jewelry wholesale distributor, has announced a change in ownership. Mike and Betty Mallon founded the business in 1978, building a reputation for providing exceptional customer service and innovative in-store displays, but after more than four decades in the business, the couple decided the time was ripe for retirement.
Lucky for them, Roger and Lisa Booth were in the market for a new business venture. The Arizona-based couple has had several business ventures and were looking for a new business to run when a broker introduced them to the Mallons.
“We wanted to find a business that we could grow and one that
we felt strongly about,” says Roger. “Both Lisa and I had a strong connection to the product. It was something that both of us had experienced in our childhoods as well as our kids, and the fact that it was in Tempe, Arizona, was just an added plus.”
As the Booths went through the process of due diligence, Roger says they felt at every step, becoming the owners of Silver Streak would be a good fit.
He adds that another major deciding factor in purchasing the company was that Mike and Betty’s daughter, Dawn Jackson, who has been with the business for 35 years, plans to stay with the company.
“We have a long-term contract with her which helps us feel
good about things,” he says. The company has 14 employees in its 17,000-square-foot facility, many of which have one, two and three decades of experience, including longtime salesperson, Joe Marr, who has been with the company 38 years.
While growth and improvements will be a focus for the Booths, Roger affirms customers can expect the same exceptional customer service as they always have.
Each year the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave attracts more than 80,000 guests. But the Buffalo Bill gift shop and cafe will close when its contract expires at the end of 2024.
Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) owns the park and its buildings. The current contract was signed by owner of the family-run business in 2017 for a five-year term and two-year extension, which ends this December.
DPR plans to secure the destination’s legacy by preserving the site. The museum will stay open during preservation efforts. There are also hopes of a future souvenir shop after preservation efforts are completed.
In response to the evolving landscape of retail, a collaborative initiative called “Reps are Local Too” has launched this summer. Spearheaded by Angela Schmook, vice president of operations at Road Runners LLC, and Kelly P. Bristol, vice president of business development at Just Got 2 Have It!, this movement emphasizes the significance of ordering from local representatives within the retail sector.
“Reps are Local Too” is fueled by the dedication of over 25 representative agencies nationwide, all uniting to champion local businesses. Participating sales representative agencies include: And! Sales, Darrah & Co., Diverse Marketing, Enchanted Moments, Just Got 2 Have It!, Keith Smith Ltd., The Link Companies, NEST, Next Step Reps, The Portico Collection, On the Road Reps, Ritz Sisters, Road Runners, among many others.
The campaign launched June 4, accompanied by a coordinated social media blitz across participating agencies. With a steadfast commitment to continuity beyond the summer market season, “Reps are Local Too” anticipates a lasting impact well into 2025 and beyond.
Sincere Surroundings, a Rock Rapids, Iowa-based provider of home decor and personalized gifts, has launched its new website. This move reflects the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and providing an enriched online shopping experience. The new website showcases Sincere Surroundings diverse range of products, including inspirational wall art, custom candles, and personalized home accents. To experience the new Sincere Surroundings website and explore its collection of heartfelt products, visit www.sinceresurroundings.com.
AUG. 4-7
NY NOW New York www.nynow.com
AUG. 13-16
Dallas Apparel & Accessories Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com
SEPT. 5-7
Surf Expo Orlando, Florida www.surfexpo.com
SEPT. 17-20
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show Las Vegas www.lvsouvenirshow.com
JULY
JULY 16-22
Atlanta Market Atlanta www.americasmart.com
JULY 22-26
Seattle Mart Summer Show Seattle www.seattlemart.com
JULY 24-25
Mid-Atlantic Merchandise Mart Philadelphia www.midatlanticmart.com
JULY 26-30
Minneapolis Mart Home & Gift Show Minneapolis www.mplsmart.com
JULY 28-AUG. 1
Las Vegas Market Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com
JULY 29-31
CMC LA Market Week Los Angeles www.californiamarketcenter.com/ lamarketweek
JULY 30 - AUG. 2
Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com
AUG. 3-5
Biloxi Gift Show Biloxi, Mississippi www.wmigiftshows.com
AUG. 4-6
Shoppe Object New York www.shoppeobject.com
AUG. 9-11
GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
AUG. 14-16
Super Zoo Las Vegas www.superzoo.org
AUG. 17-20
IFJAG
Las Vegas www.ifjag.com
AUG. 18-21
Women’s Wear in Nevada (WWIN) Las Vegas www.wwinshow.com
AUG. 18-20
Miami International Mart Show Miami www.martofmiami.com
AUG. 18-21
Las Vegas Apparel Market
Las Vegas www.lasvegas-apparel.com
AUG. 21-23
Rocky Mountain Apparel, Gift & Resort Show Denver www.rockymountainshow.com
AUG. 25-27
Trendz West Palm Beach, Florida www.trendzshow.com
SEPT. 6-8
Carolina Children’s Market Fort Mill, South Carolina www.charlottechildrensmarket.net
SEPT. 8-9
Metro Michigan Show Livonia, Michigan www.silverliningshows.com
SEPT. 9-10
New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Shows Boxboro, Massachusetts www.nemadeshows.com
SEPT. 11-12
The Northern Michigan Show Gaylord, Michigan www.silverliningshows.com
The Coastal Connections Conference has announced that Kathy Cruz, founder of the Savvy Shopkeeper, will be the keynote speaker at the next event, Feb. 11-12, 2025, at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida.
With a passion for indie retail, an eye for trends and an analytical mind, Cruz has carved her niche as an expert for brick-andmortar business owners looking to thrive in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
As the founder of Savvy Shopkeeper, she has transformed her experiences as a retailer and entrepreneur into a valuable resource for fellow shop owners. Through her blog, podcast and social media, Cruz shares tips, success stories and industry trends, empowering indie retailers to maximize their potential.
“We are ecstatic to have Kathy Cruz of Savvy Shopkeeper as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Coastal Connections Conference,” says Kristin Ely, director of the Coastal Connections Conference. “After participating in panels during the 2023 event, it was clear Kathy has a wealth of ideas to share with the seaside retailer community to help their businesses thrive.”
“Seaside Success: Seven Essential Financial Metrics for Growing Your Coastal Retail Business” will kick off the main conference on Feb. 11 from 1:15-2:30 p.m. This engaging and informative presentation is tailored for independent retailers in coastal destinations, providing them with the financial insights needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Cruz says, “Coastal retailers will not want to miss this opportunity to learn and equip yourself with the tools to make data-driven decisions that will propel your store’s success.”
As anticipation grows for Surf Expo’s September edition, the trade show for watersports and coastal lifestyle industry, organizers have announced a robust lineup of exhibitors. The September show is designed to provide many opportunities for attendees.
“The Surf Expo team is super excited about our brand lineup for September,” says Surf Expo Show Director and Senior Vice President Roy Turner. “Buyers will be sure to find the next new thing for their stores.”
Buyer registration is tracking well, and major surf brands are committed to Surf Expo September. From the latest trends like surf cowboy/coastal cowgirl inspired fashion to the rising popularity of Pickleball, attendees can expect to discover exciting innovations and market trends.
Surf Expo says its September show will introduce a lineup of new brands, providing fresh opportunities for buyers and retailers. The event takes place Sept. 5-7 in Orlando, Florida. Qualified retailers can find out more and register for free before Aug. 22 at www.surfexpo.com.
New Great Lakes boutique gift show to debut in 2025
Great Lakes Promotions LLC, a Michigan event company, has introduced the Great Lakes Boutique & Gift Show as a new wholesale venue for the gift industry. The event will take place Feb. 25-27, 2025, at the Kalamazoo Expo Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Buyers, owners and decision-makers in the gift industry are welcome to attend the event.
Eric Howard, owner and event manager with Great Lakes Promotions, says this event is a great opportunity for business owners who would like to increase their wholesale opportunities around the Great Lakes region.
He adds, the show is gaining momentum throughout the Midwest and beyond and will host new first time exhibitors, manufacturer rep groups, artisans and companies from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Montana, Florida and Massachusetts. Great Lakes Promotions is limiting each type of product sold to allow for more diverse gift lines.
“We are trying to create a new show, a new vibe and buzz,” says Howard.
This Summer, ANDMORE plans to reorganize the gift and home temporary exhibits at Atlanta Market to provide buyers with a refreshed showcase. The gift and home temporary exhibits will offer some 1,400 brands across seven curated categories for comprehensive sourcing July 17-21 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
The reimagined temporaries will now feature brands through seven umbrella categories: Cash & Carry, Fashion Accessories, Gift, High Design, Home, Kitchen + Table and Makers Hub. The temporaries will be featured on eight floors in Buildings 2 and 3 of AmericasMart Atlanta. ANDMORE says this positioning allows buyers to shop cross-category selections in more concentrated, journey-driven neighborhoods.
A complete list of Atlanta Market exhibitors is available at www.atlantamarket.com/exhibitor-directory.
CARV to make San Diego debut in 2025
RedlineXpo, a leading provider of trade shows and expos across the United States, has announced the newest addition to its portfolio: CARV — California Action Retailer + Venture. CARV Expo, taking place June 20-22, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, marks the return of a West Coast-based expo where manufacturers can showcase the latest outdoor, adventure and sports-related products.
CARV Expo will feature a wide range of manufacturers showcasing products from apparel to hard goods to wellness and more. Josh Rifkin, co-founder of CARV Expo, says the location also improves access for retailers and brands from Hawaii and beyond.
CARV joins the RedlineXpo portfolio alongside the Rocky Mountain Apparel, Gift & Resort Show — the destination expo for the Rocky Mountain Region — and The Reunion — a curated experience for high-quality buyers and sellers of apparel and retail goods.
The Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits at Las Vegas Market provide access to innovative and bestselling products with a showcase of some 400 brands in the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, July 28-31.
The Las Vegas Market Gift & Home Temporaries bring emerging and veteran exhibitors to Market through six distinct categories: Design, Gift, Handmade, Home, LUXE and Immediate Delivery. In Summer 2024, updates in temporary offerings include new exhibitors returning to Market following a hiatus.
Notable exhibitors, confirmed to date, in the Gift category include Eastern Elm (decor, art, tea and tableware), Klean Kanteen (stainless steel water bottles, tumblers and mugs) and Vondels (high-end Christmas ornaments).
A full list of Las Vegas Market temporary exhibitors can be found at www.lasvegasmarket.com/exhibitor/ exhibitor-directory.
The Smoky Mountain Gift Show features a new logo for 2024. Show organizer Clarion Events says it has been 13 years since the Smoky Mountain Gift Show rebranded.
“Our biggest goals were to honor the tradition and history of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, celebrate the location of the event and choose a color palette that was bright and complimentary to the on-site experience,” says Christina Bell, show director for the event.
Since the Smoky Mountain Gift Show always takes place at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the shape and font on the new logo pay homage to the recognizable national park sign.
Clarion Events also made sure to incorporate an American black bear on the rebranded logo. “The bear is such an iconic representation of Gatlinburg and one of the park’s most famous residents,” says Bell.
BY TOMMY BROWN
Attraction retailers are in a special place — not only do they support their attraction, but they may also support events within their attraction.
To do this well, attraction retailers must work with their organization to understand the event they will be hosting. The buyer must research products and understand the cultural/local impact of the products. The visual team must ensure the products are supported by signs and props that make a big impact on the guests.
Highlighted events should always be up front in your locations and in all of your display windows. The next step is engaging the team to understand the new products and suggest these products for all that attend the event.
Highlighted events should always be up front in your locations and in all of your display windows. The next step is engaging the team to understand the new products and suggest these products for all that attend the event. With events, people want to take something home to remember their experience.
For example: if you have a lantern festival at night, your facility should look at glow items for children. You will also want to have shirts for the event in the same design for adults and children because families want to make memories together.
If the event has a cultural component, always consult experts in that culture to avoid any cultural backlash of your products. If it is a scientific or historical event, consult with experts in the field to ensure the products and visual signs are correct for the event.
As a retailer that supports a facility, you must maintain integrity and accuracy. Once products go out, there is no way to recall incorrect information or misrepresentation. Always check your work, and have others check your work, because you have one shot to get it right.
Events can challenge retail teams. Here are some final tips for success with events:
• Get a full understanding of the event and plan where to place retail within it.
• Set a buy plan; work with vendors on price and quantities; track event merchandise; and set parameters for replenishment and end-of-event liquidations.
• Create event merchandise that stands out from your normal merchandise mix.
• Run promotions for the event merchandise, such as BOGOs or two for $50, to motivate buyers.
• You only have a limited time to sell event items, so invest in larger-than-life visuals for these items.
• Adjust labor if needed for the event.
Above all, make great memories through your attraction’s merchandise! SGN
TOMMY BROWN is a ZAG BOARD MEMBER, retail and visual manager for the SAINT LOUIS ZOO and a professional speaker on retail topics. He can be reached at tbrown@stlzoo.org.
BY KATHY CRUZ
The internet has fundamentally changed the landscape of retail, making it both easier and harder for local stores to stand out. Independent retailers often ask me how they can differentiate themselves from other shops. Private labeling is one way to accomplish this.
In retail, private labeling is when a store sells products under its own brand name, but someone else makes or manufactures the products. Here’s how souvenir and gift shops can utilize private labeling services effectively:
1
Branding. Create a unique brand identity for your private-labeled products, something that resonates with your target market. Work with private labeling services or graphic designers to design custom logos, packaging, and labels that reflect the essence of your shop and the destination it represents. Creating a strong brand identity can attract customers and build loyalty over time.
Customization takes more effort but when done well, it adds value to your customers and can justify higher price points, increasing margins.
2
Exclusive products Offer exclusive products that can only be found in your shop. You might be surprised to find local makers in your community or online who offer this type of service.
3
Quality control. You have the ability to maintain quality control standards to ensure that your private label products meet your expectations. Whether you’re working with a large manufacturer or a small business owner, ask for samples so you can decide if the product and quality are a good fit for your store and brand.
4
Price competitiveness. Use private labeling to control costs and improve profit margins. By sourcing products directly from manufacturers and bypassing intermediaries, you can sometimes reduce production costs and offer competitive prices to customers.
5
Customization options. In some instances, you may be able to establish a relationship with a manufacturer or maker where you offer customization options. Customization takes more effort but when done well, it adds value to your customers and can justify higher price points, increasing margins.
6
Partnerships. Explore partnerships with local artists, designers or influencers to create co-branded products. This can help you attract new customers. Offering limited edition “collection drops” adds a sense of urgency and will get these products to turn faster!
By leveraging private labeling services effectively, souvenir and gift shops can differentiate themselves in a crowded market, build brand loyalty, and ultimately increase sales and margins. SGN
KATHY CRUZ is a RETAIL BUSINESS COACH and host of the SAVVY SHOPKEEPER RETAIL PODCAST. Reach her via email at: kathy@savvyshopkeeper.com. Learn more on her website, www.savvyshopkeeper.com, and Instagram, @savvyshopkeeper.
BY MELODY CABAN
The souvenir and gift industry thrives on capturing hearts and igniting memories.
But, let’s face it, the same products of yesteryear might not resonate with today’s travelers. Here’s how retailers can stay ahead of the curve and curate collections that truly resonate.
Savvy retailers recognize the allure of hands-on experiences that allow visitors to engage with culture and connect with your products. Why merely purchase a souvenir when you can create a memory?
Adding an event can also make your store a draw. Not sure where to start? Your vendors are your best resource! Perhaps you can showcase one of your learning kits to let customers get hands-on. These experiences transform
As retailers, you have a powerful opportunity to forge lasting connections with customers by curating souvenirs that tell authentic stories.
souvenirs into cherished keepsakes infused with meaningful connection.
What’s your region’s unique story? Customers yearn for unique, locally inspired pieces that embody the authentic character of their destination.
From ceramics shaped like area landmarks to T-shirts featuring local folklore (jackalope anyone?), these hyper-local souvenirs offer visitors a tangible connection to the people, traditions and flavors that make your destination special.
Today’s shoppers want to support brands and businesses that align with their personal values and beliefs. As retailers, you have a powerful opportunity to forge lasting connections with customers by curating souvenirs that tell authentic stories.
The key lies in thoughtfully selecting pieces that spark conversation, ignite curiosity and create emotional resonance. By showcasing what your destination values through narrative-driven souvenirs, you invite shoppers to engage with the cultural heritage of your area.
Travel is often about shared experiences with loved ones. This trend taps into the power of creating keepsakes that spark conversation. Consider collaborative art kits that families can assemble together. Or custom photo puzzles featuring vacation snapshots that will help them relive their adventures piece by piece.
By curating treasures that tell captivating stories and offering immersive events, retailers can connect with the modern traveler. Embracing these trends allows stores to ensure their souvenirs find a home sparking joy long after the journey ends. SGN
MELODY CABAN is founder of MELODY CABAN CONSULTING, a Latina-owned consulting service that cracks an urgent problem facing museums. Learn more at www.melodycabanconsulting.com.
The call of the wild will be heard for miles with these trending wolf-themed gifts.
1. Kerusso : Wolf Christian T-shirt, www.wholesale.kerusso.com; 2. Wheeler Manufacturing: Nature’s 1 wolf pendant made of genuine paua shell, www.wheelerjewelry.com; 3. Design Toscano: Howling lone wolf garden statue, www.designtoscano.com; 4. d’ears: Wolf Pack acrylic sun catcher with chain, www.d-ears.net; 5. First and Main: Floppy Friends 7-inch gray wolf plush, www.firstandmain.com; 6. Lipco: Wolf photo frame, www.lipco.biz; 7. Cape Shore: Laser-cut wood wolf ornament, www.cape-shore.com; 8. CoTa Global: Silver wolf shot glass, www.cotaglobal.com; 9. Third Wolf: 4-inch-by-4-inch green wolf sticker, www.alexavaranoart.com; 10. Capsmith: Wolf Styles - Big Eye Critters, www.capsmith.com.
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Art Studio Co.
Artistic Impressions
Aurora World
1337, 1338
805
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Red, white and blue products hold a special meaning for veterans, nautical lovers and proud Americans.
1. Mud Pie: Crab Applique swim trunks, www.wholesale.mudpie.com; 2. Lorab: Handcrafted paper stars, www.lorab.com; 3. Town Pride: USA-made knit sweater collection with American flag, www.townpride.com; 4. Woven Dignity: Hand-embroidered red, white and blue greeting cards, www.wovendignity.com; 5. Avery Lane Gifts: 4-inch by 4-inch country patriotic farm animals stone coaster, www.averylanegifts.com; 6. Home Malone: Red, white and blue sno cone door hanger, www.homemalonenola.com; 7. Bogg: USA Bogg Brrr and a Half cooler insert, www.boggbag.com; 8. Pennybandz: Pressed penny pendant necklace featuring red, white and blue colors, www.pennybandz.com; 9. Rustic Marlin: 50 stars flag wooden serving tray, www.rusticmarlin.com.
1. CoolSnowGlobes: Eclipse snow globe, www.coolsnowglobes.com; 2. Bamboo Source Tropical Decor: Sun and moon ornament, www.bambootropicaldecor.com; 3. Moonglow Jewelry: Cosmos Titan Bracelet, www.moonglow.com; 4. Moonrise Jewelry: Sterling silver moon and sun ring featuring a blue lab opal, www.moonrisejewelrystudio.com; 5. Foterra: Handmade sterling silver northern lights necklace, www.foterrajewelry.com; 6. Poppin Cards and Gifts LLC: Handmade pop-up card, www.poppincards.com; 7. Melissa Lew: Total Solar Eclipse stainless steel necklace on 18-inch chain, www.melissalew.com; 8. Beacon Design: Sun and crescent moon ornament, www.beacondesign.com; 9. A to Z Towels: 54-inch by 68-inch sun and moon cotton beach blanket, www.atoztowels.com.
SSTORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
THE TINY TIMBERS RESORT GIFT SHOP AIMS TO DELIVER A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN EVERY SHOPPING TRIP.
ometimes all it takes is a tiny little idea to change your life.
For Cheryl and Brett McIntosh, a moment in 2016 led to the life-changing decision to purchase roughly 10 acres and build Tiny Timbers Resort in South Fork, Colorado. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and more than 2 million acres of national forest known for outdoor recreation, the resort offers a home base for vacationers looking to try on tiny living in cottages that average 170 square feet.
And in the thick of it stands the 1,600-square-foot Tiny Timbers Resort gift shop — a giant of sorts in a village that resembles the mushroom houses from Smurf village. Opened in 2020, the gift shop became the third building to grace the property in addition to the coffee shop and a log cabin.
“I’m more of the business person behind the scenes,” says Cheryl McIntosh. “But the gift shop was the place that I could meet with people … and I’ve had so many great conversations in there. It’s been a neat addition.”
Also in 2020, McIntosh brought in her right-hand woman, Drew Smith, as the operation’s business manager — a position that quickly morphed and has since been renamed resort manager. Together, the duo run the gift shop as well as the coffee shop, the lodging rentals and the newest addition — the spa, which offers facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.
“It’s been harder than I ever imagined, but more fulfilling than I ever imagined,” McIntosh notes. “What a journey it’s been, but we’re thrilled and it’s finally getting fun.”
FROM THE GROUND UP
The journey to build Tiny Timbers began in 2016 during a hypothetical Fourth of July conversation between the husband and wife about the desire to build a business in South Fork.
“That was a Sunday,” McIntosh recalls. “Monday, we found the place. Saturday, we were walking it. By the next Saturday, we were under contract.”
After walking miles around the property and jumping through lots of hoops for approvals of every kind, the McIntoshes began their first project remodeling an on-site cabin that was built in 1933. With the coffee shop building already on-site, four tiny rental homes were added to the front of the property. Three larger, 800-square-foot cabins that were affectionately dubbed tiny-home mansions followed later.
souvenirs.
But it still didn’t feel complete, McIntosh admits. “We called it a resort from day one and all we had was a coffee shop and a few tiny homes,” she explains. “And I was always aware that if I’m calling it a resort, I’ve got to turn it into a resort so we just kept adding things that made it feel more like a resort.”
And what a better add-on than a gift shop to spread the message that Tiny Timbers is a great source for specialty items?
“It’s been harder than I ever imagined, but more fulfilling than I ever imagined. What a journey it’s been, but we’re thrilled and it’s finally getting fun.” — Cheryl McIntosh
“We added the retail and the spa and we’ve got a hot tub now,” McIntosh says. “So I’m satisfied it’s truly a resort now.”
Before the laid-back resort lifestyle could be enjoyed, it had to be built from scratch, starting with the gift shop. The McIntoshes have used the same independent contractor to build their signature look for the resort and shop, all of which have a rustic “cozy cabin” feel.
The fixtures are a mix of old and new with a general store wall unit providing plenty of cubbies to fill, while antique hutches, tables and countertops provide the rustic edge that McIntosh envisioned.
McIntosh, who still maintains her position as chief financial officer of a manufacturing company, says she had no experience in retail, but has an eye for “making things look pretty.”
One of the first items she purchased was a “prop” back end of a pickup truck for that signature piece.
“We have that against the wall, and we filled it full of flowers,” McIntosh explains. “The flowers don’t sell well at all, but I don’t care, because it creates a beautiful look to the shop the minute they walk in the door.”
When it came to the first go-round in buying merchandise, however, buying the right items didn’t come easy — something McIntosh and Smith still laugh about.
McIntosh notes that she tried to sell beautiful platters with no luck. Smith was hopeful pretty vases would be a hit. “Nobody bought the vases,” she says.
It was a first of many lessons in understanding their customers and the demographics for success, McIntosh notes. With a large local population of retired individuals and the remainder of visitors being travelers, McIntosh says she realizes how she missed the mark in identifying what would be good sellers.
“South Fork has a large retired community, and at that stage in life, you’re giving things away, you’re not buying things for your home,” she explains. “And then the people who are traveling, they may love the platter, but they’re thinking, ‘how do I get it back home?’”
Today, among their bestsellers are crocheted cotton potholders in “modern” colors like sage and rust, soy candles, napkins, charcuterie boards, cheese knife sets and cast-iron mouse card holders that help explain dishes and appetizers to party guests.
McIntosh notes that they are always trying to promote their gourmet coffee shop, so anything with a coffee scent or espresso beans are featured items. Their absolute bestselling item is a peppermint mocha-scented candle infused with actual espresso beans and peppermint chips.
“We rarely reorder items because really like to mix it up season after season,” McIntosh notes. “But that is a reorder item. We order it every holiday season, and we sell out.”
Smith notes that hats rank among the most popular souvenirs, especially those with the Tiny Timbers moniker.
“We’ve really put a lot into building our brand and it’s worked because people will come in and they want Tiny Timbers gear. They want our logo,” McIntosh explains. “They want anything with Tiny Timbers on it. And that just thrills me, the fact that we’ve built the brand to the point where people want to come in and they want Tiny Timbers swag.”
Among the name-branded items are coffee mugs specially designed by
Chad Soden of Lean Tree Pottery in Hickory, North Carolina, who also happens to be Brett McIntosh’s cousin. The couple approached him for a custom design and he delivered a mug with an antler handle and patch with the Tiny Timbers logo.
McIntosh and Smith also like to carry a lot of merchandise for the home. “We really focus on the home,” McIntosh adds. “But it’s got to be something you’re not going to find in the mall and something you’re not going to find at the souvenir shops.”
McIntosh says there are two rules to follow when running a gift shop in a resort town: 1.) Understand your customer base; and 2.) Be open.
While it may be easy during the offseason to justify saving money by turning out the lights and asking guests to give a holler if they want to shop, it’s not something McIntosh recommends.
And another important ingredient — forming meaningful relationships with guests.
Through those conversations, Smith and McIntosh have laughed, cried, prayed and connected with customers from all walks of life.
“I love being able to help create a section of their home that they’re going to look at that’s going to make them feel happy or proud of the space that they’ve created,” Smith notes.
And it all starts with a tiny bit of inspiration from a gift shop whose owners dared to dream big. SGN
Amusement park souvenirs are tasked with reminding customers of the exciting experiences on favorite rides and attractions.
For most people, their commute to work is just a short car ride away.
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
Sesame Place’s gift shops offer plenty of plush, featuring just about every Sesame Street character.
For Jonathan Jiron, retail and photo manager at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the commute to work is a bit more exciting. Each workday, Jiron hops in a gondola car to go up a mountain to the theme park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
“The views are amazing — every day coming to work, I see mountain goats, elk, deer,” says Jiron. “You kind of have to stop and enjoy the view sometimes. It’s breathtaking, for sure.”
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park touts itself as being America’s only mountaintop theme park. It offers thrill rides, family rides, games and caverns to explore. The park also has two gift shops, which feature a variety of souvenirs. Jiron says it’s very important that merchandise ties back to attractions at the park.
“Customers typically shop for something that will remind them of the great time they had at the park, be it a ride they experienced or maybe a T-shirt that shows the cave formations they saw,” he says. “Every guest is different, but it’s our job to have items that they are looking for.”
Mountain themes sell well on hats, shirts and other souvenirs at Glenwood Caverns’ shops since the theme park is situated on a mountain.
“Customers
typically shop for something that will remind them of the great time they had, be it a ride they experienced or a T-shirt that shows the cave formations they saw.”
—
Earlier this spring, Dig’n Zone opened as a theme park in Sevierville, Tennessee, featuring many construction-themed attractions. Many of the rides and attractions use real construction equipment and teach visitors how they operate.
All the souvenirs at the theme park’s Loading Zone Gifts store have to do with construction and attractions at the park, according to Doug Gaither, director of guest services at Dig’n Zone.
“Everything in here has something related to construction, even down to the candy we sell like rock candy,” he says. “Even the Croc shoes we carry have excavators on them.”
Gaither adds that most of the store’s merchandise also incorporates a Dig’n Zone logo or name drop.
“You want your souvenirs to be something where other people ask, ‘Where did you get that?’ It’s like a marketing tool.”
The General Store at Glenwood Caverns offers plenty of ride pins and keychains that highlight popular attractions at the theme park. Jiron says many parkgoers love collecting those as souvenirs.
Collectible pins are also a hit at Sesame Place Philadelphia, a theme park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, that features attractions tied to the
beloved kids’ show. The park features five retail stores as well as several merchandise carts.
Meagan Passero, communications manager at Sesame Place, says guests love collecting park pins. The park also has a 123 Trade with Me program for its pins to help promote its pins.
Merchandise doesn’t just have to be ride focused — it can also focus on color schemes and characters found in the park. Passero says most merchandise at Sesame Place incorporates Sesame Street characters and themes. The products also pull inspiration from Sesame Street characters to reflect different catchphrases and personalities.
“Most items use a bright color palette that reflects the lively and colorful atmosphere of the park,” she says.
Lynne Gallo, retail manager at Tomahawk Lake Waterpark in Sparta, New Jersey, focuses on selling souvenirs that feature the Tomahawk Lake name drop or Native American imagery at the water park’s Trading Post gift shop, both of which help remind people of their time visiting the Tomahawk Lake.
“Most items use a bright color palette that reflects the lively and colorful atmosphere of the park.”
— MEAGAN PASSERO, SESAME PLACE
Gallo adds that the water park’s gift shop expanded just a few years ago from a small trailer to a 30-foot-by-40-foot prefabricated building on-site.
Tie-dye shirts have also been popular souvenirs at the Trading Post gift shop. “We love having tie-dye and more fun color combinations for apparel,” says Gallo.
Tie-dye T-shirts are also strong sellers at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash
Waterpark in Tipton, Pennsylvania.
“Tie-dye has been strong for a few years. It’s still holding true,” says Jim Mayall, director of games and merchandise at DelGrosso’s.
One atypical top-selling souvenir people love from DelGrosso’s: Pasta sauce.
“We are owned by the DelGrosso family. When the founder of the park bought it in 1946, he was looking for somewhere to make pasta sauce,” Mayall explains. “There’s a DelGrosso manufacturing plant across the road from the theme park. Every day you can smell sauce.”
The theme park’s gift shop carries both the original line and premium line of DelGrosso’s sauces. Mayall says the DelGrosso sloppy joe sauce is the best-selling sauce.
In addition to traditional souvenirs, it’s important that theme park retailers offer some essential items that can also double as a person’s souvenir. DelGrosso’s Laguna Splash Waterpark shop carries a variety of name-dropped beach towels for people to use while at the water park.
“Beach towels do really well, absolutely fantastic,” says Jim Mayall, director of games and merchandise at DelGrosso’s. “We have embroidered towels that people seem to love.”
Mayall also notices people love to shop for swimwear at the Laguna Splash Waterpark shop. He says some people love the swimwear styles the shop carries, while some decide to buy a pair of swim trunks if they forgot to pack theirs at home.
At Tomahawk Lake Waterpark, Retail Manager Lynne Gallo makes sure to stock just about anything people might forget at the park’s Trading Post gift shop, be it towels, water bottles, sunscreen, beach toys, bug spray or even picnic supplies for people who want to eat lunch on the lake’s beach.
“We don’t want them to have to go out to the store,” she explains. “We want them to have a seamless experience at Tomahawk Lake.”
Dinosaur Land’s gift shop offers plenty of name-dropped souvenirs as well as fun dinosaur toys for the kids.
“Being DelGrosso’s and the Italian background, sauce is a selling point for us,” says Mayall. “It’s a big business. We merchandise sauce with aprons and shirts that say, ‘Peace, Love and Pasta.’ It works out well for us.”
Since many people go to theme parks for their kids, these destination retailers offer plenty of products that will attract younger audiences. Over 85% of merchandise in Dig’n Zone’s gift shop is geared toward kids with toys being one of the largest merchandise categories. “We really focus on toys for the kids who come through,” explains Gaither.
Remote-controlled cars, toy tractors and kinetic sand are among the favorites with young visitors, he adds.
Plush is another popular souvenir with kids at amusement parks. At Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia, unsurprisingly, plush dinosaurs do exceptionally well.
“The kids really love them, and they are adorable,” shares Samuel Seldon, part owner of Dinosaur Land.
Seldon says the Carcharodontosaurus and Triceratops are among the favorite plush.
Plush is also a popular pick for children at Sesame Place. “The park also
has the widest offering of Sesame Street plush in the world,” Passero claims, from Elmo to Big Bird to Bert and Ernie and more.
Jiron notes that he keeps a close pulse on ever-changing toy fads to make sure he stocks what’s popular at Glenwood Caverns’ two shops. He says World’s Smallest products and mystery balls are trending toys for his shops currently.
“While core souvenir preferences may stay the same, the one thing that really changes is preferences on toys,” Jiron shares. “Kids always want what’s trending. You have to keep that fresh or you can fall behind on what’s trending in toy world.”
While one type or style of souvenir may work for one theme park gift shop, that may not be the case everywhere.
Seldon adds that a theme park’s souvenirs need to be unique to what the park offers to customers.
“An important part of getting souvenirs is to get something everyone will enjoy, love or cherish,” he says.
Jiron advises destination retailers to know their clientele to make the best decisions on what souvenirs to stock. He notes that retailers should have something for everyone who visits the theme park gift shop, from a family with small kids to a group of young adults.
“Make sure you have something for everyone to remember their experience,” he says. SGN
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
Zoo gift shops are finding success with trending jewelry styles, animal themes and conservation brands that appeal to a diverse crowd.
Adestination retailer’s bestselling products usually represent themes featured at their respective attraction. For zoo shops, merchandise tends to be driven by popular animal exhibits. People want souvenirs that feature animals they saw on their visit.
It’s only fitting then, that when zoo retailers stock their jewelry sections, they make sure popular animals at their zoo are featured on some of their jewelry options.
“Thematically, bestsellers tend to mimic the exhibits at that particular attraction,” explains Paul Meyer, vice president of sales and marketing at Cool Jewels by Phillips.
Some big draws at Ohio’s Akron Zoo include the Humboldt penguins, snow leopards and red pandas. Gift Shop Manager Shannon Sheck notes that the shop’s jewelry featuring these animals tends to do best.
“Any of the jewelry we carry that have our most popular animals on it always sell very well,” she says.
Earlier this year, a baby elephant was born at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. For that reason, Store Director Kimberley Rohr notes that anything “elephant” seems to sell well for the zoo’s gift shop.
She says, “Everyone loves the elephants here.”
Timeless bestselling jewelry might always tie to the most popular animal exhibits for zoo shops, but Meyer notes that these destination retailers shouldn’t ignore trends in pop culture to consider for their jewelry.
“Hearts, yin/yang and crystal point necklaces tend to do well across all venues,” he shares. “That’s not necessarily specific to zoos, but those things are popular in teen culture so they sell well.”
And sometimes the animal themes in jewelry don’t necessarily tie to an animal from the zoo. Shark tooth necklaces and bracelets, for instance, tend to perform well at zoos even if the zoo doesn’t have a shark exhibit, Meyer notes.
At the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, however, the zoo’s shops focus on offering jewelry featuring the resident animals, according to Sara Nguyen, store director.
“We don’t want guests to get a sloth necklace when we don’t have a sloth,” she says.
That is of course unless sloths are trending. She explains the zoo’s retail team follows trends and is open to stocking some jewelry outside of the animals living onsite. “If sloth is on trend, we allocate some styles here and there to follow those trends.”
Nguyen adds that it’s not too difficult to find out what
animals or themes are “trending,” either. She suggests retailers simply check social media for those kinds of ideas and to see if trends are shifting. As of late, she says capybaras are growing in popularity as a trending animal.
Kyla Jacobs, director of administrative operations at the Utica Zoo in Utica, New York, shares that the zoo’s bestselling jewelry certainly features animals seen at the zoo. But that doesn’t stop her from also carrying jewelry featuring other popular animal themes that guests might love.
“We don’t have an aquarium, but I still do purchase items that are aquatic,” she explains. “I love elephants and giraffes, but we don’t have them on-site.”
Jacobs notes that she gets some ideas for trending products from the Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group (ZAG).
“I’m part of ZAG, and we often talk about what works well for our gift shops,” she says. “We also like to work together to find new wholesale businesses that are in line with our typical mission while also providing a great product for our visitors.”
Sheck adds that it’s important to keep a pulse on ever-changing trends and preferences for the zoo shop’s jewelry selection.
“I regularly research trends, upcoming and past, that coincide with our mission,” Sheck says.
Destination retailers should always consider ways to incorporate a name drop in the products they carry, including jewelry. While people might not wear a necklace that bears the Akron Zoo name drop, that name drop could be featured on the necklace’s packaging or a nice bag at the checkout.
Paul Meyer, vice president of sales and marketing at Cool Jewels by Phillips, stresses that name drop is an extremely important feature for any destination retailer even when it comes to the jewelry category.
“If it has a name drop, it becomes a true souvenir at that point,” he says, adding that zoo retailers can include a name drop on jewelry tags. “We’ve found this to be appealing to our customers. It allows them to present their guests a way to memorialize the visit to the zoo and to help share that experience with their friends and family back home. They purchased a gift from ABC Zoo or Aquarium. It says something special to the recipient: I was at this particular zoo and I thought of you. I’m sharing my experience with you.”
“I consistently ask myself, ‘How can I improve the quality of the shoppers’ time here by showing what we truly care about?’”
Since conservation efforts are key parts of the mission for many zoos, conservation-focused jewelry is often a hit for zoo retailers.
“Conservation remains a key part of the mission of many zoos and aquariums,” says Meyer. “As long as it does, it’s important that they deliver to their guests items that are reflective of their commitment to helping improve animaland sea-life.”
Cool Jewels introduced its first conservation line, 1 Tree Mission, in 2019. Since then, the wholesaler also added two other conservationspecific jewelry lines: the Live Love Protect and Clear Seas Project lines.
In the last year, Fahlo has also been growing in popularity as a conservation-focused jewelry line at many zoo shops. According to Fahlo’s website, the vendor partners with nonprofit organizations to create bracelets that come with a real animal to track.
“By combining a tangible bracelet and interactive tracking experience, our goal is to educate customers about wildlife and excite them about conservation,” Fahlo’s website states.
Rohr says Reid Park Zoo’s gift shop began offering Fahlo bracelets last year. “We offer Fahlo bracelets, including the elephant and lion ones,” she says. “Those are extremely popular
among guests, and it exploded on Instagram and Facebook.”
Reid Park Zoo carries 1 Tree Mission bracelets as well. Rohr says the store even has a TV display that plays advertisements on the Fahlo and 1 Tree Mission bracelets as customers shop.
“I consistently ask myself, ‘How can I improve the quality of the shoppers’ time here by showing what we truly care about?’” — SHANNON SHECK, AKRON ZOO
“The TV display helps speak to the guests in a way that we’re not always able to, giving a backstory to these products,” she says.
Stephanie Seibert, director of retail for SSA Group at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, shares that customers enjoy SORALO bracelets at their shops and appreciate the cause behind them.
SORALO, which stands for “South Rift Association of Land Owners,” is in the South Rift region of Kenya. According to the Cincinnati Zoo, Massai women in these communities craft beadwork as a celebration of their culture. Pro-
ceeds from the bracelets go back to the community and wildlife in the area.
“The women of SORALO handmake the jewelry,” Seibert says. “The proceeds from these sales are reinvested back into the community to help with educational support, public health programs and wildlife coexistence work.”
Jacobs adds that when customers can purchase a product such as a Fahlo or Live Love Protect bracelet that helps animals in the wild, it adds meaning to their purchase.
“It brings it full circle of having them feel connected with their dollar,” says Jacobs. “A lot of people nowadays really do feel what they purchase says something. This helps them feel what they’re purchasing is going in the right area.”
Jewelry is a popular seller regardless of age, so zoo retailers often stock something for every age group to enjoy. Since many schools make field trips to zoos, it’s important to have a good selection of jewelry available to children, tweens and teens.
“A lot of people nowadays really do feel what they purchase says something. This helps them feel what they’re purchasing is going in the right area.”
— KYLA JACOBS, UTICA ZOO
Nguyen says she’s always surprised at the timeless popularity of mood jewelry among kids.
“Mood jewelry is still a thing — it’s never gone away!” she says. “Kids are still interested in it, it changes colors. I don’t think that product is going away.”
Jacobs says the Utica Zoo has a lot of options $15 and under in the jewelry department for kids, such as friendship necklaces, mood rings and more. She says she also stocks some local jewelry that is handmade by kids in the area.
Nguyen jokes that she sometimes sees adults interested in the kids’ jewelry offerings. But generally, she adds, adults appreciate jewelry with conservation or purpose behind it.
Woodland Park Zoo’s retail currently carries some high-end, hand-beaded jewelry from a local artist that Nguyen says might appeal to some adult customers who live in the area.
“While we’re a tourist location, we also keep in mind that nine months out of the year, we have mostly local guests who are members,” says Nguyen, adding that it’s important to offer something for everyone who comes to the zoo.
Meyer agrees with that sentiment and concludes that zoo retailers need to be aware of the demographics visiting their location.
“Regardless of the type of industry you’re in, it’s important to make sure you have merchandise selection that appeals to different audiences you attract,” he says. “It’s understanding your audience and developing the merchandise mix that appeals to each of those segments.” SGN
MSTORY BY BROOKE BILYJ
First impressions set the stage for a themed shopping experience — starting with the building itself, down to its architectural details.
ore than a century and a half ago, hundreds of thousands of treasure seekers headed west in hopes of striking gold or other fortune in the great American frontier. Gold mining boomtowns popped up across ranges and prairies of the Old West, and then vanished — leaving behind ramshackle remnants of ghost towns in their wake.
Refusing to leave this rich history in the dust like tumbleweeds, Old West-themed retail shops are using creative merchandising strategies and peculiar products to draw in shoppers. From the southern tip of Nevada, through the great Rocky Mountains, to the rolling hills of South Dakota, western-themed gift shop owners share their strategies for capturing Old West vibes inside their retail stores.
About 40 minutes south of Las Vegas, you’ll see unmistakably western false-front facades emblazoned with a distinctively stocky western-style font announcing your arrival at the Pioneer Saloon and Goodsprings General Store. In fact, the historic storefront is so iconic that it’s been featured in several films, TV shows, music videos, and even the video game, Fallout: New Vegas and the card game, Magic the Gathering: Fallout Commander.
From the blocky, burly fonts carved into rustic store signs to the rugged decor adorning the product displays inside, every detail matters in western-themed retail.
Whether young gamers come to walk through their favorite fictional world IRL or international tourists travel to see a quintessential Old West saloon, visitors expect these souvenir shops to look authentic.
“The Goodsprings General Store and the Pioneer Saloon are both historical landmarks in Nevada because of
Ghost Town Museum incorporates antiques from the museum in its displays, including an old one-person carriage that is used to showcase food products.
the fact that the actual structures have survived 111 years,” says Stephen Staats, better known as Old Man Liver, who has owned both businesses since 2021. “We need to pay homage to our
history as an old Wild West saloon, and tourists love it because it looks like the Old West style bar that they expect.”
Built in 1913, the general store still sports its original stamped tin ceiling, while a cherrywood bar from the 1800s adds old-world charm to the saloon. Staats posts signs throughout both buildings to educate visitors about the property’s rich history — explaining, for example, the bullet holes near the saloon door where a cheating poker patron was shot down in 1915, and the burn marks on the bar from Clark Gable’s cigarettes in 1942 as he anxiously awaited news from the search party who found his wife, actress Carole Lombard, in the wreckage of a nearby plane crash.
example, I have an old one-person carriage that serves as a display for food products. It sits right in the middle of the store, so you see it as soon as you walk in. It’s a cool old piece, and it carries the theme through the store.”
Likewise, she incorporates antique top hats into her display of modern caps, arranges old jugs and tins on the shelves along the ceiling, and places shiny jewelry cases on top of weathered wooden crates and timeworn oak tables that “add to the ambiance,” she says. Stone walls and exposed hewn timbers lend a rugged feel to the gift shop, creating a cozy frontier atmosphere. “We’ve established the feel of the store so when you walk in, you know this isn’t just a tourist shop,’” Harris says.
Merchandise must support the frontier theme, too, by sticking to rustic motifs and materials. Inside the 14-sided barn that houses the gift shop at 1880 Town, a South Dakota village of more than 30 authentically furnished turn-of-thecentury buildings, an assortment of souvenirs and other gifts reflect the symbols of frontier life.
Similarly, Kathy Harris pulls historic artifacts from the Ghost Town Museum into her retail displays to add Old West allure. Established by her grandmother in 1954, the museum is housed inside a historic 1899 stone structure in Colorado Springs. It features a “full-size ghost town,” complete with buildings, equipment and relics from the turn of the century — which Harris borrows to add antique charm to the store.
“I really wanted [the souvenir store] to reflect the times,” she says, “so I bring artifacts out from the museum to incorporate into the store. For
Southwestern decor, with its bold geometric patterns and desert-inspired lizards and cacti, doesn’t sell as well at 1880 Town as western souvenirs that channel cowboy vibes, she says. From mugs and glassware to apparel, magnets, postcards, coasters and keychains, visitors are looking for on-theme keepsakes to remember top the
The kids’ section, for example, showcases toy guns, holsters, slingshots, and bows and arrows, while plush stuffies and T-shirts feature regional wildlife like longhorn steers, buffalo, coyotes, wolves and horses. Jewelry and souvenirs made from buffalo nickels, bone, stone, crystals and even porcupine quills offer authentic mementos of the Old West.
“People want a little piece of it to take with them — anything that depicts the West,” says Karen Smith, who has worked at 1880 Town for 35 years. “We’ve tried selling stuff that doesn’t depict the West, and it doesn’t work.”
their western adventures by. Shoppers often opt for souvenirs featuring local wildlife and landmarks, or simply the name of the location.
“We e sma - wn rural, we ce br e ; peop get spir w h s nirs.”
Customers “love the custom stuff that highlights the Ghost Town Museum,” Harris says. “In the last few years, I’ve figured out that people really wanted custom [merchandise that says], ‘I went to Ghost Town,’ so we do quite a bit of that.” For example, T-shirts featuring cowboy boots or mountain landscapes get localized with the Ghost Town Museum logo, the Colorado Springs name or just “Colorado.”
can’t find anywhere else.
- Step n Sta s, G dspr gs G al S
Conversely, Old Man Liver doesn’t want his merchandise to ride the coattails of nearby Las Vegas, because his guests drive 30 miles outside the city specifically to visit the saloon.
At the Ghost Town Museum Gift Shop, for example, “I carry a lot of different things that my competitors don’t carry — just odd little things,” Harris says. “I have these little music machines called hurdy-gurdies that you hand-crank. It’s probably one of our best-selling items.”
Likewise, Old Man Liver features plenty of unique oddities inside the Goodsprings General Store. Vegas Voodoo, the retail business he founded in 2001, has its own section within the general store showcasing good luck charms, crystals, candles, mojo bags, and spell kits (once featured by Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran on the Today Show) — which are popular with superstitious gamblers headed to Vegas.
“Most of the time, anywhere in southern Nevada, you’re buying caps that say Las Vegas, but we’re proud of our little 200-person town of Goodsprings. We even sell caps with our zip code, 89019, and people love them because it’s something different than what they’re used to on the Strip,” he says. “We are small-town rural, and we celebrate that; and people get into the spirit of that with the souvenirs.”
The General Store also sells Nuka Cola drinks, made popular by the Fallout game, and classic western beverages like sarsaparilla. Staats even added a “soda jerk station” that serves old-fashioned malts, shakes, and floats, and the General Store stocks an assortment of nostalgic candy that’s popular with all ages.
Beyond the standard western-themed souvenirs, the biggest draws at ghost town gift shops are quirky products and local goods that customers
“People are looking for something different and unique,” says Staats, who also sells other handmade and farm-raised products from the area. “Anything local we can [carry], whether it’s crystals or grass-fed beef, we want to support local crafters and farmers and give people something different that they can’t get anywhere else.”
After all, the thrill of uncovering rare and unusual treasures is what makes the Old West so exciting; it’s what lured prospectors across uncharted territory centuries ago, and what still draws visitors of all ages today. SGN
now
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
A nutTy tribute along highway 54 in New Mexico atTracts visitors from around the world.
It’s a roadside destination and gawker’s delight that begs for a selfie. Standing taller than 30 feet, a giant pistachio protrudes from the McGinn family’s New Mexico farm, winery and country store along Highway 54 in Alamogordo. But McGinn’s PistachioLand is so much more than a souvenir stop on the way to nearby White Sands National Park.
“We’re an agritourism business that started with farming, then product production, then retail and then destination experiences,” explains Clarissa McGinn, whose husband Timothy McGinn’s father started growing pistachios on the property in 1980, waiting the expected eight years for a first harvest.
The late Thomas McGinn diversified with grape growing and a winery, along with a country store that has since expanded by 6,000 square feet. When he passed away in 2007, Timothy wanted to memorialize his dad, who happened to be a huge fan of roadside attractions.
After some research, the McGinns confirmed there was no other “largest pistachio in the world.”
Indeed, a trip to PistachioLand is an experience complete with a narrated golf cart tour, winery with tastings and country store stocked with all-things pistachio. Plus, the McGinn’s shop offers New Mexico souvenirs and items people ask for like theme-related mementos related to nearby attractions or events.
fudge, candies and homemade ice cream. We make these and other items in-house like pistachio-flavored candies.
QAny celebrities stop in for a visit to see the giant pistachio and your shop?
AYes! The latest was in 2018 when Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne were on tour for ‘Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour.’ They showed up at our pistachio farm and decided to make their own pistachio flavor and my husband was the judge for whose was the best. Ozzy made curried pistachios and Kelly made garlic-honey. Hers ended up being the winner, and we sell them in the store.
QWhat steps were involved in constructing the massive pistachio?
AYou can buy a bobblehead replica of the monumental nut in the shop — and so much more. Here, Clarissa shares what’s in store for curious visitors to McGinn’s PistachioLand.
AQHow has the country store and souvenir destination evolved over the years?
Timothy had the idea and I was like, ‘It’s different. But how can we do it? How are we going to design it?’ Turns out, one of Tim’s good friends is a builder in town and in 2008, the housing market had fallen so he said, ‘OK, I have time.’ Tim held up a real pistachio and said, ‘I want it to look like this.’
“Within an hour, the first person pulLed ofF the road and toOk a picture, and within threE years, it brought in more and more people.”
The builder had to go to a structural engineer and ask, ‘How are we going to make this work?’
It’s a steel frame covered in concrete much like you’d put stucco on a house. They built the steel cage in a pistachio shape, covered it in concrete and painted it.
When we uncovered it, we put a sign out. ‘Here it is: the World’s Largest Pistachio.’ In front of it is a plaque tribute to Tim’s father. Within an hour, the first person pulled off the road and started taking pictures, and within three years, it brought more and more people. Now, we offer an experience along with tours of the grounds to tell the story.
When we first opened, our little store would sell pistachios and not much more, and we’d get one visitor a day. Gradually, more people would stop and it started growing. People began asking for souvenirs of White Sands National Park, souvenirs of New Mexico. Ruidoso is Billy the Kid country, so there is a lot of tourism there and customers were requesting themed products. With Roswell two hours from us, home of the infamous UFO sighting, tourists will come in and ask for alien stuff. We started bringing in all of these items along with T-shirts, mugs, magnets and pantry products.
We sell everything we can find with a pistachio on it: loungewear, socks, bobble heads, pillows and plushies. And our best sellers are the food items — pistachio butter, oils,
QWhat do you enjoy most about being a roadside attraction?
A
Being creative. I do a lot of the food creation and production, so I love coming up with new ice creams, new candies and new seasoned pistachio flavors. And, I love the customer interactions and getting to meet people from all over the world. SGN
RETAIL MANAGER: Desiree Thoma
BESTSELLERS:
Name-dropped T-shirts, sweatshirts and ball caps are some of the bestsellers at Dugins West.
RETAIL TIP:
To appeal to recurring customers, update souvenir selection and merchandise displays seasonally or more, especially in the main window display.
For 40 years, Dugins West has been a go-to shop for souvenirs in Park City, Utah.
Skiers and snowboarders alike enjoy visiting Park City, Utah, for the destination’s ski resorts and Utah Olympic Park just northwest of the city. Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts also like to visit the city in warmer summer months to hike and bike trails around the area.
Park City also features a vibrant shopping scene. Dozens of shops line the city’s Historic Main Street for tourists to browse and find the perfect keepsake to bring home with them.
One such shop, centered along Main Street, is Dugins West. Although Owner Robert Dugins initially started the store focused on selling name-dropped apparel in 1984, his wife Linda Dugins says the store now sells a wide variety of Park Citythemed souvenirs in addition to T-shirts and sweatshirts.
“T-shirts sell great, and then we also sell ornaments, stickers and mugs,” says Linda. “There’s truly something here for everybody who visits Park City.”
of items for
Robert Dugins comes from a long line of retailers — his father, grandfather and greatgrandfather once operated Dugins Shoes in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Robert enjoyed growing up around the family store, but he didn’t plan on staying in the family business. Upon graduating from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business, Robert decided to follow his dreams and move out west to South Lake Tahoe to work at a ski shop.
While living in South Lake Tahoe, some of Robert’s friends started a screen-printing business with a focus on making souvenir T-shirts.
Robert was intrigued by his friend’s T-shirt business, so he decided to move to Park City to open his own souvenir T-shirt shop in 1984. The original store was located at the city’s Park City
“T-shirts sell great, and then we also sell ornaments, stickers and mugs. There’s truly something here for everybody who visits Park City.” — LINDA DUGINS
Ski Resort. He named the store Dugins West to pay homage to his family’s Tuscaloosa store.
For the first few years, Robert only sold shortsleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts and crew-neck sweatshirts. But as Park City’s tourism increased
in the 1990s, Robert recognized a need to bring other add-on souvenirs into the mix at his store. Dugins West began selling a wide variety of name-dropped souvenirs, including magnets, shot glasses and mugs.
“All resort towns thrive on T-shirt and souvenir business today,” adds Linda. “So Robert landing here when he did and with the product that he had was a true recipe for success.”
Tourism increased in Utah after the state hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. To accommodate the growing tourism, Robert opened two other locations along Main Street in Park City. Linda joined Robert in the business about 10 years ago after retiring from a 23-year career as an elementary school teacher. Her primary responsibilities are hiring, training and buying for the store.
In more recent years, the Dugins have downsized their business to just one storefront on Main Street to keep things simple. The store’s General Manager Desiree Thoma handles much of the store’s buying today as well.
“Working for Dugins West is like working with an amazing family,” Thoma says. “I have been with the company for almost two years. I would say the thing I love most about Dugins West is the atmosphere, and of course, the merchandise!”
Having started as a T-shirt shop, apparel has always been a top-selling category at Dugins West. Linda says customers enjoy all the options of name-dropped T-shirts and sweatshirts at the store. She notes that tourists often like to collect shirts from their visits, and it’s not unusual to see a family come to the store and buy everyone matching name-dropped shirts.
“On vacation, most people want to go home with a T-shirt or sweatshirt,” she says. “Having the Park City name drop on a T-shirt or sweatshirt is key.”
Ball caps are also popular souvenirs at Dugins West. “Everybody these days wears a ball cap, be it men, women or children. So we have a lot of ball caps,” says Linda.
Outside of apparel, Thoma notes that the retailer stocks a great selection of mugs, blankets, puzzles and more. “We have done really well with some of the newer tumblers and mugs from Techstyles,” says Thoma.
The destination retailer also makes sure to carry ornaments regardless of the season.
“Ornaments sell all year-round here — it’s a hot item,” Thoma says, adding that customers really love the store’s selection of ornaments from the companies Rocky Mountain Treasures and Kurt S. Adler.
Stickers are another collectible souvenir that seems to be trending for Dugins West. “Stickers
Although Dugins West customers are mostly tourists, Linda explains that quite a few of those tourists come back to Park City year after year to vacation at a ski resort. Some of those recurring visitors have a tradition of stopping at Dugins West for their T-shirt or souvenir.
“When they come into the store and say that this store is always their first stop, that always feels good,” says Linda.
She adds that Dugins West updates its souvenir selection and merchandise displays at least four times a year.
Being on Main Street has also been the key to success at Dugins West.
“If you think about when you’re traveling on vacation and you go to a shopping district, you don’t always know the name of the store you’re
have just become crazy,” says Linda. “In the past, people would occasionally buy bumper stickers. But now, souvenir stickers are everywhere, from phones to laptops to water bottles.”
Regardless of the souvenir category, Linda says the store ensures most souvenirs feature either a Park City logo or name drop on it.
Skiing themes and moose are also popular on the store’s souvenirs.
“All year, ski and moose themes do well,” says Thoma. “Even though you can’t ski here in summer, people still come and buy ski-themed T-shirts and ornaments!”
in until you look at the bag or receipt,” says Linda. “It’s not so much the name, but the location is important. I feel like our location, dead center of the historic downtown area with a large front door, that makes a difference.”
The sweet location helps to get tourists in the door, and the store’s eye-catching souvenirs ensure strong sales. Linda says she’s hopeful the location and souvenirs will keep Dugins West in business for a long time.
She concludes, “We hope tourists keep coming and finding their way in Dugins West to take home souvenirs from their trip to Park City.” SGN
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
VACATIONERS AND TOURISTS ARE SEEKING ORNAMENTS AND HOLIDAY-THEMED SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS NOW THAT THEY CAN ENJOY LATER.
Tourists might not be taking their vacation during the holiday season, but when they venture into your gift shop and see an ornament or holiday-themed gift that doubles as a souvenir, they often can’t resist. Ornaments are a beloved souvenir to take home to commemorate a vacation, and holiday-themed tea towels, figurines and puzzles can also make great presents for loved ones.
“People buy ornaments throughout the year to remember the adventures they go on and the people they’re with,” says Neal Applefeld, president and CEO at Old World Christmas, a wholesale vendor that offers hand-blown glass ornaments and other decor. “They can be used to decorate your Easter table, wrap a present, create summer wreaths. It’s all about getting creative,” he says.
The popularity of ornaments and peoples’ love of all-things Christmas is also why some destination retailers are successful dedicating their entire stores to Christmas and holiday products. In Boerne, Texas, for example, The Christmas Shoppe has specialized in selling Christmas-themed souvenirs for almost 30 years.
Customers love bright, lit-up decor such as electric candles, night lights or nativities that light up. As the holidays approach, it’s great to put these luminous products on display. But when displaying products that light up, always make sure they are plugged in and batteries replaced as needed.
“We are a year-round Christmas store,” says Owner Emily Carvalho. “In order to be yearround, of course, we embrace every holiday. We do home decor and gifts for Valentine’s Day all the way to Christmas and every holiday in between. We have everyday gift store items as well, including toys and Jim Shore figurines.”
Carvalho notes that many tourists frequent Boerne who are visiting San Antonio and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
“So many people visit Boerne and appreciate souvenirs,” Carvalho says. “There was a period of time when we were the only shop in town that carried anything that worked as a souvenir. We were selling mugs, coasters and T-shirts — all the typical souvenirs. Being a year-round Christmas store, we always carry Boerne ornaments and Texas ornaments as souvenirs.”
Up north in York, Maine, Bell Farms had such success selling Christmas ornaments and decor that it opened a mini store in its upstairs section called “Forever Christmas.”
“People started to know us for our Christmas products, so we said, ‘Let’s do Christmas all year round,’” says Bell Farms Owner Michelle Corgan. “So now if someone is just here one time of the year, if they see something they like for Christmas, they can buy it whether it’s January or December.”
When people shop for ornaments on a trip, they often enjoy options that feature a name drop of the attraction or location they just visited.
“Ornaments can capture a destination’s essence and evoke memories during the holiday times,” says Impulse Souvenirs Sales Manager James Melley.
Corgan says customers love name-dropped ornaments at Bell Farms’ Forever Christmas shop.
“Anything with Maine written on it — even locally, Maine made does well,” she says.
Colleen Hall, vice president of marketing at C&F Home, notes that imagery and graphics related to the destination also help sell ornaments.
“The ornaments don’t have to be name dropped, but they can be more interpretive representations of the trip,” says Hall.
The Christmas Shoppe certainly offers some name-dropped ornaments, but Carvalho says the retailer also has a Texas-themed tree decked out with southwestern-themed ornaments, including a very popular armadillo ornament.
And that’s not the only animal getting in on the holidays. People love buying pet-themed ornaments while on vacation, she adds.
“Tourists will come in and visit Boerne in spring when they aren’t thinking about Christmas at all, but if they see their breed pet on an ornament, they’ll buy it,” says Carvalho. “We carry E&S’ pet line, which has pet ornaments that can be personalized. So even if it doesn’t look exactly like their particular pet, they’ll have us personalize it for that pet.”
As holiday season approaches, destination retailers also might want to expand their ornament options to include other themes and styles to appeal to a wide range of customers.
Applefeld notes that retailers should consider fads and trends when stocking ornaments for the next season.
“This past year, we saw an uptick in our Santa and Mrs. Claus Pickleball ornaments as well as anything pickleball themed,” Applefeld says. “This year, we’re launching a ‘Swiftea’ Cup and a Kringle Cup.”
Customers also seem to appreciate food-themed ornaments around the holidays. Carvalho says she has at least one of her store’s Christmas trees dedicated to showcasing food and baking ornaments.
“For years, Old World Christmas’ deviled egg ornament was our top in-store and online ornament,” she says. “And last year, Kurt Adler had a blown-glass chicken nugget ornament that was so popular, especially online. What it boils down to, I think, is someone says, ‘This kid in my family only eats chicken nuggets. I want to commemorate that on our tree.’”
In 2024, customers seem to be drawn to more natural-looking ornaments and decor. Hall
shares that monochromatic, natural-looking styles are trending lately.
“A monochromatic or soft natural look are both on trend in holiday decor right now,” she says. “People want to decorate their homes for the holiday but keep true to their core home aesthetic.”
Pumpernickel Press offers a variety of boxed Christmas cards that feature seasonal artwork, and Owner Bob Harju says it’s important to embrace nontraditional colors when stocking holiday products.
“Natural and neutral colors are being used much more than they used to be,” he says. “We’ve noticed a popular trending palette of gold, gray and black for a very classy, fresh look.”
He adds that minimalist color palettes are also popular right now — think soft, neutral tones with warm accents like teal, gold or rose gold, coral or peach.
“The holidays are a busy, complicated time for many people. We find that many customers
are drawn to classic, simple designs because of that,” says Harju.
Michael Adler, account manager at Kurt S. Adler, says people also seem to be drawn to ornaments made of resin.
“Resin provides better detailing and more realistic items,” Adler says. “Glass is another material where you can capture details. Glass does lend itself to a higher price point. Both options are popular for private label.”
Even if destination retailers only plan to offer holiday-themed gifts and decor around Christmastime, Hall advises they be ready for the season early.
“Customers are celebrating the holidays earlier than ever,” she says.
“I recommend retailers be ready to transition to Christmas right after Halloween. I’d keep a harvest selection for the purists, but newer shoppers
are tending to jump right to Christmas decorating because they find joy in that season, and it makes them happy to get their decor out earlier to enjoy for longer.”
Hosting special events and sales close to the holidays can also help boost ornament, gift and holiday decor sales. Bell Farms generally hosts a holiday open house event the first weekend in December to build hype around its Forever Christmas shop.
“We offer a discount on the entire store at that event,” Corgan says. “People wait for that and are excited about it. I think that helps us sell more holiday products.”
Harju adds that having “variety is always key” with holiday products.
“Even within a single design genre, you will still find a wide array of diverse customer interests, backgrounds and tastes,” he says. “Challenging yourself to appeal to as broad an audience as possible with varied design options will always pay off.” SGN
AQUARIUM GIFT SHOPS STRIVE TO MERCHANDISE THEIR STORES WITH PRODUCTS THAT MAKE A CONNECTION BETWEEN GUESTS AND THE VENUE’S RESIDENTS.
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
Those who visit an aquarium regularly may become familiar with the penguins putting on a show, or the electric eel who taunts passersby with his jagged jaws perched half open. Once done watching marine life, guests enjoy browsing a gift shop.
Although there are certain staples and must-haves in an aquatic merchandise lineup, there is nothing stopping venues from adding an element of surprise to the list of usual merchandise suspects.
At the North Carolina Aquariums’ Roanoke Island location, for instance, marine life is depicted on T-shirts, glasses and mugs, bags, socks, jewelry, pins, stickers, books and plush. Amanda Cross, the shop’s manager, says plush is a bestselling souvenir for the store.
While Fiesta, The Petting Zoo and K&M International all have a hand in delighting the smallest visitors, The Spicy Shark hot sauces capture the attention of adults. Ranging in heat by fin number, with six fins being the hottest, 13 different flavors
satisfy a variety of palettes from hot and spicy to fruity and sweet.
Towers of jewelry beckon those with a more refined eye for ocean treasures while cases at the cash wrap hold some of the more expensive pieces. World End Imports, Phillips, Quality Gold, RS Covenant’s Products, White Light, V&L Craft, Shark Crafts and Fahlo all have a place in the inventory at the Roanoke Island gift shop.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center (top left) has Create Your Own Deep Blue Seascape activities, and North Carolina Aquariums (top right) has many name-dropped shirts.
“When you take the time to put your name on a product, people really love it, because it’s something that they can’t find at other places.”
– EMILY CASARETTO, SEYMOUR MARINE
SCIENCE DISCOVERY
CENTER
“I’ve worked in a lot of different places, and it doesn’t matter what we put on that gift shop floor, as long as people can see it, they buy it. It’s unbelievable. It’s a wild location.”
– RANDY DICKSON, AUDUBON AQUARIUM
“They added a new entrance where we have our shark habitat; it used to be a wall and now that’s where people can come in. And then we have our other exit that they can go out. It was a complete facelift.”
– AMANDA CROSS, NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUMS
While plush and toys reign supreme at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, General Manager Randy Dickson says quality sets the aquarium apart from the multitude of souvenir shops that line the French Quarter.
“The quality of our plush and our T-shirts is a lot better from everything else in the French Quarter,” he asserts. “I firmly believe that our items are such high quality because our buyers do their due diligence to make sure people get a really good product.”
Beyond the plush from Wild Republic, Fiesta and K&M that lines the shelves, Dickson says another dynamic plays into their locale and what’s popular — tourism.
Being a tourist destination has its perks, he notes. Whether a T-shirt, hat, shot glass, magnet or keychain, anything with “New Orleans” or “Audubon Aquarium” sells particularly well.
“I’ve worked in a lot of different places, and it doesn’t matter what we put on that gift shop floor, as long as people can see it, they buy it. It’s unbelievable,” Dickson marvels. “It’s a wild location.”
He notes that about 80% of visitors are tourists while the remainder are locals.
Emily Casaretto, visitor experience and gift shop manager at the Seymour Marine Science Discovery Center on the University of California’s Santa Cruz campus, agrees that name drop and customization have made a difference in her bottom line.
“When you take the time to put your name on a product, people really love it, because it’s something that they can’t find at other places. So pretty much everything that I’ve decided to do a custom version of is a success,” she points out. “Because we’re such a small organization, I think, ‘Who’s going to want something with our name on it?’ but people really do love it.”
Outside of ordering plush from Wild Republic and books from Ingram Publishing, Casaretto also works to carry items that promote an educational experience, such as field identification guides and educational activity books for children.
To maintain the pendulum between affordability and variety, Casaretto looks to local artists to harvest their creative talent.
A nearby husband-and-wife team called Big Sur Handworks is Casaretto’s go-to for most apparel. Meanwhile, another local makes earrings out of abalone shells.
“It’s not a challenge for me to find people that are making really incredible artwork with an ocean theme. And I like to support them as much as I can,” she explains.
And since you can’t buy what you can’t see, visibility can’t be overstated — especially in a small space, Casaretto notes. Since
taking over the small store in 2019 when the original shop manager retired, she says she’s retained some inventory while putting her own stamp on what she feels is important.
“I had heard from some people in the past that sometimes it felt like it was cluttered,” she admits. “So, I’m trying to make it feel full, but not feel like the walls are closing in.”
Meanwhile, Cross is convinced a renovation project not only breathed new life into the space, but brought in the sales.
“They added a new entrance where we have our shark habitat; it used to be a wall and now that’s where people can come in,” Cross notes. “And then we have our other exit that they can go out. It was a complete facelift.”
Guests are greeted by a two-toned wood floor design that leads them around the store to
different pockets that are accentuated by blue, yellow, purple and green walls, depending on which “room” you’re in. Enchanting fixtures like the shark, a turtle with his flippers spread wide and a cheerful sailboat confirm to guests that they are welcome to stay and browse.
In New Orleans, a renovation that nearly doubled the footprint of the gift shop and turned it into an exit shop was a game changer. The facelift was a part of a $41 million project that changed the flow of the entire building.
Dickson says no matter how one chooses to get customers through the door, combining good customer service with an awe-inspiring environment is a surefire recipe for success. He adds a positive attitude and enjoying the experience as much as the guests is sure to be contagious.
“It’s a happy place to work,” he says. “You get to see all these cool animals that you don’t get to see in your mundane, everyday life. It’s really hard to have a bad day at an aquarium.” SGN
Every Monday, Heart on Main Street’s Executive Director Patrick Keiser visits a different community to feature the downtown area and its retailers through their social media channels. Here is a selection of some of the towns he has visited and some of his favorite retailers there. If you would like your town to be featured, email contact@heartonmainstreet.org
Estes Park, Colorado, has everything you could want in a Main Street area. The beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and sounds of the Fall River provide for a magical shopping experience. In the downtown area, Trendz at the Park provides shoppers with the best Estes Park offers. You can find products made by local Colorado artisans, clothing and apparel that celebrates the national park, gifts for children and pets, and home accessories, in addition to information on national parks, as well as factual and humorous guides for survival in the wilderness.
In central Wisconsin, the town of Baraboo holds a unique distinction that has shaped the atmosphere and culture of the town. Baraboo was home to the Ringling Brothers and was host to not only their first circus performance but also the first performances of five other circuses. Because of this history, Baraboo has been aptly nicknamed Circus City, a name it has fully embraced. Whether it is the circus big-top mural painted on the street, the fire hydrants painted with circus motifs, the Al. Ringling Theatre located downtown, or the Circus museum just outside of it, the feeling of the circus is everywhere in Baraboo.
However, not every store in Baraboo is circus-themed. Bekah Kate’s is a gift, kitchen and children’s store that has been ranked one of the best gift shops in central Wisconsin. Bekah Kate’s dazzles customers with product displays by featuring height and color to create attention-grabbing merchandising. Along with its kitchen items, the store features a cooking theatre where it hosts in-store cooking classes using products for sale. And while not circus-themed, the store doesn’t entirely avoid whimsy. The children’s section includes fun and inventive items, including a child-size kitchen for little ones to play in while their parents shop.
Franklin, Tennessee, successfully balances its historical charm with modernity. The store, Tin Cottage, embodies this dynamic of modernity mixed with history. Located in a historical building dating back to the 1800s, you can see the building’s exposed brick walls and feel the creak of the wooden floors under your feet, yet the product offering is bright and appeals to a younger crowd. Products featuring Taylor Swift and other Tennessee music stars take center stage in displays. The Volunteer State is represented well, with sections dedicated to products and artisans from Tennessee.
Cocoon is a self-proclaimed “magical shop for home goods, quirky gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.” Housed in a formerly residential property, Cocoon perfectly places merchandise throughout the building. If you’re looking for bath and body products, you’ll find them in the gorgeous bathroom on the second floor. Apparel items can be found in the primary bedroom. Kids’ items are located in another bedroom. Home decor items are spread throughout the family and living rooms, right where they should be. Within Cocoon, you feel right at home.
Over the last five years, Waukon, Iowa, has seen a revitalization in its downtown commercial district. One of the shining examples of Waukon’s retail success is Hello Sunshine. The owner, Lara Berryman, has even expanded her retail footprint within a little over a year of opening. The store offers home decor and gifts. Berryman’s artistic background and retail experience have been instrumental in creating a vibrant store.
RIVERBOAT GIFT SHOP
St. Louis, MO
RETAIL MANAGER: Amber Barbeau
BESTSELLERS: Any merchandise related to the National Park Service is a hit at the Riverboat Gift Shop in St. Louis.
RETAIL TIP:
Consider offering guest experiences at the shop to better engage with customers and encourage them to stay longer.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis draws tourists from all over who ride the National Park Service’s riverboats and celebrate their time with a souvenir from the Riverboat Gift Shop.
To say our view is iconic is an understatement, says Amber Barbeau, director of riverboats at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
The National Park Service monument is a nod to the Midwest’s pioneering spirit, and it attracts guests from across the country, along with international travelers who marvel at the memorial and take in outdoor experiences such as riverfront cruises, museum excursions, tram rides to the top and even watch a documentary that offers a historical perspective.
On property, The Arch offers three gift shop experiences. One of them is the Riverboat Gift Shop where visitors can buy tickets for a riverfront cruise and peruse a curated selection of Arch-, St. Louis- and riverboat-themed mementos.
Barbeau came on board three years ago, but the riverboats have been trolling up
and down the Mississippi River since 1964, originally to watch the construction of The Arch.
The riverboats are about the size of a small bedroom, she says. After a cruise, the Riverboat Gift Shop provides enticing local-flair souvenirs that commemorate the experience.
“We really strive to offer something for everyone. We stay true to that.”
— AMBER BARBEAU
“We get to interact with people from all over the world — The Arch is an amazing place,” says Barbeau, relating a story a colleague shared about a tourist who stood in front of the memorial and shed tears. He was from South Africa. The man told her, “This is the most beautiful view I have ever seen.”
Trend intel plays into buying and stocking relevant inventory at the Riverboat Gift Shop.
“For instance, we held off on the Stanley dupe thing and gave in this year because countless times, people were asking for them and willing to pay,” says Barbeau. “Guests don’t just want a $5 magnet. They also want a $40 branded cup that is sustainable.”
She says the fast-selling dupes sport a logo of The Arch.
Trendspotting goes beyond tracking Instagram and is much more personal for Riverboat Gift Shop. “We meet with our wholesale suppliers in person as much as we can and we pay close attention to the shows and newsletters to stay up on products so we can keep our inventory fresh,” Barbeau says.
Barbeau trains the gift shop team to ask guests about their interests and to pay close attention to what customers purchase.
“We really strive to offer something for everyone,” Barbeau adds, though staying to the national park, Arch, St. Louis and riverboat themes are an essential aspect of the shop’s identity. “We stay true to that,” she says.
Customers range from young children to grandparents and everyone in between. “We also get conventions in town, so we can host groups on our private riverboat charters. Some of our guests are professionals who are shopping here to take something back home because they enjoyed their boat experience,” says Barbeau.
Sometimes, the items customers gravitate toward surprise Barbeau. For instance, snow
globes are “strangely popular,” she says. And they sell year-round. “People love them!”
While Barbeau likes to offer something for everyone, the shop has limited space with 30-by30 square feet of room, so she maximizes wall
Riverboat Gift Shop also partners with local designers who create themed apparel — a draw for out-of-towners who want to take home a wearable souvenir that has a story behind it.
“Anything
National Park Service related is incredibly popular, People have a great love for the national parks, whether it be a puzzle, postcard set or mug.” —
AMBER BARBEAU
displays, buys thoughtfully by focusing on what’s in demand, and relies on a storage room to stow away extra inventory.
Winter is prime buying time when she replenishes the store room, resets the gift shop and prepares for the season in spring. Smaller orders and local vendor replenishment occurs periodically as products move from shelves.
“The benefit of local vendors is I can say, ‘I’d love to order 250 of these, but can we get just 50 of them now?’” says Barbeau. “They can get us the products sooner and it supports their
Merchandise primarily highlights three key themes: The Arch, St. Louis and riverboats.
“Anything National Park Service related is incredibly popular,” adds Barbeau. “People have a great love for the national parks, whether it be a puzzle, postcard set or mug. We also offer national park stickers and passport books that do really well.”
Engaging guests and contributing to a memorable visit to the national park is an important role team members carry out at Riverboat Gift Shop.
Just as Barbeau is always seeking ways to improve customer service, she’s equally focused on offering new guest experiences that encourage lingering by the riverboats for longer.
This year, the Riverboat Gift Shop introduced an interactive mining activity on the dock. The
practice as well.”
With small-batch buying during COVID, Barbeau says the shop expanded its selection of local products.
Artists keep products relevant by branding items with images of The Arch, the site’s logo or name-drop pieces highlighting St. Louis or the National Park Service.
In fact, a set of tile coasters sold in mix-andmatch sets or individually depict these characteristically “STL” experiences.
shop partnered with a vendor who built a retail display cart for the activity and created custom bags to take home the mining gemstones.
After the first week with the mining attraction, Barbeau says there was “such a fun demand.” She adds that customers of all ages are participating in the attraction.
Barbeau says, “I think the value of having an activity within a gift shop is undersold, and this is proving to be a really great way to add to the riverboat cruises.” SGN
STORY BY KRISTIN ELY
Children and their parents won’t be able to resist these trending play items that entertain, educate and recreate fond memories.
From plush, to puzzles, board games and more, families on vacation want a way to be entertained after the excitement of the day has come to a close. In the car, on an airplane or simply back at the hotel, toys enhance the experience families have on their trips. When those toys also tie into the places they visit, they add even more special meaning.
At Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Retail Manager William Hill tries to keep an eclectic mix of toys and games that include puzzles, plush and pool games in stock.
The selection runs the gamut to cater to hotel guests with children who want to be entertained, including board games, a hook-and-ring game, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, bouncy balls, action figure sets, and even a travel-sized memory game similar to Simon.
“We carry a lot of impulsivity toys like stress balls and stretchy stuff that kids will pick up and grab for $10 or
less, and then we also have our more expensive side,” Hill describes.
Visitors to the store are drawn to the giant plush cheeseburger at the front entrance. Made by Squishable, the scrumptious nod to the Cheeseburger in Paradise song Margaritaville founder Jimmy Buffett made famous can belong to a customer for $250.
“We’ve sold five of them since I started carrying them in December,” says Hill. “Is everyone going to want to buy it? No. Is everyone going to want to come in and look at it? Absolutely. If we sell it great. If we don’t sell it, it’s still an attention grabber.”
Plush is the bestseller among kids at the resort. The Margaritaville store has quite a selection, too. “We’ve got Squishable, Wild Republic and Jellycat. Everyone knows
Margaritaville Resort Orlando caters to families with toys and games that not only capture the laidback lifestyle of the venue, but that also bear the resort name.
Jellycat and goes crazy for that.”
Margaritaville Resort carries Wild Republic’s Perching Parrot Huggers, which Hill describes as similar to slap bracelets that will hug the child’s wrist. “Those have sold really well. I would say here, specifically the parrots in a mix of different
The twistable, bendable, stickable Wikki Stix appeal to families on vacation, according to company president Kem Clark.
“Kids are spending lots of travel time in the backseat or on an airplane so having an engaging, quiet type of independent play is a must,” he says. “That is what our line, Wikki Stix, provides for these locations.”
Clark adds that Wikki Stix are “quiet, reusable and engaging,” making them ideal travel toys. The company recently introduced its Make Believe Fun Pak, featuring unicorns, fairies, wizards and other makebelieve characters.
“With 20 individual paks, there are enough to keep kids busy for a long stretch of travel time, and they are small enough for mom to tuck in her purse or carry-on to pull out as needed.”
sizes are my top seller in plush.”
Hill notes that because the resort is in close proximity to Target, Five Below and Ross, he has to differentiate his offerings.
“What I have to offer up here is No. 1 things they are not going to see in those stores in some different level, but also No. 2 name-dropped items like the travel memory game which has our name on it. The hook-and-ring game also says Margaritaville on it.”
Hill does have some items that the other stores carry like Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, but he says that is because he wants to make the store a one-stop shop for the kids.
For the pool, the store is stocked with Margaritaville floats, diving items and waterballs. Hill describes a pool game he carries called Flungle by Waboba as a bocci-type game for the water.
He also stocks soccer balls, footballs and little rubber duckies that are “quick little pickups for kids to play with in the pools.”
Wholesale company, The RGU Group, sells plush souvenirs that include static, name-dropped items as part of its “pick-n-pack” program as well as 6-inch and 9-inch regional plushies which can be printed on demand with customers’ logos or art from RGU’s library of custom designs. The company also can produce a custom, exclusive variant of an existing product, explains Connor Atkins of the RGU marketing team.
“Our No. 1 selling item no matter where the customers are located is axolotls. The social media and buzz behind them makes them great for anyone.”
— CORAL REYNOLDS, FIESTA
RGU’s major release in 2024 has been its 100% recycled line of graffiti-inspired teddies, which in just two production runs has kept nearly 9 tons of plastic from entering the environment, notes Atkins.
At Fiesta Toy, the axolotls have been getting a lot of attention lately. “Our No. 1 selling item no matter where the customers are located is axolotls,” says Coral Reynolds, president. “The social media and buzz
behind them makes them great for anyone. Kids know what they are even if the adults do not, and they transcend any norms as far as locations.”
The axolotl is also trending with Wild Republic. According to Victor Armendariz, Latin American/Caribbean sales manager for Wild Republic, the native animal of Mexico started trending because of a video game and social media, and now he says, “We can’t keep it in stock.”
The company has recently introduced a line of biodegradable toys called Green Guardians and is launching a biodegradable plush line. Armendariz notes that these are products that children can “love, cuddle and play with,” that also offer an educational message.
Stuffed States is another plush company that couples learning with lovable plush. Owner Stacey McLaughlin says she thinks educational toys are finding a new road into the souvenir business.
The company specializes in selling plushies shaped like every U.S. state.
“Our Stuffed States are the perfect educational companions for kids, helping them explore the geography of the state they’re visiting on vacation,” she says.
She also notes that shop owners are finding that Stuffed States seamlessly fit into various sections within their shops. “These versatile
If a game or puzzle is something you want to offer customers, then Madd Capp suggests you “think outside the box.” Its jigsaw puzzles aren’t square, they’re shaped. Puzzles available from the company include I am Blue Heron, I am Lil’ Dolphin, I am Duck, I am Lil’ Flamingo, I Am Lil’ Gator, I am Mermaid, I Am Parrot, I am Lil’ Sea Turtle, and I am Lil’ Shark. Madd Capp also got on board with the axolotl trend in 2024 with its launch of I am Lil’ Axolotl.
“Our signature five-sided boxes stop people in their tracks,” says John Moran, co-founder and principal, Madd Capp Games & Puzzles. “Cap it with a poster-sized point-of-sale display just like a finished puzzle that can stand on a shelf, hang from the ceiling, or mount on the wall.”
plushies perform just as admirably in both local state and town pride sections, making them a popular choice for a wide range of customers.”
Educational toys are the name of the game at the stores inside the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, which include two “everyday stores,” the newly remodeled gift shop at the Henry Crown Space Center, and pop-up gift shops that are tied to exhibits like its current James Bond one. There is also a holiday shop later in the year that ties in with the Christmas Around the World exhibit.
Joseph Straub, store manager with Event Network, oversees all of the museum’s retail. He says toys and games account for approximately 27% to 35% of overall sales. At the museum’s main store, 30% of the store is made up of kid/ toy presentations. Among his top four most exciting toys that he sells are a line called Genius at Play, which includes plasma balls, Newton’s
cradles, and a vortex lamp that ties in well with the museum’s tornado exhibit.
“This is a tornado lamp to replicate that because how else can you bring a tornado home?” Straub asks. He adds that the plasma balls resonate with all ages and tie in with the huge plasma ball the museum has on display.
Klutz is another popular toy line that Straub says includes a clay pet adoption kit, magical baking set and a make-yourown-soap kit — “just really fun things that you can actually use while being educational.”
Brown Toy Box is one of the museum’s newest offerings. Founded by Terri-Nichelle Bradley, the toy line focuses on Black excellence. The museum carries five of these boxes, including one on astronomy.
“You can make your own telescope. It has a constellation mapping activity, constellation ceiling stickers and an activity book. Each box has a kid character representing all different ethnici-
ties so you are building a world for a character that comes in the box, which is so cool,” he says. “They are also great ways to get kids interested in those kinds of careers.”
Plush also does well at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The museum has a farm exhibit where visitors can watch real baby chicks hatch, “so of course baby chick plush does very well, and we have cow and pig plush.”
Space is another big theme for plush at the museum. Event Network created its own line of plush called Gumball Plush, which according to Straub has no plastic for eyes and comes in a sun, moon and earth. Palm Pals from Aurora are another popular plush item.
“The toy literally sits on the palm of your hand,” he says. “They are very big for our field trip students because they’re inexpensive.” The Palm Pals are available in cloud, star, cow and pig at the museum.
With so many product ideas, there’s no more excuses for kids to be bored on vacation. SGN
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
WELL-ORGANIZED APPAREL DISPLAYS CAN HELP DESTINATION RETAILERS BOOST APPAREL SALES.
Kelleys Island is a popular Ohio vacation destination in the warm summer months, with thousands of people taking a ferry to the Lake Erie island for day trips and vacation homes. For many years, Kelleys Island Clothing Company has been a go-to shop on the island for name-dropped apparel and souvenirs.
Carla Pelz has served as co-owner of the shop alongside her husband, Kevin, for the past six years. The couple also has run a wholesale T-shirt business called Pelz Lettering Shirt Shack for about three decades. One of their customers was the previous tenants of the Kelleys Island gift shop. The couple even helped the previous owners set up displays for apparel in the shop, and since becoming owners they rearranged apparel to improve visibility.
Today, customers are immediately drawn to the store’s vibrant namedropped shirts displayed prominently along the two main walls of the store, held up on custom-made T-shirt towers. The store’s lighting also points to these displays, helping to draw attention to it. Customers can then easily find the shirts they want in cubbies underneath the tower displays.
Michael Hale, CEO of the Los Angeles-based Retail Rehab consultancy, explains that the purpose for apparel displays is to draw attention to top-selling merchandise, helping customers find what they are looking for.
“If you walk into a store and all you see are shirts on four-way racks, it helps to have one table with two bust forms to break that sea of monotony,” he explains. “I think the same goes for a T-shirt wall. If you have a 20-foot wall, break it up into sections.”
Hale adds that there’s no “magic number” when it comes to determining how many mannequins, bust forms or other apparel displays a destination retailer sets out, but he stresses, “Be sure you have enough.”
How exactly can destination retailers be sure they “have enough” apparel displays in their stores?
Hale notes that sales data can help retailers determine how much space to dedicate to each product category as well as how many displays to include for those products, including apparel.
“It’s really good to understand what your sales look like in a molecular way,” he explains. “Look at what do my men’s T-shirts sell? Ladies? Kids? It’s analysis.”
For instance, if apparel makes up 30% of a store’s business, Hale suggests it should occupy 30% of the store’s space, with displays to draw attention to those areas.
“It has nothing to do with what you think or feel — it’s based on numbers. That’s a strategic way of looking at it,” says Hale.
Early in her days as owner of Kelleys Island Clothing Company, Pelz says she was quickly surprised at how many sweatshirts people were buying in the middle of summer months.
“I used to not devote much space to sweatshirts. But it’s probably our second bestseller,” she notes. “I now devote more space to sweatshirts because it’s what people are asking for.”
Destination retailers also may be tempted to simply display apparel that looks pretty or is the most attractive on their bust forms, but Hale advises retailers use data rather than feelings to ultimately make that call. A store’s top sellers need to be on display rather than what the owner “feels” is best.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a general rule that a store should have XYZ with apparel, but it is important to listen to what your numbers tell you,” Hale says.
One of the biggest mistakes Hale sees destination retailers make is having an over-assortment
of apparel, whether it’s too many styles of a logoed T-shirt or too many color options of one shirt design.
“I would rather see fewer assortments, fewer colors and make sure you have the full size range,” he explains. “With too many choices, your open to buy might not allow you to spend as much money on each product, and you might sell out of certain sizes faster.”
In Coronado, California, Coronado Mercantile offers popular apparel brands along with some name-drop souvenirs. Store Manager and Buyer Rachel Hengst says she makes sure the store always appears well stocked, but not too full.
“You want to give them space to see all you have to offer without overlooking anything,” she explains.
Hengst says most of her store’s apparel lines include sizes XS to 3XL, with a few lines that offer 4XL.
“It’s nice to be size inclusive for whoever may walk through our doors,” she says.
Drawing attention to options for youth is also important. Pelz says she has one section of her store dedicated to youth T-shirts and hoodies.
“I have a gridwall with arms coming out with youth shirts, so you can look and see all the youth T-shirts at once,” she says. “I carry some shirts that come with markers so kids can color the shirt, and some with glitter for little girls over on a separate rack. But they’re all in the same area.”
When destination retailers set up apparel displays, they should consider integrating some themes and icons near the mannequins or T-shirt walls that give customers a sense of place.
“Souvenir and gift shops are an extension of someone’s visit, wherever that is,” says Michael Hale, CEO of the Los Angeles-based Retail Rehab consultancy. “It’s important you pay attention to that with merchandising displays.”
A destination retailer in a tropical location may want to feature a tropical plant on a table next to a bust form with a top-selling name-dropped T-shirt. On the other hand, a gift shop in Dallas may benefit from having a saddle or cowboy boots on the table next to the T-shirt display.
Hale concludes, “Your props and displays help to solidify a customers’ sense of place.”
In addition to displaying apparel, Hale advises destination retailers to keep their apparel sections well-organized to increase the perceived value of the merchandise. He explains that people are more likely to buy a T-shirt if it’s hanging neatly on a rack rather than that same T-shirt poorly folded in a cubby.
“A customer’s perceived value of goods is based on how they’re presented,” he says. “Every display should elevate the value of the goods.”
Apparel has always been a top-selling category at Urban Milwaukee Inc., but Owner
Kelleys Island Clothing Company uses T-shirt towers to show off its namedropped shirts and organizes the shirts in cubbies underneath the displays.
Dave Reid says he had the chance to reorganize and clean up his shop after a fire a few years ago.
“We had a fire during COVID and rebuilt the store and reopened,” he says. “It allowed us to buy new racks and keep more in a small space.”
Reid adds that the store previously used cubbies along the walls to showcase T-shirt options.
“The cubbies required a lot of extra work to keep the place looking good,” he says, noting that shirts regularly had to be refolded to look neat.
Since the fire, he transitioned to displaying T-shirts on slat wall and stocking shirts on several floor racks. “Moving to the racks was a big improvement,” says Reid. “We can display more now and it allows us to have more product.”
How often a destination retailer changes its apparel displays depends in part on how big that category is for them as well as the number of recurring customers who shop at the store. At the very least, Hale suggests destination retailers
change out apparel displays with every season.
“If you’re getting only first-time customers who are coming into town each season, then you may not need to change your displays a whole lot throughout the seasons,” he says. “But if you’re a store that serves your locals or you’ve got repeat customers that are coming back several times throughout the season, you’re going to want to update those displays so that your customers don’t see it as stale.”
Reid shares that he usually changes his store’s two mannequins with each season, unless he notices he needs to make a change mid-season to showcase a trending T-shirt style. He’ll also make a change mid-season if the store is starting to run low on a style that’s being displayed.
Destination retailers also shouldn’t be afraid to change displays that aren’t working. Hengst loves setting up displays at Coronado Mercantile — she suspects her background in making theater displays helps her with this task. She notes that she makes sure not to get too at-
tached to any display at the shop.
“Like in theater, you work hard on a show set and then tear it down,” she says. “Even if I think a display looks great, the layout is great, it may not be working to move the product. I have to decide that it doesn’t work and try something else.”
“A customer’s perceived value of goods is based on how they’re presented. Every display should elevate the value of the goods.” — MICHAEL HALE
No matter how often a destination retailer changes their apparel displays, they need to make sure they always stand out. Pelz notes that Kelleys Island Clothing Company’s T-shirt towers are perhaps the most noticeable displays in her store.
“You have to make it eye-catching,” she says of apparel displays.
Indeed, eye-catching apparel displays can help destination retailers to boost their apparel sales. SGN
OWNER:
Brenda Shirah
BESTSELLERS:
Lapel pins and magnets tend to be popular items at Florida Caverns State Park’s gift shop.
RETAIL TIP:
Develop good relationships with employees to make a difference in the shop’s day-to-day operations.
Employees at the Florida Caverns State Park gift shop pull double duty as tour guides and storytellers.
In 1935, the state of Florida acquired the land that is now known as Florida Caverns State Park in the Panhandle near Marianna. While Civilian Conservation Corps employees began the heavy lifting to construct the building that would become the park’s gift shop, Robert DeGroot made his way into the world that same year. Eventually, he became a ranger at the park and when he retired, he ran the gift shop.
As DeGroot got older and needed help, his daughter, Brenda Shirah retired from the military and moved back to Florida along with her daughter who had just graduated high school. When he passed away in 2021 at the age of 86, Shirah took over officially as the new owner. “And I’ve been running it since,” she says.
The retired United States Air Force “weather girl” says the tale of the familyowned business began in 1976 when she was a little girl.
“I’m not 100% sure when the gift shop began; it started off really, really small,” she
recalls. “It was upstairs in the museum where people used to check in for their tours. They had a cabinet with a few little trinkets and eventually they moved downstairs.”
In 2002, the gift shop opened in its current location for the only state park where visitors can take a guided tour through a cave system to “see spectacular examples of cave formations,” the official website boasts.
Sixty-five feet below the surface, visitors explore the endless rooms that make up the three-quarter-mile-long tour conducted by a fleet of 18 employees — most of whom begin their career journey with Shirah at 15 or 16 years old.
“These kids have to learn all about geology. They have to learn the whole history of this park,” she says of her employees. “They have to know where everything is in this park, how the cave was discovered, how it was made and
who found it. They even have to know who the president was back then, so they have to know their history.”
When they’re not conducting cave tours, employees are busy in the gift shop helping customers pick out their favorite T-shirts, magnets, toys, books, stone animals, jewelry, backpacks, ranger vests, walking sticks, mugs, helmets, lanterns, postcards, stuffed animals, crystals, patches, pins and of course — the cool treats.
“My top-selling item, believe it or not, is ice cream,” Shirah notes. “Especially in the summer. And slushies.”
It’s no wonder, seeing as the gift shop’s target demographics are fifth and sixth graders. “That’s usually the age group that they come in as a school,” Shirah explains. “And when the parents are bringing their kids, that’s usually the age that they’re bringing them.”
For this reason, Shirah says, she tries to make
sure her toys and crafts are educational and have some tie to nature, such as the National Geographic volcano and crystal building kits, books written by a local historian, and even a treasure map that is as accurate as it is fun.
Among the most important criteria for selecting items for the shop, Shirah says, are reasonable prices and products that are locally sourced whenever possible. Her go-to roster includes a Native American who makes items for her that
sell “as fast as they come in,” a female artist who makes T-shirts “right here in town,” a small business that makes homemade honey butter, and Silver Streak, a local vendor that not only supplies stone animals and shark’s teeth but hires individuals with disabilities.
Shirah adds she tries to keep her prices competitive with those of big-box stores and chains to help community members save money.
“During Christmas a lot of the locals will
come and they’ll purchase their Christmas gifts here,” she says. “So I try to get Paw Patrol and this and that, and I try to get as cheap as I can so they save money instead of going to Walmart.”
“If you treat your employees well, your employees are going to treat the guests well. And 99% of the guests will treat the employees well right back.”
— BRENDA SHIRAH
When it comes to wholesale items, Shirah says Squire Boone Village and Wilcor International provide some very popular items, which currently include lapel pins and magnets.
While she normally sells hoodies and long-sleeve shirts, Shirah decided to switch it up this year and buy zip-up hoodies. T-shirts are the most popular, however, because as Shirah notes, “It’s usually hot.”
Even the cave, which holds steady around 68 degrees, is very humid year-round. However, the former weather forecaster notes, it’s always the
perfect temperature down there.
“[In the summer] the real field temp in the cave is about 73 so it feels nice and refreshing,” she explains. “In the winter when it is 30 degrees outside, and you go down into the cave and it’s 68 degrees with a real field temp of 73, it feels really warm.”
Thirty-three steps and a walk down a sloping hill delivers guests to the beginning of the tour and the lowest point of the cave in the Introduction Room. This is also where Shirah’s employees shine as they take the lead in guiding guests through the various rooms of the cave.
“When you’re in that room, that is where the tour guide’s going to start your story,” she notes, explaining that the tour guides all share the story of how the cave was formed and discovered. During tours, they explain the various minerals found in the cave and educate guests on stalactites, stalagmites, columns, formations, fractures and all the little tidbits of information that enlighten and entertain the crowd.
And the most common question from guests? “Are there bats?” Shirah says with a laugh. “And yes, there are bats.”
All jokes aside, it is here where the secret to the success of the Florida Caverns gift shop is revealed — in the strength of the workforce.
Shirah says her close-knit relationships with her employees make all the difference in the dayto-day operations.
“If you treat your employees well, your employees are going to treat the guests well,” she explains. “And 99% of the guests will treat the employees well right back.”
Shirah notes the reason she likes to hire younger individuals is to “get them before they have bad habits,” and then invest the time to help them develop a skillset that they can use throughout their careers. She says she believes their duties help to build confidence.
In slower times in the winter, Shirah rotates
employees so that each one has an opportunity to be manager on duty on weekends.
“They do schedules, everything,” she says. “It’s important that they learn these skills, you know? How else are they [going to] get it?”
In return, her employees pledge their appreciation by doing a good job and pouring their acquired skills into the heart of her business.
“I’ve been very successful. These kids, they start with me at 15, 16; If they go to college here, they stay with me up until they find their careers, and I encourage them to go on and get a career,” she says. “I don’t have a very high turnaround. Once I get my employees, I keep them.” SGN
Looking for something new to offer? Here are some trending products that are sure to turn heads.
1. Nassau Candy: Clever Candy Comet Crusher jawbreaker, www.nassaucandy.com; 2. OMG! Pretzels: Salty Butterscotch pretzels, www.omgpretzels.com; 3. Touring Souvenirs: Arizona keychain, www.touringsouvenirs.com; 4. The Cottonseed Marketplace: Anna Maria Island name-drop turtle ornament, www.cottonseedmarketplace.com; 5. Tourist Courts by Pumpernickel Press: National Parks Adventure Guide, www.touristcourts.com; 6. Plus-Plus USA: Puzzle by number map of the USA, www.plusplususa.com; 7. Fiesta Toy: Noodlz plushl, www.fiestatoy.com; 8. PCF Souvenirs: Bear claw mug, www.pcfsouvenirs.com; 9. SS Handcrafted Art: Eve the Marble Turtle, www.sshandart.com.
Have a product to feature? Send a high-resolution image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com.
1 Brilliant Gift – www.1brilliantgift.com .................................. 95
A&F Gift and Souvenir – www.afgift.com 79
A.T. Storrs Ltd. – www.atstorrs.com 9
Alynn Neckwear dba Wild Attire –www.alynn.com ........................................................................... 131
American Gift Corp. – www.agiftcorp.com ......................... 61
Animals Forever – www.animalsforever.net 93
Art by Elowyn – faire.com/direct/artbyelowyn 138
Art Studio Co. – www.artstudiocompany.com 63, 87
Artistic Impressions – www.maiwholesale.com...... 104-105
Atlanta Market – www.atlantamarket.com .......................... 31
Aurora World – www.auroragift.com 125
Avalon Meat Candy – www.avalonmeatcandy.com 83
B. Berish – faire.com/direct/bberish 20
Bamboo Source Tropical Decor –www.bambootropicaldecor.com ....................................... 110
Beacon Design – www.beacondesign.com.......................... 101
Better Magnets – www.bettermagnetscatalog.com 117
Bucket Wonders – www.bucketwonders.com 119
Cape Shore – www.cape-shore.com 37
Capsmith – www.capsmith.com................................................ 85
Coastal Connections Conference –www.coastalconnectionsconference.com 32
Cool Jewels – www.cooljewels.com 72-73
Desperate Enterprises – www.desperate.com 19
Dutch American – www.dutcham.com 3
Eagle Emblem – www.eagleemblemsinc.com .....................141
Exist Inc. – www.existcatalog.com ........................................... 69
Exotic Sea Images – www.exoticseaimages.com 134
Farcountry Press – www.farcountrypress.com 102
Fiesta Toy – www.fiestatoy.com 121
Geocentral – www.geocentral.com .......................................... 17
Gift for Life – www.giftforlife.org........................................... 140
Holden International – www.holdenintl.us 115
IGES – www.iges.us 28-29
Impulse Souvenirs – www.impulsesouvenirs.com 55, 147
Jack Russell – www.jackrussellapps.com .............................. 137
Jackson Pacific – www.jacksonpacific.com ..........................99
Kool Tees – www.kooltees.com 132
Kurt S. Adler – www.kurtadler.com 97
Las Vegas Market – www.lasvegasmarket.com 35
Las Vegas Souvenir and Resort Gift Show www.lvsouvenirshow.com ............................................... 48-57
LaserGifts – www.lasergifts.com 148
Life Force Glass – www.lifeforceglass.com 21
Lipco – www.lipco.biz 111
Little Critterz – www.littlecritterz.com........................... 71, 93
Graphics – www.mtgraphics.com 127
Icons Creations Inc. –www.northern-icons.com .................................................... 100
Pretzels – www.omgpretzels.com ........................... 126
Lorab – www.lorab.com................................................................138 Mei Wah – www.meiwah.com .................................................. 128 Mitchell Proffitt – www.mitchellproffitt.com 23
WINNER: The Penguin Gallery
LOCATION: North Conway, NH
OWNER: Tiga Brault
In the quaint New Hampshire village of North Conway, The Penguin Gallery has been offering unique gifts in the community for over 50 years.
“We’re that destination of, if you don’t know what you want to get someone, you’ll find it at The Penguin,” says Owner Tiga Brault. While the store may cater to an influx of visitors, the local community never takes a back seat.
LOCAL GIVING. Brault and her mother took over the store about 10 years ago and have always supported local nonprofits. When the local American Cancer Society chapter dissolved, a local cancer charity called Jen’s Friends became the forerunner of the many local causes the store supports.
Brault says, “It’s 100% volunteer based so every dime they get goes directly to helping these local families who are battling cancer.”
All proceeds from The Penguin’s mystery bags benefit local cancer nonprofit, Jen’s Friends.
Brault also found a fun way to support a cause she’s passionate about with unique finds in her store — and that also creates excitement for her merchandise.
A “FUN”DRAISER.“We sell mystery bags,” explains Brault. “We put in some products from the store — some swag, whatever we can, and we sell them for $5, so we donate the product and the full $5 to the organization.”
Customers will buy five or six of the bags for the thrill of seeing what’s inside like jewelry or toys.
“I think it is important, since we are a tourismdriven town, that locals know we still care about them.”
— TIGA BRAULT
At the end of the mystery bag periods, which take place from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day and during the month of November, the store writes a check directly to Jen’s Friends for all the money it collects. The store pledged 200 bags at $5 for its most recent fundraiser and collected donations on top of that.
In the five years the store has been holding these mystery bag fundraisers, it has raised $19,000 for Jen’s Friends — pretty impressive for a penguin. SGN
Sunshine Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award
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