ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS Best-Selling Name-Dropped Gifts and Souvenirs at Zoos and Aquariums

By Sara Karnish

When it comes to gifts and souvenirs at venues like zoos and aquariums, name-dropped items are among the consistently strong sellers. From clothing to keychains, plush toys to porcelain figurines, consumers of all ages are drawn to items bearing the name of the venue. It’s a simple way for visitors to purchase a tangible memory of a special visit. “We take people’s memories from the zoo and build them into something you can take home,” said Jamie Sheard, guest services manager at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pa. She added there is almost always overlap in the zoo’s events and what items are selling well in their 1,400-square-foot gift shop. “We like to feature items that we can really connect to the guest experience,” she added.

Visitors intentionally seek out name-dropped items, but not every item works in this category. “We try to name-drop as much as possible,” said Joan Hummel , gift shop manager at Akron Zoo in Akron, Ohio. “If it is visually appealing to namedrop an item, we take a look at it. Vendors can help, too—creating proofs for you to review so it’s easy to visualize how a finished item will look.” Hummel added that the best-selling name-dropped items in the 3,600-square-foot retail shop are “apparel and drinkware. We follow the trends and buy what will sell. Out of Hand Graphics is one of our apparel vendors; they do a great job with designs. Both apparel and drinkware lend themselves to great displays with the graphic qualities.” Over the past year, COVID-related items such as masks and other PPE were strong competitors with the longtime triedand-true best-sellers like apparel, magnets, and keychains. Anita Coogan , ZOOfari Outpost Gift Shop Manager at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Fla., said, “At this time, our top-selling gifts are our custom Central Florida Zoo masks, stress toys, plush animals wearing Central Florida Zoo vests, and educational gifts like books, gemstones with educational cards, and puzzles. ” She added, “Magnets, postcards, shot glasses, mugs, and T-shirts are still highly desired amongst guests of different ages.”

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