Increasing Jewelry and Home Décor Sales at Art Museum Shops

By Karen Appold

When looking to increase sales of jewelry and home décor at art museum shops, take some tips from other shopkeepers such as what sells well. Barbara Dunn, museum store manager, The Vero Beach Museum of Art, Vero Beach, Fla., said her top jewelry sellers are necklaces by LPL Creations. This Florida-based jewelry artist creates 18-carat gold plate handmade pieces and freshwater pearls, which makes the price point affordable.

Because Sea Lily Jewelry is made from piano wire jewelry, it is unique and a conversation starter, Dunn said. Necklaces sell better than earrings and bracelets at the 690-square-foot shop.

Rings from RS Covenant feature designs that are suitable for all ages and are incredible imitation pieces, Dunn said. “The pieces are so good that many patrons like them for show, but also to travel with because they don’t have to worry about loss or theft,” she said.

Julie Steiner, senior director of admissions and retail operations at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia Pa., is seeing the strongest jewelry sales among her least expensive lines, particularly lightweight laser cut wood and bamboo earrings by Green Tree jewelry. The latter has the added benefit of being made in the United States, which has proved to be an important consideration with all of the supply chain disruptions of the past year.

In second place are pleated fabric necklaces from Alexandra Tsoukala in Greece. “Again, lightweight and inexpensive materials are the key,” Steiner said.

Chacho Herman , associate director of earned income, The San Diego Museum of Art at Balboa Park in California, said Sheri Liebert necklaces are top sellers. This local San Diego designer makes high-end pieces ranging from $250 to $750. “Her pieces tend to be one-of-a-kind items, which is a strong selling point,” he said. “Since reopening, we’ve found that visitors are more willing to support local San Diego designers. Her popularity can also be attributed to her frequent trunk shows at the gift shop, so guests recognize her name.”

Another good seller is KJK Jewelry bracelets and earrings. “The story behind Kathrine Kornblaus’s (KJK) jewelry is fun,” Herman said. “People love hearing that she was eager to work with me to develop a cohesive and beautiful collection that reflected exhibitions’ themes. Priced between $45 and $150, her items are not inexpensive, but can be considered affordable.”

Rings by Alexandra Scarlet, another local designer, also fly off the shelves. Again, this is because customers are excited to buy local merchandise. Her rings are modern designs, using semi-precious materials, and the price is right in the sweet spot of $125 to $175 per ring, Herman said.

Cheryl Tuttle , director of finance and operations at the Des Moines Art Center in Iowa, said her top jewelry seller is Iris de la Torre brooches made by a Mexican artist living in the United Kingdom. The brooches are made from recyclable acrylic inspired by traditional Mexican folk arts and crafts. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.

TOP-SELLING HOME DÉCOR

At the San Diego Art Museum gift shop, contemporary Tibetan vases from Art Floral Trading are a

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Increasing Jewelry (From page 32) best-seller. “From diminutive single bud vases to large bouquet pieces, this line is a consistent good seller,” Herman said.

Vasa tabletop décor by Los Angeles-based artist Vasa Mihich also does well. His multi-colored tabletop home décor pieces are made from laminated acrylic. “His pieces spark whimsy and broadcast color, both of which appeal to customers,” Herman said. “And when we tell customers that he’s a Southern California artist, of course they’re even more likely to be supportive and purchase a piece.” Prices range from $300 to $750 per item.

Unique wall clocks from Clever Clocks are also popular. “The approach is artistic with inspiration from artists as varied as MC Escher to Russian constructivists,” Herman said. “People looking for a unique way to tell time without looking at their phones find that these wall clocks suit their need.”

The gift shop at The Vero Beach Museum of Art does well with merchandise from C&F Enterprise, particularly dish towels with beautiful prints and fun quotes or sayings. Fabric placemats made of quality material available in bright colorful prints are also

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