Smoky Mountain Gift Show Section

Sales Amid Beautiful (From page 34) over.”

Kerry Sloan , who co-owns Ranger Bob’s Trading Post with his wife Rachel in Gatlinburg, Tenn., said being in a tourist town, they “get every type of customer under the sun. Young and old, rich and not so rich. We try to have a little bit of everything to appeal to anyone who walks in the store.”

Even merchandise with subtle references to a lake or mountain sell well in these areas. Retailers also report strong sales for items with animal motifs representing lakes and mountains. Rucci said due to their location and her 1,084-square-foot shop’s appearance of a rustic lodge in northern Wisconsin, black bearthemed items do well. Copeland noted loons, deer, and bear-themed items are her best-selling animal motifs. Sloan said their location in the Smoky Mountains drives sales of items with a black bear motif. “We are also seeing a trend for Bigfoot items,” he noted. Jasper said, “I notice whales are quite popular here.

Continued on page 38