Spotlight on Souvenirs

Bringing a Bit (From page 93)

Owner Saara Matthews described her best-selling souvenirs as “decals, T-shirts, magnets, postcards, virtually anything that says Astoria on it.” That said, she’s found it difficult in recent times to get name-dropped items “that are of decent quality. We’re finding some more now, toward the end of the summer, but it was a struggle to find them at the start of the season.”

Asked her top tip to draw attention to a new souvenir at the 1,500-square-foot shop, Matthews said, “I promote new items on Instagram and on Facebook, those are really the top ways to reach the most people. In the store, I try to place new pieces in interesting window displays. We have two window displays at the moment that are themed to the regatta. They have carved boats that are made locally. I do a water scene with those. They are popular souvenir items, too, and very original.”

Matthews finds her new souvenir best-sellers in a combination of ways. “I look online, I meet people at festivals, and I hear about things through word of mouth. People will come in and tell me about an item they think I would like or should carry. I don’t really do gift shows anymore.” She also looks at items that she herself might want to buy when on vacation, she reported. “If I decide something would be a nice gift or souvenir for me to purchase, I will

Continued on page 96