Logo and NameDropped Gifts at Caves and Caverns

Four Cave and Cavern Gift Stores

Reveal Top Trends

The allure of caves and caverns is undeniable and there are many around the United States to explore. Visitors flock to them yearround eager to see these natural wonders for themselves and discover what lies within. A logo or name-dropped item can keep the memory of such tours alive and encourage future visits. For this article, retailers from four gift shops revealed what is trending at their attractions.

Linville Caverns in northern McDowell County, N.C., have intrigued visitors since they were discovered in 1822. These active limestone caverns are located just south of the village of Linville Falls and close to the city of Marion, N.C. Gift shop patrons are inclined to pick up photo magnets featuring interior images of Linville Caverns as well as keychains and shot glasses. Souvenir items with bat figures or images of bats on them are also popular. “These sell well because most guests are looking for affordable ways to take home a souvenir,” General Manager Lanie Gross said.

Customer preference and salability influence gift buying decisions, according to Gross. “Many items are purchases year after year, and as a general rule must appeal to most consumers.” Product suggestions from long-standing suppliers are also considered. The biggest name-drop failure the 1,500-square-foot Linville Caverns’ gift store ever experienced was related to Pogs – a commercialized version of the children’s Milk Caps game. Played with flat circular cardboard milk caps, the name-drop possibilities were endless. “In the 1990s, we were encouraged to ‘get in on the craze’ but it was a big flop for us. The fad passed us by and we were left loaded with these things that took us years to move.”

Ohio Caverns near West Liberty, Ohio, is the largest of all the cave systems in the state. Open year-round, guests thrill to see the attraction’s many rock formations. They’re also inclined to pick up a name-dropped souvenir or two in the 1,200-square-foot gift shop to remind them of their visit. “We try to feature merchandise that relates specifically to us. Since we are a cavern, we like to carry flashlights, for example,” said Manager/Buyer J.D. Harshfield . He tries to avoid items that can be found just anywhere. That being said, logoed

Continued on page 116

Logo and Name-Dropped (From page 114)

shot glasses, ornaments, pins and pencils are popular with shoppers.

When scouting new items to name-drop, Ohio Caverns likes to keep things local. “We try to deal with a lot of Ohio-based companies if we can. There’s one company that puts on a souvenir and gift shop show right here in Ohio, just for Ohio people that we attend,” Harshfield said. When he thinks back on items that struck out in the gift shop, an acrylic paperweight comes to mind. “It was a very nice item but I believe the price point wasn’t where it needed to be. And people don’t necessarily seek out paperweights if they’re looking for a souvenir. That was kind of a swing and a miss for us a few years ago,” he concluded.

Niagara Cave in Harmony, Minn., was first discovered in 1924 and opened for tours 10 years later. It is a limestone cave featuring impressive rock formations plus an underground stream and waterfall. Situated nearly 200 feet beneath the surface, the cave’s temperature is a constant 48 degrees. This may account for the surge in apparel sales the gift shop experienced this summer. “It’s been a really hot summer,” said Owner/Manager Mark Bishop . “People check in for a tour wearing only shorts and a T-shirt, find out it’s only 48 degrees below and decide they want to acquire some warmer clothing. So, they make a dash for the name-dropped sweatshirts and sweatpants.”

Bishop relies on the owner of a printing company he’s worked with for over 20 years for leads on new items to name-drop. “He’s got his finger on the pulse of what’s going on as far as trends. He tells us what’s hot and we take his advice and it seems to work out great.” The 1,600-square-foot store has never had an outright flop but there have been items whose performance