Resort Show Section

Going Wild for Mementoes (From page 58)

anyone leaving the gift shop empty handed simply because they didn’t have much money to spend. We also know we need to have something that interests everyone. From the plush for the kids (and adults), to the Chala wallets and handbags for Mom and Grandma, to the deer and elk antlers for dads to put in their mancaves, plus the T-shirts and sweatshirts for the whole family, we really have something for everyone.”

Zoo shops typically carry the tried-andtrue souvenirs like apparel and plush, but will add new items into the mix based on industry trends and customer requests. Zoo gift shop retailers have noticed some fading trends, as well. Lawrence has seen less of a demand for larger plush items and more for the smaller designs. Tierney said novelty toys are making a comeback with their market, observing, “those bulk item bins empty out quickly. We are selling a lot of fidget-type toys as novelty items—it seems to serve a bigger purpose than just a ‘small toy’ for some buyers,” she noted. Similarly, Kierstead said at Lake Tobias, it was a big year for soft, “squishable” toys, anything from lizards to alpacas to a

Continued on page 64