Where Fashion Finds Are Part of the Fun Apparel Sales at Museums

By Carimé Lane

When they have a good experience, museum visitors are eager to share it with others. Stocking apparel at your museum store is a golden opportunity for them to share–and remember–this experience with what they wear home. Here’s how three museum stores manage their apparel sections.

At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn., they sell T-shirts, casual shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, caps, cowboy hats and boots.

They offer both in-house and online exhibitions. Right now, they’re featuring exhibits including ones highlighting the careers of Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride and the artistry of Western-wear designers.

“Our museum collection contains many stage costumes and cowboy hats, so we offer embroidered western wear and hats evocative of those artifacts,” said Jon Davis , director of retail.

T-shirts are the best-selling category among their selection of apparel. According to Davis, they change their T-shirt design every season to stay on trend and keep offerings fresh for their visitors. In addition, they create new T-shirt designs for special exhibits, which rotate frequently.

Since many of their customers are shopping for children and grandchildren, they offer kids’ sizes ranging from infant to youth.

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