NATIONAL PARKS STORE OFFERINGS GO THE DISTANCE
These souvenir trends appeal to the growing number of adventure-seeking tourists.
PLUSH SOUVENIRS ARE GETTING LOVE FROM ALL AGES
Teens and adults are scooping up plush from destination retailers across the country.
GET TAILS WAGGING WITH ENTICING PET PRODUCT DISPLAYS
Dog lovers won’t be able to resist pooch-pampering products with these tips.
LICENSED VENDORS, LOCAL FLAIR AND WINNING HORSES SCORE THE ULTIMATE TRIFECTA AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM STORE.
HITTINGTHEJACKPOT! CocoLoco’sGiftShopisa winnerwithcustomers.
8
EDITOR’S LETTER
Inspiring destination retailers to give back.
12
RETAILER ROADMAP
Discover the stores featured in this issue.
14
NEWS BRIEFS
Town Pride launches franchise opportunities.
18
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
Make plans to attend these upcoming trade shows.
Director of Retail Operations Kristina Gerard shares how licensed vendors, local flair and winning horses score the ultimate trifecta at the Kentucky Derby Museum Store in Louisville, Kentucky.
Tourism is booming at national parks. With a growing interest in visiting national parks, these park retailers need to make sure they carry souvenirs that appeal to a broad customer base. 32
20
TRADE SHOW NEWS
Coverage from past and upcoming trade shows.
26
FRESH IDEAS
Bees, ornaments and plush-inspired product ideas.
84
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Get fresh new product ideas for your store.
86 SHOP TALK
Industry experts share advice for souvenir retailers.
88
AD INDEX
Easily locate an advertiser’s ad and website.
46
PRODUCT TREND: Plush
Children and adults alike love plush souvenirs.
54
PRODUCT TREND: Health & Beauty
Healing and beautifying products offer relaxation.
60
MERCHANDISING:
Rocks, Stones & Minerals
Make rocks, gems and crystals shine.
66
MERCHANDISING:
Pet Accessories
Five display tips to help with pet accessories.
72
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: CocoLoco’s Gift Shop
Souvenirs hit the jackpot at this casino shop.
78
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: The General Emporium
Train enthusiasts love this museum shop. 46 60
SUNSHIN E AWARD
90 SUNSHINE AWARD Blue Ridge Cotton Company donates 1% of every sale to charity.
As a destination retailer, you are in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces. When someone comes into your store and finds the perfect souvenir from their visit or unique gift for a loved one that they can’t get back home, then you’ve done your job. And every time you can accomplish that for your customer, that should also make you happy.
But there are many retailers across the country that don’t just stop there. These retailers understand what it means to give back, and it can take many forms. For some, it is hosting a fundraiser like a sip and shop that benefits a local charity. For others, it is a clothing or food drive. Still others are purposeful in the merchandise they carry in their stores, being sure to carry products that are environmentally friendly and responsibly sourced.
No matter the way these retailers are giving back, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties wants to recognize them. Starting with our January/February issue, we launched the Sunshine Awards, sponsored by Impulse Souvenirs, which recognize these retailers for whom giving back is part of the way they do business.
The goal with the Sunshine Awards is not only to highlight the many stores out there that understand the importance of giving back, but to also inspire other stores to do the same. You can read about this issue’s winner, Blue Ridge Cotton Company, on p. 90.
If your store is doing something in the way of charity or products that support a good cause — no matter how big or how small — we’d like to hear from you. You can email me with your story of giving back or fill out a nomination form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award.
We want to share these stories of giving back and the impact it has on people and the planet. We look forward to hearing from you. SGN
Published six times a year by:
Breakwall Publishing LLC 3593 Medina Rd. #117, Medina, OH 44256 800-705-6833
Subscriptions and address changes: Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834 subscriptions@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 1
KAREN CARR PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR karen@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 701 Direct: 330-591-2575
KRISTIN ELY EXECUTIVE EDITOR & CONFERENCE DIRECTOR kristin@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 702
LARRY WHITE MARKETING DIRECTOR larry@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 708 Direct: 610-324-2100
KATIE TURNER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER katie@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 709
MEGAN SMALLEY ASSOCIATE EDITOR megan@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 704
CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
DEBBY NICHOLS SALES MANAGER debbynichols@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 706 Direct: 859-321-8770
LEE WHITE SALES MANAGER lee@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 707 Direct: 215-798-3878
DEBBY CLARKE AD PRODUCTION COORDINATOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER debby@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 705
GREGORY WOLF CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
RUSSELL MARTH CIRCULATION MANAGER
Publishing
Entire contents copyright 2024 Breakwall Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
ExplorUS, a national provider of concession services, has signed a definitive letter of intent to assume control of Crater Lake Hospitality’s operations at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The Oregon-based park features three retail gift shops.
ExplorUS, based in Overland Park, Kansas, already manages concessions in 11 national park locations and nearly 80 locations nationwide. ExplorUS plans to transition all current employees involved in concessions at Crater Lake and make a significant investment in the park’s facilities, staff training and visitor services.
Crater Lake concessions include boat tours; lodging and dining at historic Crater Lake Lodge; the Cabins at Mazama Village and Mazama Campground; Rim Village Cafe and Gifts, which is open year-round; Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop; and the Mazama Village Store.
“Crater Lake is the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Oregon and one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest,” says Frank Pikus, CEO of ExplorUS. “ The opportunity at Crater Lake National Park is a perfect match with our capabilities and expertise. We are dedicated to providing an excellent experience at the country’s fifth-oldest national park. We are committed to working with the National Park Service to enhance and protect the visitor experience”
Town Pride, a wholesale brand, known for its products that feature local love in the form of curated name-drop collections since 2021, is expanding into retail in a big way. Coming off the heels of its flagship store in Yarmouth, Maine, which opened last November, the woman-owned, made-in-the-USA brand is now offering franchise territories.
The franchising opportunity — already gaining traction with claimed territories — offers an opportunity to experience consumer behavior and better understand the retail side of the business, says Founder Tamara Moran.
“We moved forward with a retail store because we have had so many consumers reaching out to us for products, and we were only wholesale,” explains Moran.
Since the Yarmouth Town Pride flagship shop opened, inventory has expanded to include products touting nearby communities. Customers appreciate the growing selection of clothing, decor, serveware, accessories and baby onesies emblazoned with high school team names, along with children’s apparel.
Nassau Candy, a leading manufacturer of specialty and private-label confections, has released an exclusive 2024 Election Collection under its AmuseMints brand. The entire collection will be on display at Booth #11002 at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which takes place May 14-16 in Indianapolis.
“The presidential election has everyone talking,” says Andrew Reitman, executive vice president of National Brand Confections for Nassau Candy. “Our AmuseMints’ 2024 Election Collection helps retailers get in on the conversation while standing out from the competition with bold, topical art that is made for adding excitement to point of sale and other impulse sale points.”
The Biden 2024 and MAGA 2024 1.75-ounce milk chocolate bars as well as the MAGA 2024 and Democrat & Proud 0.56-ounce slider mint tins offer dynamic, to-thepoint designs. Each product has patriotic red, white and blue themes on the packaging and countertop displays.
dies at 97
Arthur D’Angelo, a man who helped launch an international sports apparel business and a souvenir shop across from Fenway Park in Boston that became the Red Sox Team Store, passed away Feb. 29 at age 97. A celebration of life for D’Angelo took place March 4 at Fenway Park.
According to a report from WCVB-TV in Boston, D’Angelo and his twin brother, Henry, immigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1938 when they were 12 years old. In 1947, the twin brothers launched Twins Enterprises near Fenway Park, focused on selling pennants and other sports memorabilia.
Twins Enterprises eventually changed its name to ’47 Brand in honor of the year the D’Angelo twins started their souvenir business. Today, ’47 Brand has licensing agreements with all major sports and a busy flagship store near Fenway Park.
Although D’Angelo passed away, his legacy continues as his four sons manage the business, including Robert, Mark, David and Steven D’Angelo.
The Missouri History Museum, located in St. Louis, opened a 2,000-square-foot gift shop on Feb. 14 to coincide with the 260th birthday of St. Louis. Sold on St. Louis sells apparel, books, magnets, home decor, prints and posters, food and snacks, jewelry and a range of specialty items.
“The shop is focused primarily on creators here in the general St. Louis area, so 95% of vendors and items are local,” says Briana McPherson, retail operations manager.
Vendors include Imo’s Pizza, Series Six Co. apparel, Benton Park Prints, Excel Bottling Co., Fitz’s Root Beer, Stringbean Coffee Co., STL Style House, Jon Blanco, Clementine’s Creamery, Firecracker Press, Reedy Press and many more. Among the most popular items since the store has reopened are the toasted ravioli earrings, which McPherson points to as being a conversation starter. The city is known for popularizing the dish in the 1940s in a predominantly Italian American neighborhood known as The Hill.
McPherson notes the reaction to Sold on St. Louis has been positive. “It is a much-needed update to the space and an overall focus of the store,” she says. “It matches the Missouri Historical Society’s priority of driving interest about the area and fostering the connection the community has with the space in which they call home.”
Despite expectations for slower growth of both gross domestic product and retail sales, the Washington-based National Retail Federation (NRF) expects the economy to continue to do well for the remainder of this year.
“No one can accurately forecast what surprises the next year might hold, but the foundation of the economy is relatively sturdy and still on a sustainable path,” says NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, adding that the continuing recovery remains “highly reliant” on consumer spending. “Barring unexpected shocks, it should continue growing in 2024, although not spectacularly.”
The NRF forecasts that 2024 retail sales will grow between 2.5% and 3.5%. While that marks a slowdown from the growth seen since the pandemic, the projection is in line with the 10-year pre-pandemic average of 3.6%.
While many consumers are feeling a pinch from tighter credit and inflation, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in February that more consumers said it was easier to access credit than a year ago, and the University of Michigan reported that consumer confidence reached its highest level since July 2021.
“Consumers’ behavior and spending power are tied to their financial health, and the consumer sector looks good at the moment,” Kleinhenz says.
MAY 15-17
Las Vegas Market –Spring Sample Sale Las Vegas
www.lasvegasmarket.com/yearround/off-market-events
MAY 15-19
MSA Forward Retail Conference and Expo Baltimore www.museumstoreassociation.org
JUNE 4-7
June Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.americasmart.com/markets/ june-apparel
JUNE 19-25
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com
MAY
MAY 6-7
TMC – The Merchandise Center Chicago & Schiller Park, Illinois www.tmcexpo.com
MAY 6-7
Midwest Market Days Chicago River Grove, Illinois www.midwestmarketdays.com
MAY 6-8
Atlanta Spring Cash & Carry Atlanta www.americasmart.com/markets/springcash-and-carry
MAY 15-17
International Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Show Orlando, Florida www.ifjag.com
MAY 15-17
ABC Kids Expo Las Vegas www.theabcshow.com
MAY 17-19
GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
MAY 19-21
International Contemporary Furniture Fair New York www.icff.com
JUNE 2-3
Metro Michigan Show Livonia, Michigan www.silverliningshows.com
JUNE 2-4
Miami International Mart Show Miami Gardens, Florida www.martofmiami.com
JUNE 9-11
Minneapolis Mart Home & Gift Show Minneapolis www.mplsmart.com
JUNE 11-14
Dallas Apparel & Accessories Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com
JUNE 17-19
CMC LA Market Week Los Angeles www.californiamarketcenter.com/ lamarketweek
JUNE 18-19
Northstar Fashion Exhibitors
St. Paul, Minnesota www.northstarfashion.com
JUNE 24
TMC – The Merchandise Center Chicago www.tmcexpo.com
JUNE 24-25
Midwest Market Days Chicago River Grove, Illinois www.midwestmarketdays.com
JUNE 26
Buyer’s Cash & Carry, Market Square Lebanon, Pennsylvania www.marketsquareshows.com
JULY 16-22
Atlanta Market Atlanta www.americasmart.com
JULY 22-26
Seattle Mart Summer Show Seattle www.seattlemart.com
JULY 23-25
The ASI Show Chicago Chicago www.asishow.com
JULY 26-30
Minneapolis Mart Home & Gift Show Minneapolis www.mplsmart.com
JULY 28 – AUG. 1
Las Vegas Market Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com
The Coastal Connections Conference is returning to the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Feb. 11-12, 2025, with new timing and a new schedule for added convenience and opportunities for beach, coastal and nautical retailers to learn and connect.
Now in its third year, the Coastal Connections Conference is a retail conference with a coastal vibe.
All the educational sessions, networking opportunities and vendor engagement experiences are geared toward owners and managers of beach, coastal and nautical brick-and-mortar retail stores.
Each day will include a combination of educational sessions and opportunities to interact with vendors at an exclusive buying event called The Boardwalk. Visit www.coastal connectionsconference.com for more information.
With its debut event in the books, attendees and vendors alike enjoyed the connections they made at The Reunion, a new souvenir, gift and resort show that took place April 4-7 at The Mirage Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The Reunion offered buyers thousands of products from exhibitors across the United States as well as some international manufacturers.
The inaugural event featured over 150 lines on display, and attendees came from 46 different states, according to RedlineXpo, which ran the event.
“We were blown away by the response to The Reunion,” said Evan Shoda, CEO and co-founder of RedlineXpo. “We knew there was a lot of demand in the industry for a show in April and that it would help both exhibitors and attendees deal with the supply chain issues that persist.”
Buyers and vendors who attended the event shared that they appreciated the timing of The Reunion. Lisa Shroyer of United Souvenir & Apparel said the timing for this event “is perfect.”
“The quality of buyers was exceptional, and it’s a much more intimate show, so we were not rushed when working with our buyers,” she said.
With the positive buyer and vendor feedback from this most recent event, Shoda said RedlineXpo plans to host The Reunion again April 8-10, 2025, at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas.
vGift Virtual Gift and Souvenir Show is launching this summer. The event is a first-of-its-kind virtual show for the resort, destination and gift industry.
The virtual show will allow buyers to connect with 100 top gift and souvenir suppliers from across the U.S. with options to engage with them through live video, voice call or text chats using real-time tools or to set an appointment for a future date and time. According to Bill McNulty, vGift owner/operator, the first virtual event is expected to be held in July, with two additional shows planned in 2025.
“Anyone who is buying for a store in the resort, souvenir or general gift categories will find this is as close to the traditional show experience as you can get,” he says. “High traffic locations can source rack programs just as easily as smaller locations can find displays and smaller quantities.”
Buyers can register for vGift Virtual Gift and Souvenir Show at www.virtualgiftshows.com.
The Summer 2024 edition of Atlanta Market will feature several updates for buyers, including refined gift and home temporaries, a remerchandising of The Gardens, expanded outdoor living resources and the launch of a web-based Market Planner tool.
Summer 2024 highlights include remerchandising in the Atlanta Market temporaries for better product discovery. According to ANDMORE, the gift and home temporaries are consolidating into seven categories across eight floors in Buildings 2 and 3.
Atlanta Market will begin with a Market Kickoff Party on Wednesday, July 17 in the Atrium in Building 3. Also new this summer will be the Market Planner, which is a web-based planning tool to assist in pre-show strategy. Registration is now open for the buying event, which will take place July 16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
The Temps at Dallas Total Home & Gift Market have momentum, and this summer’s presentation of temporary exhibitors is ahead of goal for the designated space already leased, according to Dallas Market Center. The show, which takes place June 19-22, is trending to be the largest summer edition of Temps at Total Home & Gift Market in a decade.
The June show will include design resources together in a new location on the 11th floor, an expanded gift selection on the 12th floor, more fashion accessories on World Trade Center 13 and the return of GO Texan together with Immediate Goods in Market Hall.
“We are anticipating the largest selection of exhibitors in 10 years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” says Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center.
1. Beach Biscuit: Bee Happy dog collar, www.beachbiscuit.com; 2. Cutlery Couture: Bee-themed woven jute silverware pouches, www.cutlerycouture.com; 3. Leo George: Three-wrap leather bracelet with bumblebee charm and magnetic clasp, www.leogeorgebrand.com; 4. Grand Wood Wall Art by Daydream HQ: Bee-themed wall art, www.grandwoodwallart.com; 5. Simply Chickie: Local honey onesie, www.simplychickieclothing.com; 6. Brief Insanity: Honey bee lounge pants, www.briefinsanity.com; 7. Green Tree Jewelry: Happy bee earrings, www.greentreejewelry.com; 8. Wild Republic: Ecokins bee plush, www.wildrepublic.com.
1. Cape Shore: Lodgey Gnome ornament, www.cape-shore.com; 2. Jackson Pacific: Wooden black bear ornament with Gatlinburg name drop, www.jacksonpacific.com; 3. Beacon Design: Soaring eagle brass ornament, www.beacondesign.com; 4. Joseph K: Santa with fish charm ornament with Santa Cruz, California, name drop, www.josephk.com; 5. Steelberry Ornaments: Sea turtle ornament, www.steelberryornaments.com; 6. Kurt S. Adler: Furry Bigfoot with Santa hat ornament, www.kurtadler.com; 7. Trees to Seas: Meteor Crater Barringer Space Museum ornament, www.treestoseas.org; 8. Cottonseed Marketplace: Woodland National Park moose ornament, www.cottonseedmarketplace.com; 9. Keystone Steel Co.: Your State heart ornament, www.keystonesteelco.com.
1. Punchkins LLC: I Love You S’More plushie, www.punchkins.com; 2. First and Main: Marley moose plush, www.firstandmain.com; 3. Aurora World: Onyx axolotl Palm Pals plush, www.auroragift.com; 4. The RGU Group: I Heart Camping color me plush Teddy, www.thergugroup.com; 5. Fiesta Toy: Noodlez 8.5-inch mushroom plush, www.fiestatoy.com; 6. Rhode Island Novelty: Ocean-safe whale shark, www.rinovelty.com; 7. Wild Republic: Pocketkins Eco alligator, www.wildrepublic.com; 8. Douglas: Paula Pufferfish, www.douglascuddletoy.com; 9. The Petting Zoo: Penguin plush, www.pettingzooplush.com.
Kristina Gerard, director of retail operations for The Kentucky Derby Museum Store, strives to showcase Louisville with products that reflect the area and its rich horse-racing history. Photos: Mickie Winters
Two minutes is all it takes to be considered one of the most legendary thoroughbred horses in the United States by winning the Kentucky Derby. The lead-up to the event is a head-turning extravaganza attended by some of the biggest names in Hollywood and around the globe. When it’s all over, the Kentucky Derby Museum Store is waiting to help visitors procure the perfect keepsake to commemorate the race, which is commonly referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
The Kentucky Derby has been thrilling crowds at the Churchill Downs racetrack since 1875. The nonprofit Kentucky Derby Museum came along in 1985 to pay tribute to the many horses, jockeys and moments in the race’s storied past. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, watch a video of Kentucky Derby through the years, view numerous artifacts from some of the
most memorable races, and tour the Churchill Downs racetrack located next to the museum.
To mark one’s visit, Director of Retail Operations Kristina Gerard works behind the scenes with local vendors to “really showcase Louisville and what Louisville has to offer.”
“I like to bring in merchandise that you can’t just pop into Target and get; I want it to be where it’s definitely something different,” she explains.
Gerard relies on more than 80 local vendors to provide unique takeaways, such as Moss Hill’s bourbon-scented lotions and chapsticks, mint julep-scented lotion, and mint julep soap in the shape of the state of Kentucky.
“We like to take the everyday stuff that people need and add that Kentucky flair,” Gerard notes.
Whether it’s a pie plate adorned with the recipe for bourbon pie from Louisville Stoneware or home decor and barware by Layne Wilson or even a pair of funky socks peppered with the state of Kentucky and bourbon glasses, all tip their hats to the Kentucky Derby.
And speaking of hats, Gerard says baseball caps are a bestseller, but they’re typically not what people think of when it comes to derby hats.
Hat makers known as Milliners commit to a one-year contract to showcase their talents selling what Gerard refers to as “wide-brim, floppy hats,” fascinators and mini fascinators.
Gerard says it takes some special credentials and a fashion dictionary to learn the various fabrics and embellishments used in hat-making — something she never encountered in her previous retail jobs.
After 13 years, however, Gerard is well-versed in hat lingo and even gets to try her hand in designing pieces that can only be purchased in the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop.
“I actually work one-on-one with our hat vendors on designing hats,” Gerard explains. “So, when you come to us for a hat, no one will have the exact trim or the exact style that we carry here.”
And it’s not only women who embrace the hat-wearing tradition for the derby.
“Men’s hats are actually on the rise,” she says. “Fedoras are the main style that men love.”
Gerard says Dorfman Milano is the store’s go-to vendor for men’s hats, which has outfitted
celebrities, including Bruno Mars, George Clooney and Toby Keith.
Hats range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, which makes it an attainable souvenir for anyone with the various price points.
The museum store certainly carries traditional souvenirs; however, any souvenirs affiliated with the Kentucky Derby must be licensed.
“Anything that has Kentucky Derby or Churchill Downs on it or it has that logo everyone knows, it has to be officially licensed through Churchill Downs,” Gerard explains.
For instance, Gerard works with Columbia Sportswear to pick out T-shirts and fleece jackets that will sell well in fun colors and represent both brands well.
Gerard estimates the gift shop carries products from about 40 national vendors, including Radley London designer handbags and Vineyard Vines, a clothing and accessory retailer.
While the museum is open year-round, the Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May when crowds swell to a whopping 155,000, according to the derby’s official website. Gerard notes the shop is off to the races between Valentine’s Day until race day every year.
In peak season, Gerard’s team swells to more than 40 associates. In comparison, she notes there may be only five or 10 associates in December and January, which she considers their slow time. “But it actually works out really well because a lot of our associates are in school or they’re retired, so they’re here to have fun and enjoy the horses,” she says.
“WE LIKE TO TAKE THE EVERYDAY STUFF THAT PEOPLE NEED AND ADD THAT KENTUCKY FLAIR.”
-- KRISTINA GERARD
As long of a history as the Kentucky Derby has, bourbon has an equally impressive lineage, particularly in Kentucky, which is known for its distilleries. The derby museum gift shop gives a nod to the beverage with a wide-ranging selection of bourbon.
“One thing we’ve worked really hard on is trying to find not only the bourbon everyone loves like the day-to-day brands, but the ones that maybe people aren’t aware of or new ones that are coming out,” Gerard notes. “There are other smaller distilleries out there that we’re trying to showcase and have fun with.”
She says while Woodford Reserve will always be offered, as they are a Kentucky Derby partner and an amazing option, one recent addition called Brough Brothers has become one of their top-selling brands. She points out that adding
variety to the wall in the gift shop dedicated to bourbon also helps connect customers with the flavor they desire.
“We have a couple of people on our team that love bourbon and they’re sort of our ambassadors on the sales floor,” Gerard explains. “And we really try to educate the customer with information based on what they’re looking for because every bourbon has a different flavor in the taste profile.”
For those who want the taste of bourbon without the alcohol, bourbon-infused barbecue sauces, caramel corn, chocolates, chocolate sauce and spices are sure to delight.
Gerard notes that the connection to bourbon is important because the museum hosts bourbon-themed tours and events, “so it ties everything together.”
While a typical bottle at the store sells for $50 to $80, a limited-edition set commemorating Secretariat’s Triple Crown sweep 50 years ago is currently being offered for $750, which includes an anniversary medallion, 50th anniversary julep cup and 50th anniversary tac pin.
But most of the items that people desire from the gift shop don’t have hefty price tags.
One of the most sought-after pieces for both men and women are simply “dirty horseshoes.”
“It’s a legit horseshoe that was worn on the track by a horse and we sell them. People love them,” Gerard says. “And then what’s really fun
is we also have another version that usually the women like to get called a bejeweled horseshoe.”
Louisville-based artist, Scooter Davidson, takes the horseshoes and adds a variety of colors and jewels to make themed pieces for sports fans of the University of Louisville, the University of Kentucky and other special events, including the Kentucky Derby.
“Her official vendor LLC is Behind the Barn Door, but really people know her as the ‘Bejeweled Horseshoe Woman,’” Gerard quips.
And because the horseshoes are small enough to fit in a suitcase, they just make good sense to carry for people who travel far and wide to visit the iconic track that hosts the Kentucky Derby. Gerard notes that identifying products that are small enough for tourists to travel home with is half the battle.
“A lot of places don’t need to think like that because when people go shopping, they’re from that town so they just need to put it
in their car and take it home,” she explains. “But for us the challenge is making sure not only are the products amazing, but that they can take it on the plane with them.”
Gerard adds that the secret to success in sales is being bold in selections and relying on local artisans to contribute to the cause.
“Don’t forget about your community and how great it is,” she says. “There are artisans out there and people out there who are producing great items every day and being able to find them, connect with them and showcase them in a way that they probably wouldn’t be able to do themselves really lets them grow.”
Done correctly, local artisans are not the only ones to benefit from taking chances as a destination retailer.
“Allow yourself to have fun and bring in different things,” Gerard stresses. “Know that not everything is going to stick, but you will find things that will work and you’ll be able to grow from that.” SGN
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
Most destinations have their peak season, but national parks tend to stay busy regardless of the season. People love escaping to America’s 63 national parks to take in the beautiful views and retreat from technology and crowded urban areas.
With
tourism booming at national parks, these destination retailers make sure they have souvenirs that appeal to everyone.
People also love collecting souvenirs that showcase the national parks they have visited. Each national park offers a variety of visitor center stores as well as concessionaire-run shops packed with gifts and souvenirs for tourists to commemorate their trips.
Tourism has generally increased to national parks and state parks. Fran Delgado is a senior buyer for ExplorUS, which is a hospitality management company based in Overland Park, Kansas, that operates small- to medium-sized national and state park concessions. The company oversees 80-plus retail locations across the country. Delgado notes that her stores have experienced a bit more foot traffic in recent years compared with just a decade ago. She attributes that to a wider demographic of people interested in visiting the parks.
“Over the last 10 to 20 years, the client has become different,” she explains. “It used to be just outdoor people who went to parks. Now, it’s everybody.”
This trend also seems to be the case for retailers at Death Valley National Park. David Blacker, executive director at the Death Valley Natural History Association, oversees retail operations at the three visitor center stores at Death Valley National Park. Regardless of the store, Blacker says the park’s stores seem to stay busy year-round. He suspects that’s the case for most national park retailers.
“In a way, retail is retail. But when you work at a national park store, it’s pretty much like Christmas all the time. It’s always busy,” says Blacker. “People come to national parks year-round — there isn’t much downtime.”
In the past, national park stores focused primarily on selling educational merchandise for avid park enthusiasts. But with more people interested in visiting national parks today, these destination retailers have had to expand their souvenir offerings to make sure there’s something for everyone visiting the parks.
National park stores carry a wide variety of souvenirs for customers to choose from, be it T-shirts, hats, magnets or coffee mugs. But lately,
Regardless of the souvenir type, park visitors also enjoy souvenirs that feature nature themes connected to the park that they visited. For
“In a way, retail is retail. But when you work at a national park store, it’s pretty much like Christmas all the time. It’s always busy. People come to national parks year-round — there isn’t much downtime.”
— David Blacker,
Death Valley Natural History Association
many national park retailers say stickers have been a hot seller for them.
That category has also boomed for the visitor center stores at Death Valley National Park. With an increased interest in stickers, Blacker says destination retailers should stock a wide variety of sticker styles and designs.
The sticker craze is also popular on the East Coast. Greta Miller, executive director of the Shenandoah National Park Association, says stickers are top-selling souvenirs at Shenandoah National Park’s two visitor center stores.
“We’re certainly seeing a big shift to stickers and magnets versus in the past it used to be everybody had to buy a postcard,” she says. “It’s gotten to where postcard sales dwindled to almost nothing, but stickers to put on all your gadgets has skyrocketed.”
Blacker also suspects that the sticker craze is here to stick for a while.
“If you have a standard water bottle, you can put a lot of stickers on it,” he says. “Or put them on your laptop or your car. I see more and more cars covered with national park stickers. I think this trend will carry on for a while.”
Shenandoah National Park’s visitor center stores, black bears are a popular theme.
“We sell a lot of things with black bears — that’s what everyone wants to see at our park,” says Miller.
On the other hand, fish themes are popular on souvenirs at The Pond Gift Shop in Spearfish, South Dakota, just near the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. Nancy Cole, gift shop manager at The Pond Gift Shop, notices a lot of customers enjoy the store’s silly-looking fish slippers and sandals.
“It’s a bit of a gag gift,” she says. “A lot of dads and sons go walking out of here with the fish sandals. But they’re pretty well-made and pretty cute — I get those from Rivers Edge.”
Products that feature night sky imagery also sell well for national park retailers. Blacker explains that many visitors want to stargaze when they come to national parks.
“Not all parks are lucky enough to have buffalo or geysers you can drive right up to, but it gets dark everywhere,” he adds. “So for us national parks that don’t have a lot of flora and fauna, it’s great to be able to have a galaxy above us that we can look at.”
Protecting the environment is another important message at national parks, so it’s no wonder that park stores sell a lot of eco-friendly souvenirs.
Miller notes that many parks plan to phase out single-use plastic water bottles at their shops in the near-term future. With that transition, more park stores might benefit from selling
across the country. Cendy Sangermano, director of merchandise at Delaware North, notes that all of its gift shops feature sustainable products,
“We’re certainly seeing a big shift to stickers and magnets versus in the past it used to be everybody had to buy a postcard. It’s gotten to where postcard sales dwindled to almost nothing, but stickers to put on all your gadgets has skyrocketed.” —
Greta Miller, Shenandoah National Park Associationreusable water bottles. Miller says Shenandoah National Park’s stores offer several stainless steel water bottle options.
Delaware North, a hospitality company headquartered in Buffalo, New York, oversees 42 gift shops at national parks and resort hotels
Plenty of buying events feature products that might appeal to park store buyers, but the annual Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show features a buying component that offers merchandise that fits in almost any park or public lands store.
The Public Lands Alliance offers a trade show featuring exhibitors whose products are sold in parks and public lands retail outlets that are operated by nonprofit organizations.
Greta Miller, executive director of the Shenandoah National Park Association, says she likes to attend the trade show to learn about new styles, trends and vendors. At the most recent event, March 4-8 in San Francisco, Miller says she found out about a vendor called Windowgems. “They’re things you put on your windows to keep birds from flying in,” she says. “They kind of sparkle and glow. We’re giving those a try.”
The next Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show is Feb. 2-6, 2025, in Las Vegas.
whether it be sustainably made gifts or gifts promoting reuse.
She adds that branded drinkware is trending as well. “It’s all about branded drinkware — Hydro Flask, Stanley, Corkcicle,” she says. “Over 13% of our sales come from what we deem as co-branded product with a brand name and site-specific name drop.”
Blacker notes that park souvenirs should always help support the message that the park wants to share with the public. “I look at the products we sell as reminders of the stories the park wants to share and a constant connection back to the park,” he explains.
Delgado says it’s important to offer souvenirs that are tied directly to the park, be it a name drop of the park on a T-shirt or one of the park’s trail maps on a magnet.
“Everyone wants to bring home some kind of memory of their visit,” she says. “Whether it’s the design on a shirt or a mug or a keychain, they want something that reminds them of their trip so that’s what we focus on.” SGN
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
Children and adults alike gravitate toward plush souvenirs for the sense of joy, warmth and comfort they bring.
It’s easy to assume that most plushies that smile cheerfully at passing customers will find their way into the mouth of a teething toddler or the forceful clutch of an enamored child.
But recent trends suggest that it’s time to rethink that notion. In fact, those who limit their plush offerings to a single section of a store — such as for babies or children — may be doing their inventory a disservice.
“Plushies are truly for all ages,” says Stacey McLaughlin, owner of Stuffed States USA. “Merchandise them throughout the store, peeking out on a shelf of vases, sitting next to a stack of books, leaning against a pillow. Show how they can be used at home.”
McLaughlin notes that her line of stuffies in the shape of U.S. states lend themselves to an older than typical plush demographic — from fourth grade through college. She encourages store owners to look beyond the mainstream to appeal to this age bracket.
“Elevating plush choices is key to attracting teens, tweens and college students with money to spend on vacation,” she points out.
Indeed, the world of plush seems to be expanding to include food items, exotic animals and even social media (emojis, anyone?). To capitalize on this growing trend, buyers and store owners can peruse the latest offerings and figure out how to broaden the market for this collectible to capture a larger demographic that includes teens and adults.
At the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, guests drive through an 1,800-acre nature preserve where rare and endangered species roam free in natural habitats, according to the website. Halfway through the two-hour self-guided tour, the Overlook awaits.
Here, guests can grab a bite to eat, tour the Children’s Animal Center and explore the Nature Store, a mecca devoted to the animals onsite. Visitors can shop a variety of T-shirts, plush, coffee mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, toys and impulse items like stickers and magnets.
Valerie Quindt, manager of retail and cafe services, says the most popular stuffed animal will always be their giraffes of various sizes, and she’s pretty sure she knows why.
“The gift shop is halfway through the park, and it’s right kind of smack dab in the middle of the giraffe pasture,” Quindt explains. “People see the giraffes and then come up to the store and they’re just on a giraffe high.”
“People see the giraffes and then come up to the store and they’re just on a giraffe high.”
— Valerie Quindt, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
However, she notes that different species, such as armadillos and opossums are catching the gaze of teens lately.
“I had a lot of teenagers buy these opossums and I don’t really know why,” she admits. “Their younger siblings are getting the giraffes and they’re like, ‘I want the opossum.’”
After some contemplation, Quindt decides the attraction of the opossum plushies lies in their uniqueness.
PRO TIP 1:
The “Goldilocks” zone for consumers to pick up plushies without hesitation is $14.99.
— Steve Wampold, Punchkins
it,” she says. “And teenagers as well, which I am surprised to learn.”
She recently picked up a new line of bugs and insects including tarantulas, bumblebees, ladybugs and a praying mantis from The Petting Zoo and has a hunch they’re going to be great sellers.
As for the best way to display these souvenirs, Quindt says she has the most success starting on the floor and working her way up.
“The more realistic it looks, the more adults seem to really enjoy
“I have standing giraffes and they’re the perfect size for a toddler to hook it around their arm. And then of course they have a very hard time letting the giraffe go,” she explains. “It’s hard for parents to say, ‘Oh, maybe we’ll get that later’ so putting it on the kids’ level, where they can see it and interact with it a little bit more definitely helps.”
While most recommend putting plush at eye level for children, animals at The Ark Encounter gift shop stand at attention in two-by-two formation higher up on display walls to catch the attention of adults, says Jennifer Napier, retail director for the Williamstown, Kentucky, gift shop.
“We keep an eye level with the kids. That’s the reason we have things on the floor,” she explains.
“It goes up to the middle and then you go up higher to the more expensive things and it’s a little bit more adult-minded as you go up.”
She adds that size not only diversifies offerings but lends an opportunity for different price points for various demographics.
“Most people don’t realize adults buy plush and young people buy plush, so we try to have something hits all the age groups and the demographics for that,” she says.
For this reason, the gift shop features a 16foot wall stacked with wooden crates of varying sizes that house poison dart frogs, giraffes, lemurs, kangaroos, goats, emus, camels, snakes, zebras, llamas and the majority of the other animals at The Ark Encounter’s Ararat Ridge Zoo and Children’s Zoo.
“Most people don’t realize adults buy plush and young people by plush, so we try to have something hits all the age groups and the demographics for that.”
— Jennifer Napier, The Ark Encounter
With so many nooks and crannies to fill, Napier sources from a multitude of suppliers, including Douglas Cuddle Toys, K&M International, The Petting Zoo, Nature Planet, Cardinal Designs and Aurora World.
She adds the key to success lies in making shelves deep enough to display plush attractively and grouping them appropriately by demographic so that guests can just grab and go.
“We try to keep the larger, more expensive ones grouped in two by two to give that demographic a nice visual for the price point and then the other ones, the smaller ones, we display more in bulk because we sell more of those,” she notes.
Tiny things such as bag charms make affordable options for teens, tweens and college students.
— Stacey McLaughlin, Stuffed States
PRO TIP 2:
Consumers are looking for items that have multiple purposes and can be more of a toy rather than just plush.
— Coral Reynolds, Fiesta Toy
And just where are wholesalers finding success and inspiration for plush for adults and teens these days?
Steve Wampold, founder of the Punchkins brand that is known for using plush as a “medium to tell jokes and relate sentiments that are personally relatable,” says they are cultivating the catchphrases of today’s social world.
“We’re finding more and more success designing products that draw inspiration from internet and social media trends,” he says. “Memes and contemporary expressions have had the best traction.”
But resting plush on a shelf by itself won’t do the trick. Wampold implores retailers to get creative with merchandising and to set the tone by arranging them by themes to help clarify the intended audience.
“Because our products complement so many other fun products, we find many retailers mixing us into their themed gift areas where multiple types of products fit a theme for a particular age and demographic,” he explains.
Meanwhile, Aurora World is cashing in on its most successful line ever with Palm Pals, which debuted in 2020, says Imtiaz Hasan, director of marketing. The “wee-sized plushies” come in a variety of collections, such as food items, animals and sports motifs, just waiting to “party” with all of their friends, Hasan explains.
The phenomenon began as an idea to launch 5-inch plush friends for children ages 5-12. However, once social media caught wind of it, they
took on a life of their own with the Palm Pals hashtag garnering 26 million views, Hasan says.
“They have become a really big social media frenzy, actually. So, if you see Instagram, TikTok or YouTube shorts, you will see a lot of unboxing videos, because we have set out to collaborate with some influencers,” Hasan says.
More noteworthy, he says, is the age of the collectors, which range between 14 and 34 years old, with 80% being females.
PRO TIP
Bring customers into your retail store or keep them there longer with eye-catching vendor displays. — Connor Atkins, The RGU Group
Coral Reynolds, president of Fiesta Toy, agrees that consumers seem to be gravitating toward more unique items and animals being influenced by social media.
“The axolotl can be found everywhere now,” she points out.
“In 2024, we saw a huge
demand for the capybara, and we are on the search for the next big trend!”
No matter which collection a retailer chooses, one can never be too sure which one is going to be all the rage next. However, Reynolds encourages having something for everyone because plush shouldn’t be limited to children. In fact, trends suggest stuffies tend to take on a life of their own once they hit the shelves for public consumption.
“With plush, I think it defies ages and generations; plush is a feeling and brings people comfort,” Reynolds notes. “Offering a wide variety of plush and different textiles helps. Where someone may look at one item and try to pigeonhole it to an age range, once it’s in the market, it can defy that.”
Before you know it, all the plush that you lovingly arranged just might come off the shelf into the arms of a gum-chewing teenager or an obsessed adult collector. Case in point: look at the axolotl. No one saw that coming. SGN
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN AND CAROLINE RISI
Gift seekers are pampering themselves and their friends with healing, beautifying products that offer relaxation.
From the sunny Southwest to the rocky shores of New England, women have one thing in common. They like to be pampered. And lucky for them, when they are visiting these destinations, they can enhance their vacations with products that assist with relaxation. Health and beauty products also indulge the senses with a soak in the tub, a candlelit meditation session or a spritz with a vacation scent. And when they’re not splurging on themselves, it seems women are buying gifts to pamper their friends.
From eye pillows to spa robes, soaps and lotions to essential oils and incense, the 40- to
70-year-olds shopping at The Seasoned Woman in Tucson, Arizona, want health and beauty items that “smell good and are presented in a lovely package,” says Owner Joan Parks.
“A lot of customers are buying gifts for their friends,” Parks notes. “Customers just love to pamper their friends. It’s fun.”
Parks points out it’s difficult to nail down her bestsellers in health and beauty because she’s perfected her product lines over the years.
“Everything is a good seller,” she says. “I’ve been doing this a long time, so I’ve kind of weeded out the things that don’t sell.”
In Westfield, Massachusetts, Budsuds Soapery counts its bestsellers as CBD soaps and
topicals that the company has been creating for the last 10 years. The product line is made with natural organic ingredients and full spectrum CBD oil delivering beneficial cannabinoids to promote skin healing and pain relief, says Owner Amanda Caracciolo.
She notes customers are looking for specialty products when they come into the shop.
“We have artisan soaps, candles and bath products they can’t get at any other shops around,” she says. “We carry around 25 different soaps in store.”
Like Caracciolo, Parks notes she has a “pretty strong healing theme” with new-age gifts like
essential oil kits for sleep, relaxation and health, as well as water bottles with crystals, healing card decks, healing angels and Chakra stone kits and candles.
Among the more “traditional” items, Parks points to bar soaps, lotions and anything lavender scented as being top sellers.
To get the displays just right, Parks quietly slips into her store — voted the best gift shop in Tucson for the last four years — on Sunday mornings and tinkers around until she’s satisfied. For her, grouping items is essential. Whether by color or fragrance, there’s a method to deciding what goes where — and none of it involves displays that come with the products.
“I use baskets and try to do a color scheme because color is really something that is attractive to people,” Parks says. “Or everything here is lavender. It’s a lavender pillow. It’s lavender soap, lavender spray. You can put together your own and it’s just real suggestive of buying more than one thing.”
And it seems Parks’ methods are working. Among the jewelry, clothing, baby items, food, garden products, greeting cards, trivets, mugs and spices in the 2,000-square-foot store, health and beauty items account for nearly 20% of The Seasoned Woman’s sales.
Another secret to success, Parks notes, is displaying new items at eye level.
“I always say don’t hide the new stuff,” she says. “It will come in and get priced and then sales associates stick it anywhere they can find a spot. But if I can’t find it, I know the customer can’t find it.”
According to Danielle Sterling, owner of Sugared Mango Soap Shop, Virginia Beach, Virginia, the best spot to display health and beauty products is by the counter. “Sometimes, it’s an afterthought that becomes a major thought once they try the product,” she says. “By the counter, it gives them a moment to ponder, ‘Oh, what’s this and what can it do for me?’”
Lip glosses are often an expected last-minute
checkout grab as well as specialty deodorants that do not contain aluminum, hair butters or sugar scrubs, Sterling says.
Women are not the only ones looking to treat themselves to sensual scents, soaps and lotions.
“Everyone needs a squeeze of lotion to keep in their purse, and even guys like it too as long as it’s nothing too greasy.”
— DANIELLE STERLING, SUGARED MANGO“Another easy win is hand lotion. Everyone needs a squeeze of lotion to keep in their purse, and even guys like it too as long as it’s nothing too greasy,” notes Sterling.
At the Om Gift Shop in Iowa City, Iowa, Owner Jeet Saini notes that men’s grooming products are gaining in popularity lately. She points to the Cashmere Bath Company whose products include Manscape Dude bar soap, hand
and body lotion and body spray as her go-to favorite for a more masculine line.
As an overall holistic and healing gift shop, Saini’s 2,000-square-foot store leans heavily on
Nearly seven years ago, Sarah Rehmann began making Cullowheegee Farms soap bars as Christmas gifts. Today, the plant-based, palm-oil free recipes are a hit as sustainably made products are trending.
“We only use essential oils for fragrance, and all the colors in our soaps are natural herbs and clays, and we really focus on sustainability with our packaging as well,” Rehmann says.
Cullowheegee Farms has soaps, body butters, essential oils, lip balms and more. Currently, Eucalyptus and Spruce is the No. 1 seller while Lavender Oatmeal Sage is the runner-up.
crystals, gem stones and minerals — many of which are also used in making the jewelry that is sold in-house.
When it comes to displays, Saini is on the same page with Parks that pretty packaging sells. But, she adds, she tries to select items that are individually and attractively packaged — a trait that came along thanks to COVID.
“I restrict myself from getting open things, which people will touch and leave there, so I try to get things which are individually packaged so it’s more hygienic,” she says. “If we have candles, we keep one open that maybe they can smell, but they can buy themselves a packaged one.”
And when it comes to scents, it seems lavender and sandalwood are in high demand in everything from soaps, salts and bath bombs to essential oils used in products to wash clothes as well as roll on the skin.
Saini says her go-to vendor for oils is Amrita Essential Oils, which she deems as “very high quality.” For gemstones, crystals and related
tools, she looks to Earths Elements based in Encinitas, California. And for teas, creams and balms, she relies on Nuwati Herbals.
And it seems lavender is not only a winner for Saini, but Caracciolo as well, who has won multiple awards over the years her 300 mg Lavender Peppermint Buzz Balm.
Caracciolo agrees that packaging goes a long way in making a customer feel comfortable enough to purchase a product and says that details make all the difference.
“We spend a lot of time on packaging products properly, making ingredients easy to read with consistent labeling,” she notes. “And each product has signage for pricing for our customers.”
To make an appealing display, Saini chooses to keep it simple: “Just make the best use of space and make it attractive,” she offers.
And while Parks agrees keeping things fresh
and clean and offering new products are all appealing to customers, she also likes to rely on the element of suggestive surprises.
“I always like to add in something unexpected, not out of place, but surprising,” she admits. “I have these light-up flamingos that I put in with my bubble bath and stuff, and they sell just like crazy. It’s unexpected to see a flamingo with that, but it just makes things more interesting when it’s not all soaps just lined up.”
She adds that the flamingo bath tub toys make for a wonderful impulse add-on.
Because what’s a pampering session without a light-up flamingo? Throw in some lavender and your customer has the perfect recipe for a relaxing evening. SGN
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
The fact that rocks, gems, crystals and other specimens are being discussed as mainstream gifts and souvenirs means they have come a long way, says Jeremy Stiles, owner of Mountain’s Edge Rocks & Minerals in Divide, Colorado.
“Awareness to minerals is growing constantly,” he says. Ten years ago, the lifetime rock hound explains, many businesses that would not want to sell a mineral if it had any metaphysical aspects to it, but attitudes toward these minerals have changed.
These days, those metaphysical properties are what attract buyers to the most popular natural beauties, such as tourmaline, quartz, amethyst and citrine, Stiles notes.
“It is a gift that literally will last as long as you keep it,” he points out.
So just exactly how does one display these earthly wonders to attract the most attention? Stiles believes the secret is in showing off their sparkle — which begins with good lighting.
“If you have a room that’s well lit, but it doesn’t have directional hotspot-type lighting, like a real focused beam, you don’t get the glitz, you don’t get the shine where your eyes are drawn to certain areas,” Stiles says. “Sometimes when I’m not sure and I’m only buying one, I’ll back up and I’ll say ‘which one sparkles the most?’ Because, frankly, it’s what people are drawn to.”
Stiles points to amethyst as the number-one bestselling mineral for destination retailers to put their money into for a multitude of reasons.
“It’s the most purchased crystal across the board,” he asserts. “It’s something that people are familiar with and they love the vibrant color.”
“I don’t know anything about feng shui, but I always feel like our store is set up well, in that sense, because I always feel like the energy flows. Nothing’s blocked so you can physically get around.” — SARAH HUGHES, WELL BEING MASSAGE AND GIFT SHOP
At Coos Canyon Gift Shop in Byron, Maine, Owner Rosey Susbury agrees amethyst is one of the most sought-after minerals. However, she says, she has also found another secret to displaying crystals — labeling them.
“People don’t want to just pick up a pretty rock,” she explains. “They want to know the story behind it.”
Susbury says taking the time to explain where specimens were found and what they’re known for provides a bit of history that makes it even more valuable in the customer’s mind.
“When you attach what a stone is, what its metaphysical properties are, or how it can enhance your space — like bringing calmness or stress relief — people are very interested in that,” she notes.
Across the country in Kings Beach, California, Well Being Massage and Gift Shop Owner Sarah Hughes has a straightforward philosophy on
displaying rocks, tumbled stones and crystals — keep it simple.
Hughes notes after spending time in numerous “new-age shops” in nearby Sedona, Arizona, she realized what worked and what didn’t. Using three-tier displays and wall shelves, Hughes likes to keep the room open and encourages others to do the same.
“It just it just creates a nice earthy feeling when you come into our store,” says Hughes, who owns the gift shop and massage space with her husband, Nick. “Our store’s light, but it’s grounded as well.”
In particular, Hughes notes, shelving and organization play a huge role in displaying gems and crystals. For this reason, she chooses wood shelves over glass and clear glass bowls over colored ones.
“Less is more I always say. Don’t overcrowd the space,” she says. “I don’t know anything about feng shui, but I always feel like our store is set up well, in that sense, because I always feel like the energy flows. Nothing’s blocked so you can physically get around.”
She adds that making the shopping experience “as pleasant as possible” through
soothing music, a comfortable temperature, and most important — a deliciously scented space — also makes all the difference.
“The one No. 1 thing customers comment on is how good it smells in here,” she says. “We don’t have strong smells, not like strong perfume smells. It’s always just more natural kind of smells.”
To show off the best she has to offer at Coos Canyon Gift Shop, Susbury also keeps it simple with open shelves, baskets and showcases for higher-end pieces. And nothing helps more than by grouping materials together — both by size and type.
“You don’t want to have to run between all the customers in the store saying, ‘excuse me, I need to get this,’” she says. “You just want to be able to take them to the one area or two areas and show them what you have.”
Susbury, who began her rock gift shop more than 33 years ago with her mother, Mary, says a deeper
interest in rocks, gems and crystals is something that came around during COVID. She attributes their shift in popularity to a desire to connect with nature.
“People had a lot of time at home, learning about rocks and what they can do for you,” she explains. “I feel like more people are buying the rocks to enhance their space, whereas before it might have been a knickknack.”
Not that natural connections are hard to find in her neck of the woods. Susbury, whose shop is located across from the Coos Canyon rest area, notes the area is rich in gems and minerals, such as blue aquamarine, pink morganite, amethyst, quartz, gold and tourmaline.
Another service Coos Canyon Gift Shop offers related to rocks and minerals is gold prospecting. Susbury rents out equipment to people who want to try their luck panning for gold in the Swift River which runs behind the gift shop.
She also sells gold from locals who mine the river regularly.
When it comes to front-runners in rocks, gems and crystals, Jeremy Stiles, owner of Mountain’s Edge Rocks & Minerals in Divide, Colorado, points to the unbroken geode as being a best seller. The allure is that kids break them open to reveal the jagged, sparkling mineral formations within, he says.
“It used to be the tumbled stones where the kids put them in a bag and that’s still a great product,” he says. “But the unbroken natural geode is hands down the highest-selling product of the rock industry.”
Angel Aura and Rainbow Aura treated products are also gaining traction. These rocks and crystals are infused with precious metals that use heat and pressure to coat the outside layer of the mineral, which essentially creates a rainbow hue. Stiles notes that Angel Aura is probably a little more popular of the two, as it has platinum and silver infused into the specimens, while the Rainbow Aura is titanium infused.
“It gives a real pearlescent glow to something like quartz or amethyst, agate or anything,” he says. “I would say this is kind of a new fun one for people to play with.”
When it comes to pricing rocks, gems and crystals, Stiles says to expect a two-and-a-half- time markup, which is a 60% gross profit.
“If you can’t sell for that then you shouldn’t buy it,” he cautions. “There are no two rocks that are the same, so no one really knows how to value that one rock. So, it’s really a matter of what your consumer likes and what they can afford. That is the only thing that controls the price.”
To really develop an appreciation for a crystal, Hughes includes a laminated card that describes its properties.
For this reason, Hughes also suggests that labels be typed and not handwritten notes. Instead, take the time to list the properties of a rock or crystal — even if you have 144 different types.
“It’s really good to have everything neat, so it’s not all just hand-scribbled notes all over the place,” explains Hughes.
Susbury says those who are interested in
rocks, gems and crystals should continue to educate themselves, as new products are always coming into the market.
Stiles says he advises avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible — especially with big show pieces that are used to draw attention.
“With any crystal, or anything that’s translucent, like citrine, if it’s exposed to direct sunlight, like if you leave it in the window for a month or two, you won’t notice it,” he says. “But in a year, if you’ve taken a picture, you will notice the color fades eventually.”
In other words, not all light is created equal when trying to capture a specimen’s inner sparkle. So be sure to choose wisely. SGN
It’s not uncommon for the family pet to be invited on the family vacation. In fact, the American Pet Products Association reports that nearly 78% of the 90.5 million homes with furry companions bring their pets along for the ride.
Even those who don’t bring the pet often pick up a treat or stuffie as a souvenir because owners believe they are part of the family as much as any human, according to the 2024 Pet Ownership Statistics report from Forbes Advisor.
These display tips will have customers begging to buy pet souvenirs.
So it’s probably no surprise that pet souvenirs and gifts can also be a lucrative category for gift and souvenir stores. Whether you carve out a corner for pet accessories or your store is dedicated to pets and their owners, here are some tips on how to make the most of the space.
1
Focus on the front door. Wild & Ruff uses every bit of its 1,400 square feet, but it’s the first 10 feet from the front door that make all the difference, says Jamie Vine, owner of the Truckee, California, store dedicated to gear and gifts for dogs and dog lovers.
“The more bright, fun colors I have in the front of the store, the more people touch and feel and
buy those products within the first 10 feet of the store,” Vine notes. “I put my bestselling chews and treats — they’re six feet from the front door — and every day, people come in, touch it, grab it and ‘oh my gosh, what’s this?’”
Her No. 1 selling product, Woodies all-natural dog chew wooden sticks, sold 3,000 units in four months greeting customers on a table as they walked in. And her second-best seller, Himalayan Original Yak cheese dog chews, had a seat at the same round table with a whiskey barrel base.
DID YOU KNOW? IN 2022, AMERICANS SPENT $136.8 BILLION ON THEIR PETS.
SOURCE: FORBES ADVISOR
Among the rustic wooden tables, steel shelves and giant wooden spools, squishies and squeakers fill baskets and bins while jackets, shirts and hats line the store's slatwall that cascades down to dog beds, mugs and figurines on lower fixtures.
2Make it look like a candy store. With all of the bestsellers up front, one might wonder what goes in the back of the store. Vine points to “obvious” must-haves like stuffed toys,
Gift shop owners don’t have to look like a pet store, but they should consider having an offering that speaks to more than 50% of the population — as more than half of American households have a pet, asays Savina Singh, CEO of JoJo Modern Pets and a board member the American Pet Product Association.
A manufacturer of products ranging from eco-friendly dog toys, feeding supplies and walking accessories, Singh has a pulse on what’s hot in the industry. Some popular gift items have been doggy beer and wine as well as natural chews and treat canisters.
To encourage impulse buys, Singh encourages poop bags, paw balm or a simple ball by the checkout.
tennis balls and shampoo, but also recommends leading with a bit of eye candy to make displays eye catching.
Within 18 months of the grand opening of Wild & Ruff, Vine says, she realized her display techniques weren’t flawless.
“At one point, I thought, ‘let’s put all the tough chews on this table. Let’s put all the soft and cute stuffed animals on this table, and put all the bowls and feedings things on this table,’” she says. “We can just tell people which back table to go to if they’re looking for a certain item.”
But Vine says she began noticing certain tables weren’t touched at all. So she seized the opportunity to make some changes.
“I mixed it up and I divided it by color and size and cuteness instead of by type,” Vine explains. “I’ve learned that if I put a little here and a little here, it’s still a toy table, but I’ve got hard, medium and soft. I’ve got vintage, leather and cute. I’ve got something bright, something big and something small. And then I try and put pops of color on each table.”
After thoughtfully toiling over each table, Vine says, she has one heck of a visual feast for customers with the colorful displays.
“I make it look like a candy store,” she admits.
3
Don’t move anything. For Debbie Allen, owner of Blackie’s Backyard in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, grouping items is key, but for a different reason. In her 400-square-foot store, space is of premium importance and not to be wasted.
And while she carries all of the usual suspects — like harnesses, leashes, collars, toys, bandanas, bow ties, treats, chews and dishes — merchandise is not moved around the store.
“I don’t move stuff around very often. I’ve been here 11 years and I’ve got my inventory pretty much figured out what sells and what doesn’t,” Allen explains. “The store is so tiny, so you have to do it that way to keep it organized.”
Located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, the small town near the border of Missouri is known for its nearby mineral springs, Victorian architecture and art galleries — making it a hotspot for tourists and travelers.
“It’s one of those things where the person who walks through my door probably won’t be back until maybe the next year or something,” Allen explains. “They’re not really looking for anything, they’re on vacation. So, they just come in to see what you have. And you never know what you’re going to sell from day to day.”
To make an impact, Allen believes grouping is the only way to catch the short attention span of those wandering around before they quickly wander away.
“You need to keep things together,” she stresses. “Otherwise, people come in and they just get frustrated. If they’re looking for toys and you’ve got some in the front, and they think that’s all you have, they won’t come to the back.”
4Group by brand to create an upsell. At the Queen Bee Honey Emporium, Mandeville, Louisiana, Owner Deborah Nabors has learned a thing or two about merchandising dog and cat wellness products since
her boutique opened in August 2022. While grouping items together is no secret, she believes there’s success in grouping by brand because it creates an opportunity to upsell.
5Educate sales associates on products. Having knowledgeable employees is another way to capture sales in this category.
“You’ve got to educate all your team members on all the products that you carry,” says Nabors. “Sales will still happen if you don’t, but you have an opportunity to find out what they’re passionate about and that becomes their strength.”
“The more bright, fun colors I have in the front of the store, the more people touch and feel and buy those products within the first 10 feet of the store.” —JAMIE VINE, WILD & RUFF
“Put the products in the brand category. If you have one brand that has a body spray, shampoo, conditioner and an ear cleaner, group them by brand,” she says. “Customers will be like ‘oh, they have an ear cleaner. I love the shampoo and they have an ear cleaner. I’m going to get that, too.’ So, it’s a way to upsell.”
The former holistic mobile dog groomer has forged a path of her own offering organic health and wellness products for pets and humans as well as all-things honey to consume and groom. From organic treats, jerky and chews to herbal supplements to grooming products, her selection and knowledge are what customers crave.
Nabors explains one employee may love to take baths and use essential oils while a dog-lover employee may gravitate toward learning more about the pet sets and the various products available to pamper and primp a precious pooch.
“Everyone has strengths, so you want to utilize them to increase sales,” she notes.
Done right, even the dog will be begging to return the next time the family hops in the car and starts heading in your direction. SGN
CocoLoco’s Gift Shop serves up souvenirs, sundries and more for Catfish Bend Casino and Fun City Resort.
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRANCocoLoco’s Gift Shop takes its name from the early days of the Catfish Bend Casino when the gifts were an afterthought and the coffee was king.
Originally a coffee shop, those who wandered into the 712-square-foot space would find small treasures like playing cards, hats, pens and magnets. However, the focus rested more on selling pastries and coffee.
“Eventually, the gift section kind of overtook the coffee and pastry shop and it’s grown into what it is today,” says Chris Moraniec, supervisor of CocoLoco’s Gift Shop inside the Burlington, Iowa, casino.
The operation made land in 2007 after beginning as
a riverboat casino in 1994. In addition to the casino, an entire complex has grown up around it, including Fun City Resort, three hotels, countless dining options, a spa, a water park, arcade, bowling alley, convention and event center and more to come, according to the company’s website. In the works are a ninja course and a giant indoor jungle gym for kids. And since it keeps growing, the gift shop will soon be relocated to a 990-square-foot space, says Moraniec.
“Right now, I’m in a hallway and I didn’t have any growth potential as far as construction and where it’s located,” she explains. “Sometime this spring we’ll be moving to a larger area and it will be located right outside the casino.”
Since she took over as supervisor and buyer for the gift shop in 2008, Moraniec has been thoughtfully and tastefully creating vignettes using some of her bestselling merchandise, like RS Covenant jewelry and name-drop apparel for both the casino and the resort.
With aspirations of being a window dresser and with a background in retail management, Moraniec never misses an opportunity to tell a story through her displays, connect with a customer, or showcase the finest wines and apparel Iowa has to offer.
In fact, Moraniec points out, “Iowa gaming and racing laws require that every Iowa casino has a gift shop and that 85% of the merchandise has to be either manufactured or distributed from within the state.”
For this reason, Iowa Hawkeye football apparel manufactured in Perry, Iowa; Almost Famous Popcorn Co. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Arden Creek wine made in Letts, Iowa, are essential to the gift shop’s identity. Moraniec relies on Accessorize Me, a distributor in Dubuque, Iowa, for purses, ponchos, shawls, totes and jewelry.
From neighboring Minnesota, Abdallah, a fifth-generation chocolatier, captures the attention of those with a sweet tooth. In addition to the ever-popular butter caramel which stands out as the most sought-after flavor, the company also serves up rock candy and sugar-free options sure to tempt any palette.
“I don’t like carrying them because it’s too tempting,” she says jokingly.
National brands like Aurora World plush and Ganz giftware fill the rich wooden shelves that wrap around the shop’s perimeter while flipflops, magnets, shot glasses, stickers, ornaments, dice, forgotten toiletries and snacks grace the cash wrap and end caps throughout the store.
Since the space has never received a makeover, remnants of the coffee shop, like a back counter and service counter, have been repurposed to showcase spinner racks for jewelry like Fahlo and Pura Vida bracelets.
“The Pura Vida and Fahlo are my got-tohave-them items because I knew they were up-and-coming and trendy, especially with the younger crowd,” Moraniec notes.
To please both casino and resort crowds, Moraniec tries to provide a splash of everything and then some. For instance, for young kids, stuffed animals reign supreme while coloring books and crayons offer something to do on the car ride home. For preteens, Moraniec notes, Pura Vida
jewelry and small crossbody purses make for great accessories while older individuals gravitate toward shawls and similar items.
“I try to keep everybody in mind, I don’t really have a target,” she admits. “I’m kind of something for everyone.”
Her strategy pays off, as she notes the most common compliments from visitors are the great variety and reasonable prices.
For those who frequent the casino, a player’s card allows visitors to earn points that are redeemable on hotel rooms as well as merchandise in the gift shop — a perk that stretches the family dollar while on vacation.
“Nothing’s worse than spending the money to spend the weekend — especially a family-oriented place — and paying $40 or $50 for a T-shirt,” Moraniec explains. “So, when they visit us, they’re able to take home a piece of their weekend at a decent price.”
Knowing what makes customers tick is just one of the many of talents Moraniec and the
“With a casino, you have more leisure travelers, so you need to know a little bit about your community, the things that are offered and the events going on.”
— CHRIS MORANIEC
three other casino gift shop employees possess. Another key to success is being aware of local attractions and other nearby destinations.
“With a casino, you have more leisure travelers, so you need to know a little bit about your community, the things that are offered and the events going on,” she explains.
For instance, Moraniec likes to direct guests to downtown Burlington to check out Snake Alley, a contender for the most crooked street in the country. The street made entirely of limestone and blue clay bricks spans 275 feet and consists of five half-curves and two quartercurves, according to the website.
“I think you need to be more knowledgeable and help people find their way around and direct
them to other things that they might be find entertaining,” Moraniec notes. “So, we keep a list of events, not only what’s going on in the city, but what’s going on here around the complex.”
With the addition of basketball and pickleball courts opening last October to host tournaments, Moraniec may need a list to direct visitors’ attention to all of the changes underway.
In addition to a new gift shop and renovated hotel, the casino itself is also headed for a makeover while a new restaurant, shake counter and coffee shop are also in the works, Moraniec says.
With the extra space, Moraniec is setting her sights on new product lines with beach towels, swimsuits and sports jerseys and apparel at the top of her list.
“I’m excited for the new gift shop space, as well as the complex improvements and additions,” she admits. “Whether it’s a day visit or overnight stay, I want to give our guests a great experience.”
Although guest interaction and great customer service are just two of many hats Moraniec wears, her passion lies in building the displays that draw visitors in for a chat.
“I like making things appealing and eye-catching,” she explains. “I like working closely with the vendor to get our T-shirts printed locally.”
For a woman with a dream of dressing windows and working in retail, one might say she’s hit the jackpot. And she goes all in making sure visitors walk away from CocoLoco’s Gift Shop feeling the same way. SGN
STORY BY CHRISTINE SCHAFFRAN
The General Emporium gift shop gives train lovers a place for their enthusiasm to gain steam.
Ofacility
n April 12, 1862, the General locomotive was stolen from Big Shanty, Georgia, by a group of 21 men history would dub the Raiders. According to the website www.american-rails.com, the incident — which has become known as the legendary Great Locomotive Chase — unfolded during the early years of the Civil War. It was an “attempt by Union forces and sympathizers to destroy railroad infrastructure north of Atlanta in hopes of eventually capturing the strategic city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.”
Over 87 miles and eight hours, the Western & Atlantic Railroad locomotive chugged down the tracks with the Texas locomotive hot on its heels, according to historians. While a three-man crew worked to regain control of the General, the Raiders worked to stymy the effort, removing railroad ties and sections of track, even hurling boxcars toward the Texas locomotive. They also lit a boxcar on fire with the hope of burning down a crucial bridge. In the end, the Raiders were all captured; some were hanged, some escaped during a prison break and some were paroled.
In Kennesaw, Georgia, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History has enshrined the General in a 50,000-square-foot facility that pays tribute to the “use of railroads during and after the Civil War,” according to the museum’s website.
After visitors wind their way through the exhibits, the General Emporium gift shop is waiting to tempt enthusiasts with its inventory dedicated to trains.
Emporium.
Everything from “choo-ing” gum to engineer caps to wooden trains have a home on the shelves in the 900-square-foot store space. While it’s small, it’s a far cry from the trinkets that were sold in 1972 when a former cotton gin was transformed into the museum and gift shop.
“It was basically the train and a tiny little gift shop,” says Michelle Newman, retail manager of the General Emporium gift shop. “You paid your dollar, or a couple dollars to get in, and you had a few items.”
“It’s amazing how you can have something that will not sell, but if you open it, and just try it out, it will sell. You’ve got to get it in the hands of the kids.” — MICHELLE NEWMAN
Then in 2003, the museum acquired the Glover Machine Works collection, which included business records, catalogs and other memorabilia from a locomotive manufacturer that operated in the early 1900s in Marietta, Georgia, according to the museum’s website.
Newman says that’s when the gift shop got its due as well.
“The gift shop basically went from just a few things to something much, much bigger,” she explains.
And that wasn’t the only change. In fact, the entire town, which was once known as Big Shanty, became Kennesaw a couple of decades after the chase.
Unlike the exhibits and the General locomotive, one of the best things about the gift shop is that you can touch almost everything, Newman says.
“I welcome the kids to come in and play, and most of the time, the parents are looking around going, ‘Oh, wow I didn’t know you had that.’ It’s what gets them in the door,” she notes. “It’s amazing how you can have something that will not sell, but if you open it, and just try it out, it will sell. You’ve got to get it in the hands of the kids.”
Kids can follow the black train track that winds across the store’s floor to find trainrelated toys from Melissa & Doug, Brio and Hape. Meanwhile, their parents can peruse items such as ornaments, apparel and glassware from Charles Products, Born Rail Products, Americana Souvenirs & Gifts and Channel Craft.
Older men make up a large demographic of visitors. To appeal to the younger generation, Newman and the museum’s director, Richard Banz, both make a concerted effort to create interactive experiences that appeal to the younger crowd.
“If you go to a traditional train show, a lot of them are ‘don’t touch anything,’ that kind of thing,” Newman explains. “So, Banz wanted to create an event where kids could come and actually touch things and drive the trains and everything.”
Each year in late January, the museum’s Trains, Trains, Trains event rolls into town.
As the train exhibit bumped along over the years, Newman learned another detail about her retail operation — it was out of the loop.
“We used to have vendors that were part of the show selling their used trains and things,” she notes. “And people were coming through there and buying something and then they would get to the gift shop at the end and say, ‘Oh, well we bought something back there.’”
For this reason, Newman says, she phased out those vendors about eight years ago and set up a second shop closer to the action, selling the same merchandise as the gift shop.
Besides wooden and battery-powered trains, Newman points to magnets and ornaments as top sellers at the General Emporium.
Visitors want more once they take a special sauce or flavor home that they believe they can only get through the General Emporium.
Newman says her favorite part of the job is talking with customers — especially those who have a connection to the Great Locomotive Chase or the movie made popular by Disney, which plays on an endless loop at the General Emporium. Newman jokes that while she probably watches it “four times a day,” while others have not seen it.
And since their target audience is comprised of travelers, many are interested in local jams and jellies — particularly peach-flavored products the state is known for. For these items, Newman looks to Braswell’s, which is known for making gourmet sauces, jellies and jams in Statesboro, Georgia. She says the museum adopted the name Lacy House as its house brand that is now recognized across the country.
“One lady came in and said her dad was in the film when Disney came down to the northeast Georgia mountains and filmed it in 1956,” Newman says, adding that a lot of local people were used for the film. “She told me who her dad played. We cued it up to that section and she just started crying. She said it was the first time she had heard his voice since he died. That was a really, really sweet moment.”
Lacy House was the name of the hotel the Raiders stopped at the morning of the chase to have breakfast. “We basically took that as our house brand so all jams and jellies have a label on them that say, ‘The Lacy House, Kennesaw, Georgia,’” she explains.
While Newman swears she has no background in history, her knowledge leaves one begging to hear more about the Great Locomotive Chase — a story which likely put Kennesaw on the map and made her curator of the best train store in town.
“I figure if the North didn’t steal the train, I wouldn’t have a job,” she quips. SGN
Looking for something new to offer? Here are some trending products that are sure to turn heads.
1. Kerusso: Bear sticker, www.kerusso.com; 2. Cape Shore: Weekender turtle mug, www.cape-shore.com; 3. Fiesta Toy: Axolotl tote, www.fiestatoy.com; 4. Country Home Creations: Gourmet Grillers, www.countryhomecreations.com; 5. Bamboo Source Tropical Decor: Nautical wall decor, www.bambootropicaldecor.com; 6. MacKenzie’s Fisherman: Hand scrub, www.fishermanhandscrub.com; 7. AmuseMints: Wooden taffy barrel, www.amusemints.com; 8. Better Magnets: National park magnet, www.custombuttons.com; 9. Wind River Chimes: Meditation chimes, www.windriverchimes.com; 10. Impulse Souvenirs: Blue boonie hat with unique patch, www.impulsesouvenirs.com; 11. Steelberry: Lockport, New York, keychain, www.steelberry.com.
Have a product to feature? Send a high-resolution image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com.
Industry experts weigh in on important topics affecting souvenir retailers.
Retail Consultant Tom Borg suggests having each employee visit another retail shop.
“Ask them to take mental notes on everything from the way the store looks from the outside, including the parking lot, sidewalk, landscaping, window displays and signage,” he advises. “Once inside, have them observe the friendliness of the staff, the displays, the cleanliness of the floor and the quality of the merchandise as well as any signage, aromas and music. How were they treated if they did or did not purchase an item?”
After everyone completes their visits, schedule a meeting to discuss what they observed.
“The real magic of this exercise,” he says, “is that you are getting everyone to experience and own the best practices needed in your gift shop.”
When hosting a clearance sale, set up one to three dollar tables or racks at varying price points, according to Cathy Donovan Wagner, of Chicago-based consulting firm, RetailMavens.
“It doesn’t matter how big the markdown is of each item on this table or rack. If the sale price matches your dollar table price, it can be included,” she says. “This is how you use consumer psychology to maximize sales and enjoy success.”
Kathy Cruz, founder of Savvy Shopkeeper, suggests destination retailers carefully craft add-on displays in their stores to boost impulse buys. While creating strong add-on displays requires time, many can be implemented easily. She offers retailers these six ideas for revamping add-on displays.
#1: Add dimension
#2: Group items that complement each other
#3: Simple signage
#4: Create a bundle
#5: Regularly refresh displays
#6: Capitalize on the cash wrap
Responsible sourcing is an approach to procurement and supply chains. It’s when an organization actively sources products and services for their operations in an ethical, environmentally sustainable and socially conscious way. This means a company ensures its business practices — in its own business and across its supply chain — don’t have a negative impact, or that they do have a positive impact, on people and the environment. (Source: Sedex.com)
Alaskan Suncatchers –www.alaskansuncatchers.com ..................................... 71
Alynn Neckwear dba Wild Attire –www.alynn.com ................................................................. 87
American Gift Corp. – www.agiftcorp.com ............... 79
Animals Forever – www.animalsforever.net ............... 67
Art Studio Co. – www.artstudiocompany.com 45
Atlanta Market – www.atlantamarket.com 15
Bamboo Source Tropical Decor –www.bambootropicaldecor.com 57
Beacon Design – www.beacondesign.com 13
Better Magnets –www.bettermagnetscatalog.com .............................. 22
Bucket Wonders – www.bucketwonders.com .......... 37
Capsmith – www.capsmith.com .......................................53
Coastal Connections Conference –www.coastalconnectionsconference.com ............. 19
Cool Jewels – www.cooljewels.com ........................ 24-25
Desperate Enterprises – www.desperate.com 69
Dutch American Import Co. – www.dutcham.com 5 Eagle Emblem – www.eagleemblemsinc.com 65 Exist Inc. – www.existcatalog.com 81
Toy – www.fiestatoy.com 47 Impulse Souvenirs – www.impulsesouvenirs.com 91
Pacific – www.jacksonpacific.com ................. 27
S. Adler – www.kurtadler.com ............................... 29
Vegas Market – www.lasvegasmarket.com ..........23
– www.lasergifts.com ..................................... 92
WINNER: Blue Ridge Cotton Company
LOCATION: Blue Ridge, GA
OWNERS: Joshua Durst (left) and Gary Steverson
Nestled in the mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, is a store that is known for its array of tourism-driven apparel and a wide assortment of gifts, books, paper goods and children’s products. And while the variety changes weekly, there is one thing that stays the same. One percent of every sale goes to charity.
Owners Joshua Durst and Gary Steverson own two other stores: Gather, a home, kitchen and gourmet food store also in Blue Ridge, and Fort Myers Cotton Company in Fort Myers, Florida, that also donate 1% to charities.
To date, they estimate they’ve donated tens of thousands of dollars to charities, including animal rescues, food-insecurity-focused organizations, charities focused on children and youth, and arts organizations.
Durst and Steverson had always made an effort to give back in their
businesses, but when their son Michael was killed in a vehicle accident in 2016 at just 18 years old, they decided to take their immense grief and do something positive.
“Michael was an amazing kid and had a beautiful spirit of giving and welcoming. Our give-back program is a reflection of his legacy in this world,” says Durst. “Michael loved animals and much of our focus has been rescue efforts, including the purchase of a transport vehicle for a local Blue Ridge rescue.”
The rescue truck, called Michael's Big Red Truck, has saved over 6,000 animals from kill shelters. It’s also how Durst and Steverson found their own rescue pup, Watson, a pitbull mix that is popular with patrons.
“Giving back to your community is important for business because it elevates the focus to something greater.”— JOSHUA DURST
RIPPLE EFFECT. Their giving spirit has inspired others to give back. “Every small and every large gift of resources and talents causes a ripple of kindness to move throughout our communities and the world,” says Durst. SGN
Sunshine Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award
SPONSORED BY:
