Souvenirs that capture animal encounters stand out.
Retailers and vendors create meaningful souvenirs. A SHINING EXAMPLE OF HONORING A HISTORIC SITE
Old Baldy Lighthouse museum store’s small footprint delivers.
A STRONG SEASON AND RECORD CROWDS FUEL DEMAND AT THE PADRES’ REVAMPED NEW ERA TEAM STORE , WHERE EXPANDED SPACE AND FRESH COLLABS KEEP FANS GEARED UP.
A winning season and record crowds fuel demand at the Padres’ revamped New Era Team Store, where expanded space and fresh collaborations keep fans geared up.
Picks tied to animals stand out and take top prize at zoo gift shops, with plush and toys being a top category for these retailers. Local finds and souvenirs with a conservation focus also go over big with zoo customers.
Prepare with intentional research before buying products.
Discover the stores featured in this issue.
The Petting Zoo rebrands; Tulsa souvenir store debuts.
Use the end of the year to review and reflect.
Click, visit and repeat to build a shop tourists remember.
Blind boxes are booming across the retail industry.
Sasquatch; science; maps; Valentine’s Day; and military.
Make plans to attend these upcoming trade shows.
Coverage from past and upcoming trade shows.
Get fresh new product ideas for your store.
Easily locate an advertiser’s ad and website. 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 72 74 78 80 34 44
NEXT EXIT: Dinosaur Park
This gift shop is full of treasures for dino lovers everywhere.
SESSION COVERAGE: Custom Products
An exploration on how retailers and vendors create meaningful souvenirs.
PRODUCT TREND: Wall Decor
Classic destination-themed art and intriguing signs are strong sellers.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Old Baldy Lighthouse
This museum gift store makes the most of a small space.
SUNSHINE AWARD: Pixie’s General Store
This whimsical store serves as a hub for giving in Ojai, California.
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This past September, I had the opportunity to attend the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show. This wasn’t my first time attending the large-scale show with rows upon rows of exciting gifts, souvenirs, apparel, jewelry and more. I’ve been attending for many years.
It was, however, my first time moderating a panel. It was a true honor to be on stage with some top retail buyers, makers and wholesalers. If you didn’t attend the panel, “Storytelling Through Souvenirs: Product Development with Purpose,” I encourage you to check out the article on p. 60.
What I found so remarkable about this year’s event was the feedback from exhibitors on the quality of buyers. Exhibitor Melissa Lew, who makes handmade jewelry and spoke on the panel, shared with me she observed this year’s buyers were buying with “intentional research.”
Buyers seemed to have come to the show with goals in mind more so than ever before. Whether it was searching for low minimums, American-made or name-drop products or how to mitigate price increases from tariffs, many buyers came with a plan.
It’s clear retail buyers are becoming more aware just how much every purchase counts, and they want to spend wisely.
Indeed, you can win at trade shows when you know how to maximize your time and prioritize the vendors that will have the biggest impact on your business.
There is little downside to having an intentional plan going into your next trade show. Vendors benefit too from having booth visitors that have done their homework ahead of time. If you need some guidance, check out Tommy Brown’s article, “20 Ways to Win at Trade Shows,” which appeared in the September/October issue. Indeed, you can win at trade shows when you know how to maximize your time and prioritize the vendors that will have the biggest impact on your business.
We are always working behind the scenes to provide you with the most up-to-date information, current trends, inspiration and ideas to help you also be the best of the best in destination retail. I hope you enjoy this issue, as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you and that the rest of your buying season and the year are as magical as you make them. SGN
Correction: In the article, “A Copper Legacy,” which appeared in the September/October issue, the owner of Copper World was incorrectly identified. Her correct name is Chris Voelker. We apologize for the error.
66 & Sunny Trading Co.
Tulsa, OK
Bert Peake
Acadia Shops
Bar Harbor, ME
Amy Sundberg
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Denver, CO
Katlyn Profitt
Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak, MI
Anna Pearson
Dinosaur Park
Rapid City, SD
Katie Stoltz
Elmwood Park Zoo
Norristown, PA
Rachel Kramer
James Sheard
Great Escapes RV Resorts
Houston, TX
Kelly Jones
Hurricane Dave’s
Gulf Breeze, FL
Dave Ivey
Old Baldy Lighthouse
Bald Head Island, NC
Chris Webb
Padres New Era Team Store
San Diego, CA
Josh Momberg
Pixie’s General Store
Ojai, CA
Whitney Hartmann
Up North
Pittsburg, NH
Kelly Dabilis
Vogel State Park
Blairsville, GA
Angie Johnson
Wall Drug Wall, SD
Jackie Kusser
Wanderlust Souvenir & Gifts
Dulles, VA
Jaimini Erskine
Vogel State Park, Georgia’s second-oldest state park, celebrated the grand opening of its new visitor center, made possible in part by a $4.67 million grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship program.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together state and local leaders, officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, members of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees, and community members to commemorate the occasion.
The new 6,500-square-foot facility sits beside Lake Trahlyta and serves as a central hub for park visitors. Honoring Vogel’s rich history, the building incorporates rustic design elements inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which constructed the park during the Great Depression.
Inside, the visitor center features an expanded retail area offering souvenirs, books, clothing, hiking and camping gear and grab-and-go meals. Park Rangers now have dedicated office space and ample room to assist overnight guests with camping and cottage check-ins. The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program has also previously invested $2.2 million in campground renovations at Vogel State Park and the dredging of Lake Trahlyta. These upgrades enhanced accessibility, modernized the campground and attracted new visitors.
“Vogel State Park welcomes more than 350,000 visitors each year and remains one of Georgia’s most beloved destinations,” says DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division Director Angie Johnson. “For generations, families have returned year after year, making Vogel a treasured tradition. We’re proud to open these doors just in time for fall — one of the most magical seasons in the North Georgia mountains.”
The Toy Association has announced that Jeff Snyderman has joined the organization as chief financial officer, and Maria Sierra has come on board as vice president of government affairs.
Snyderman brings nine years of direct CFO experience to his new role, including seven years as executive vice president and CFO at Horizon Group USA, a Toy Association member company. He joins the Toy Association, effective immediately, and is responsible for leading the organization’s finance, insurance, investment, IT and facilities operations.
Also joining The Toy Association on Sept. 29, Sierra will step in as vice president of federal government affairs. Based in Washington, D.C., Sierra will provide The Toy Association with a dedicated on-the-ground presence with federal lawmakers.
After over 30 years in business, The Petting Zoo has announced it is in the process of rebranding to Zoologee as a way to better reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to nature, learning and imaginative play. “The Zoologee name was inspired by curiosity, family adventures and our enduring love for the natural world,” explains Lisa Talenti of Zoologee’s marketing team.
John Lizewski started the company in 1994 and took on the role of chief teddy bear salesman with just three plush bear options. Soon after, Lizewski’s brother JoRoy, master of toys, joined him. Since then, the family business has provided fun products to many retailers.
The company is slowly rolling out the rebrand over the coming months. Talenti adds, “While our name is changing, our heart remains the same. We’re still the same family-run company making the same beloved plush toys, now with a name that captures the wonder, curiosity and educational spirit behind every animal we bring to life.”
Wanderlust Souvenir & Gifts has debuted as a new gift and souvenir store at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia. Located in Concourse C, the gift shop offers gourmet chocolates, specialty gifts and unique souvenirs that celebrate Washington, D.C.
The airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the gift shop Aug. 14. The new gift shop is managed by the same owners of Souvenir Library, which is another gift shop located in Concourse A of the airport.
Wanderlust is one of eight concessions that have rolled out this year at the airport, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
“The Airports Authority continues its focus on brands that represent the regional D.C. experience,” says Jaimini Erskine, Airports Authority vice president for marketing and concessions. “These openings enhance the passenger experience and create economic opportunities for businesses around the area to deliver high-quality, local and unique offerings.”
To help tourists and locals alike celebrate Route 66 and its history in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one local retailer decided to open 66 & Sunny Trading Co. as a new souvenir store in town. The store opened in early September and features a mix of Route 66-themed souvenirs and Tulsa keepsakes.
Owner Bert Peake says she had been operating Peake Photography along with My Guys Mercantile for over a decade in Jenks, Oklahoma. When the opportunity came up late last year to open a pop-up gift shop at a popular shopping hall in town, she took it. That pop-up shop has now expanded to a permanent fixture, offering Route 66 souvenirs.
“Route 66 appeals to all walks of life,” says Peake. “Anyone from age zero to 100 can enjoy it.”
BY TOMMY BROWN
Attraction retailers are now in the holiday season, marking the end of another year. For some retailers, this is a busy time as customers stop in for mementos to gift to family and friends. This season is also a great time for retailers to review the past year while also planning for next year. It’s a time for healthy reflection and goal setting.
Here are four areas to check as you review your past year and plan for 2026:
1
STUDY YOUR SHRINK AND OPERATIONS. It’s important for attraction retailers to take inventory and analyze their shrink. See if there were any trends in your shrink this past year. Based on that, set goals for 2026 to control these issues.
Reflection is important in retail, as you should always have a year-end review period.
Also, how were your operating procedures this year? Consider rewriting any standard operating procedures if it will help to improve efficiency.
2
COUNT THE COSTS. Retailers should also analyze their profit and loss statements to see where improvements can be made in the new year. If you notice that labor is an immense cost, consider scheduling differently. You probably don’t need all your
staff members at the gift shop during slow days or hours, so consider scheduling more staff to come in just for those peak hours and fewer workers during the slower shifts.
3TRACK YOUR SKUS AND SQUARE FOOTAGE.
Take note of the SKUs in your store this year: Did you manage them well or were they overwhelming and hard to track? If you find that they were hard to track and reorder, try condensing your SKUs in 2026. Sometimes having a smaller assortment will offer more sales.
You’ll also want to analyze sales per square feet in your store. How did your store perform? If you recognize that sales were low in one part of the store, consider adding new fixtures or rearranging merchandise to improve in the new year.
4
ASSESS THE ASSORTMENT. The end of the year is a good time to clean up your assortment and discount items with only a few pieces left. If items have not sold for months, mark them down in order to free up your open-to-buy dollars.
Now is also the time to consider whether you are all set with next year’s assortment. Make sure you have visuals you need to help your new product pop next year, too.
Reflection is important in retail, as you should always have a year-end review period. Make sure your team also understands your goals and is motivated to achieve them in the new year. Analyzing data and notes from this year will help ensure you achieve retail success in 2026. SGN
TOMMY BROWN has over 30 years’ experience in RETAIL MANAGEMENT. He’s held positions for Dillard’s, Sears, and Six Flags Inc. and is a past ZAG vice president. He currently guides retail at the SAINT LOUIS ZOO. Reach him at tbrown@stlzoo.org.
Tourist and souvenir shops often focus on making an impression in the moment, but what about after the vacation ends? In today’s world, having a strong online presence helps you stay connected, grow your reach, and drive repeat business from visitors who have already fallen in love with your shop once.
Here’s how to build a simple, sustainable online presence that keeps your store in their hearts (and inboxes) long after they’ve left town.
Having an online presence helps you to extend the magic of your store beyond the walls of your building.
1
GOOGLE BUSINESS IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON. Most indie retailers don’t realize the value of their free Google Business Profile. Google is often a traveler’s first stop when researching local shops — make sure you’re easy to find and look inviting when they arrive.
To make the most of your Google Business Profile, keep your hours updated, add fresh photos regularly, make sure your shop’s description is compelling and keep your keywords relevant. Bonus points for responding to reviews!
2
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EMAIL. It might surprise you, but many tourists visit the same locations year after year. Others follow up their trip by shopping online for missed souvenirs or gifts.
Ask customers for their email addresses at checkout with gentle prompts like, “Want a sneak peek at what’s new next season?” Then use email newsletters to share what’s happening at your shop. New arrivals, seasonal specials or even behind-the-scenes stories from your local town can be compelling. This keeps your shop relevant and top of mind for future visits.
3
BE STRATEGIC WITH SOCIAL MEDIA. Even after tourists leave, they can still connect with you on social media. Focus on platforms that showcase your store’s personality and visual appeal, such as Instagram and Facebook. Share your best displays, fun customer moments and destination-worthy finds. Use hashtags tied to your city or tourism region in your posts.
4
YOUR WEBSITE IS VITAL. Destination retailers don’t need to build huge e-commerce empires, but they do need to have simple, mobile-friendly websites. Tourists often research where they will shop before they arrive, so a clean, easy-to-navigate website builds trust. A good website should include a store’s hours, location, product highlights and an email sign-up form.
For independent souvenir and novelty shops, having an online presence helps you to extend the magic of your store beyond the walls of your building and into the lives of customers long after they go home. With a few strategic steps, you can spark return visits and keep your store part of their travel stories for years to come. SGN
KATHY CRUZ is a RETAIL BUSINESS COACH and host of the SAVVY SHOPKEEPER RETAIL PODCAST. Reach her via email at: kathy@savvyshopkeeper.com. Learn more on her website, www.savvyshopkeeper.com and Instagram @savvyshopkeeper.
BY MELODY CABAN
In the world of retail, few trends have captured consumer imagination quite like the blind box phenomenon. Odds are you’ve seen one before. These mysterious packages, where buyers purchase items without knowing exactly what they’ll receive, have evolved from a niche collectible market into a powerful retail strategy that’s reshaping how customers engage with products and brands.
The psychology behind blind boxes taps into the thrill of surprise, the satisfaction of collecting and the dopamine rush of anticipation. This combination creates what
In a world where everything seems predictable and immediately available, there is profound power in preserving a little mystery.
retailers call “the unboxing experience,” a moment of pure excitement that’s highly shareable.
The numbers speak volumes about this trend’s commercial power. According to a recent report from Cognitive Market Research, U.S. sales revenue from blind box toys has exceeded $4 billion, demonstrating the massive market appetite for this experience.
There are some considerations for retailers that want to offer a blind box experience without creating their own. First, you will want to make sure that blind box vendors align with your niche. Find vendors that specialize in
products fitting your store’s brand and target audience.
A comic book store might seek a vendor focused on licensed Japanese collectibles, while a gift shop might look for quirky stationery or novelty items.
Even if you primarily source from vendors, creating your own blind boxes or mystery bags is an excellent way to manage inventory and create a unique, personal experience for your customers. Some destination retailers may want to create “end of season” surprise bags, with collectible yet slower-moving inventory. This helps you to clear out seasonal items to make room for new stock.
While the potential for success is high, it’s crucial for retailers to manage the process carefully. Develop a clear return policy for blind boxes, whether opened or unopened, to ensure your entire team knows how to handle these requests.
The blind box trend shows no signs of slowing down. It’s expanding into new categories and age groups, from jewelry and gourmet snacks to beauty products and even home decor. As retail continues evolving in an increasingly digital world, blind boxes offer genuine moments of surprise while creating community.
For retailers willing to embrace the mystery, the results can be rewarding. In a world where everything seems predictable and immediately available, there is profound power in preserving a little mystery. SGN
MELODY CABAN is founder of MELODY CABAN CONSULTING, a Latina-owned consulting service that cracks an urgent problem facing museums. Learn more at www.melodycabanconsulting.com.
Celebrate the legend of the forest with these fun and mysterious Bigfoot-inspired gifts.
1. Better Magnets: Bigfoot Crossing magnet, www.bettermagnets.com; 2. Cape Shore: Bigfoot artisan mug, www.cape-shore.com; 3. Tidewater Sandals: Bigfoot belt, www.tidewatersandals.com; 4. Lipco: Bigfoot layered wood magnet, www.lipco.biz; 5. Artistic Impressions: Bigfoot bottle opener magnet, www.maiwholesale.com; 6. Capsmith: Ranger Station gray khaki cap with Great Smoky Mountains name drop and Sasquatch, www.capsmith.com; 7. Two Makers Crew: Wooden male Sasquatch hiker keychain, www.twomakerscrew.com; 8. Canned Gifts: Canned Bigfoot and eco-friendly plush, www.cannedgifts.com; 9. Signs 4 Fun: Ew, People Bigfoot sign with name drop, www.signs4fun.com.
Curious minds are on the hunt for products that are equal parts smart and fun.
1. CoTa Global: Standing astronaut - Snug-Mooshies plush, www.cotaglobal.com; 2. Susquehanna Glass: Caffeine insulated tumbler, www.susquehannaglass.com; 3. Chubby Chico Charms: Science atom single charm necklace, www.chubbychicocharms.com; 4. Blank Tag: The safety goggles vinyl sticker, www.blanktgag.co; 5. ZAD Fashion Inc.: Blast Off gold enamel rocket ship earrings, www.zadwholesalejewelry.com; 6. Lantern Press: Science icon collage 1,000-piece puzzle, www.wholesale.lanternpress.com; 7. The Unemployed Philosophers Guild: Math mug, www.upgwholesale.com; 8. Giant Microbes: Giant Microbes plush DNA, www.giantmicrobes.com/us; 9. Liberty Graphics: Starry Night glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, www.lgtees.com.
1. Xplorer Maps: Framed Wisconsin map wall art, www.xplorermaps.com; 2. Stuffed States USA: Stuffed States USA mascot plush, www.stuffedstatesusa.faire.com; 3. Fire & Pine: Slate map board, www.fireandpinewholesale.com; 4. Daisy Mae Designs: Vintage map ceramic cork coaster, www.faire.com/direct/daisymaedesigns; 5. Maritime Tribes: Map-themed microfiber unisex socks, www.maritimetribes.com; 6. 5801 Print House: South Carolina map tee, www.5801print.com; 7. The Muddy Dog: Nautical chart insulated mug, www.faire.com/direct/themuddydog; 8. Map Mom: Maple leaf ornament - Pittsburgh, www.mapmom.com; 9. Woodchart: Kennebunkport Maine coast 3D wood chart wall art, www.woodchart.com.
1. AmuseMints: Kiss Me cinnamon mint tin, www.amusemints.com; 2. Spoontiques: XOXO Always acrylic cup with shiny foil finish, www.spoontiques.com; 3. The Petting Zoo: Axolotl Valentine Nuggetz, www.pettingzooplush.com; 4. Sea Lark Enterprises - Soap Lift: Soap Lift heart, www.soaplift.com; 5. Violette Stickers: Crystal pink hearts stickers, www.violettestickers.com; 6. Luxiny: Heart Valentine’s Day bath bomb gift set, www.luxiny.com; 7. Wheeler Manufacturing: Heart bauble keychain with lobster claw clasp, www.wheelerjewelry.com; 8. Town Pride: Everyday relaxed fit sweater, www.townpride.com; 9. Sincere Surroundings: Be Mine Hearts - sign, www.sinceresurroundings.com.
Military-themed merchandise honors the courage and service of active-duty service members and veterans.
1. BMA Souvenirs: Heroes Don’t Wear Capes journal, www.bmasouvenirs.com; 2. Beacon Design: U.S. Air Force Seal ornament, www.beacondesign.com; 3. ZZZ Bears: Sailor Sleeptight personalized Navy bear and storybook, www.zzzbears.com; 4. Eagle Emblems: Bright-Shine challenge coins, www.eagleemblemsinc.com; 5. B. Dazzle Inc.: United States Armed Services Scramble Squares, www.scramblesquares.com; 6. Kerusso: Hold Fast Thank a Veteran Men’s T-shirt, www.wholesale.kerusso.com; 7. Ciao Bella Jewelry: Military logo sustainable cork bracelet, www.ciaobellawholesale.com; 8. Uncommon Flame: Proud to Be a Veteran candle, www.faire.com/direct/uncommonflame; 9. Desperate Enterprises: U.S. Army tin sign, www.desperate.com.
One packed ballpark jammed with more than 40,000 fans means a captive audience for the renovated and expanded Padres New Era Team Store at Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball (MLB) team’s home-run record is a win for retail. Playoff and championship runs create product demand surges, with fans lining up to purchase limited edition gear and licensed collaborations that are available only at the park.
Josh Momberg, vice president of hospitality at Petco Park, says the team store has gone through various updates since the park opened in 2004 and has partnered with Delaware North on its hospitality and retail offerings. The store completed one of its biggest renovations just ahead of the 2025 season.
Now the store is 1,000 square feet larger with double the point-of-sale (POS) capacity. “It’s more shoppable,
visible and efficient with a better flow,” says Momberg.
Aside from modern finishes and better lighting, reconfigured product departments include engaging activations with mannequins and floor fixtures. The reimagined layout leads guests through the store in a counterclockwise fashion, offering an enticing, frictionless path to view products — and to get in, out and back to the game.
“Working on a large capital project like the store renovation and seeing its success and people’s responses to the fan experience is really gratifying,” says Momberg, describing a palpable energy in the park that extends to the Padres New Era Team Store.
As the park’s main team shop, its bases are loaded with merch to win over a diverse fan base, from local season ticket holders who attend multiple games per week to tourists coming for a single game.
Momberg says, “We have tremendous attendance, and the team has been the top three in the league for the last several years. More people than ever are engaging with
the park and our team store. They know this is ‘the place’ to get officially licensed products with the best selection and variety.”
Housed in the preserved Western Metal Supply building, the Padres New Era Team Store is incorporated into Petco Park’s design. The retail space has a street entrance and ties directly into the stadium’s architecture, Momberg explains. Visitors and fans can shop there seven days a week, whether they attend a game or not.
There’s a constant demand for fresh gear, new products and specialty collabs that encourage fans to buy every time they attend.
“We have a regular cadence of new releases and limited-edition drops,” says Momberg, adding that staff also changes out fixtures and displays on a regular basis. “We want to make sure whatever we’re doing in this building complements the overall game presentation, so if we have a themed game or a large group event, we want supporting products that tie into those experiences. This way, we are organically part of visitors’ time at the ballpark.”
Another focus is reaching growing audiences,
“We want to make sure whatever we’re doing in this building complements the overall game presentation.”
— JOSH MOMBERG
such as women and children.
“Across the sport, we are reaching more young professionals, Gen-Z, Gen Alpha, children, moms and women who are making buying decisions for the family related to how they’re spending time on the weekends,” Momberg points out.
Product categories cater to different fans. “We want everyone to feel included in the retail lineup,” says Momberg.
For example, this year the team store invited a cohort of the player’s wives and girlfriends to design jackets and women’s apparel in partnership with Pro Standard. “Think tank tops and satin jackets,” Momberg relates.
At the Padres New Era Team Store, an oversized hat rotunda topped with a rotating cap steals the spotlight. The 15-foot spinner organizes headwear by style and color, a feature visible from the entry and throughout the shop.
Fresh focal points elevate the layout, including mannequins staged in glass cases that showcase full fan outfits with coordinated accessories. “Displays are arranged so we can tell a cool story with complementary items that support the primary apparel,” says Josh Momberg, vice president of hospitality at Petco Park.
The store’s counterclockwise flow guides shoppers past activations, while floor-to-ceiling fixtures and nesting tables maximize space for novelties and impulse picks like jewelry, stickers and lanyards.
With 1,000 extra square feet, the updated design delivers more energy and easier navigation, creating a true home base for Padres merchandise — and keeping fans close to the game-day excitement.
The store also introduced a youth/toddler collaboration with a non-MLB licensed partner, Binkybro. It has also aligned with surf, skate and outdoors brands such as Salty Crew, along with designing throwback gear with Mitchell & Ness — namely an authentic jersey and Legends snap jacket for hall-of-famer Tony Gwynn.
While the team store works with large MLB-licensed vendors like Fanatics, 47 Brand and New Era, Momberg likes to mix in fashion-
able boutique brands like Wild Collective for women’s products.
“We love to find vendors who are willing to work with us on custom offerings because diversity of products and licenses is a good thing,” he says. “We want a wide net of vendors to deliver the best retail experience.”
Offering a range of gear requires stocking plenty of inventory, which is possible thanks to the store’s lower-level warehouse. “It’s important to have good relationships with vendors who can work with us on forecasting the number of units and sizes we’ll need to represent, and we have it down to a science with nightly reporting and looking at attendance to predict how much product we’ll burn through,” says Momberg.
With specialty licensed products, some order edits are possible, but with others there’s “one shot to buy.” Momberg adds, “The store traffic and turnover and sell-through are all really great things, but we’ve had to adjust our operations to keep up.”
A night crew refills fixtures before the store
opens. Product orders arrive daily. “We work with vendors on a flow so we are not receiving everything at one time,” says Momberg. “We may place larger orders with some vendors and ask them to warehouse a portion of them.”
Again, those vendor relationships are key, he emphasizes.
While the staff has grown with the store operations, the retail team is still relatively lean considering the park’s attendance. There’s a store manager and four full-time team members, with up to a dozen seasonal staff members.
Momberg says the store is currently vetting some autonomous apps such as AI-based sensors to better understand flow and capacity.
“We will continue to find ways to make the retail experience as seamless as possible,” he relates.
“Speed is the name of the game here. We have a captive audience during a finite period of time, and we want to move them through the space before they get upset because of a line.”
The store flow and increased checkouts expedite service. “Also, because of the layout, people are more inclined to come shop and wait in a line because they know it will go quickly,” Momberg says.
The elevated team store is yet another milestone in the Padres’ winning streak.
Momberg says, “All the improvements we have made have built up a lot of credibility and goodwill with our fans.” SGN
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
Dinosaur Park has been sparking family memories with a gift shop full of affordable gifts & souvenirs since 1936.
There’s an 80-foot-long brontosaurus named Deano straddling the city skyline along Dakota Hogback Ridge, with a southward view toward the Black Hills — and this is just one of seven, live-sized dinos constructed from concrete and on display in a family friendly destination nestled in Rapid City, South Dakota, about 20 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
It all started with bringing tourism to the Black Hills, part of a Works Progress Administration effort led by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who rolled out New Deal programs designed to put people to work on public projects. Dinosaur Park emerged from the landscape in 1936 and has attracted generations of visitors ever since.
Katie Stoltz and her family soak in stories from tourists’ sum mer road trips to the park. In January, she and her fiancé Chris Solberg will take over the Dinosaur Park Gift Shop & Visitor’s Center that her stepdad and mom, Chuck and Vicki McLain, have been operating for about 18 years.
Growing up in Rapid City, Stoltz says, “No matter where you were, you could look up at the hills and see the dinosaurs.”
She says kids have always loved sitting on the tail of the brontosaurus or climbing the stegosaurus. The experience begins at the gift shop, where guests find dino memorabilia and souvenirs reflecting the region.
Stoltz says, “It has been our family’s mission to keep everything affordable here so visitors can come in, get a treat and take home a T-shirt, souvenir or toy. Most families who come leave with something.”
AQHow does the gift shop help guests take home a piece of the park?
We want everyone to have an opportunity to take home a memento from their visit here, which is why we offer T-shirts under $20, sweatshirts for $25 and even a $9.99 Mount Rushmore shirt. Our T-shirts and hats are always a hit, and we work with Prairie Mountain and some local companies like Park Bench Apparel. At the end of each season, we’ll sit down with
them and look through their T-shirt selections so we can offer new items. Kids love the rock bins and the gem bag station where they can fill a bag with crystals for just $5.99, and we also have a kids’ area with toys, stuffed animals, books, puzzles and little trinkets like Mount Rushmore and dinosaur statues.
QHow do you source new products for the gift shop?
AWe work with vendors to introduce new selections, and in February we go to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to bring back unique pieces like amethysts and fossils. We also like to check out the International Gift Exposition Show (IGES) in Sevierville, Tennessee. This is usually where we find all of the toys, T-shirts and jewelry by brands like Wheeler, Wild Pearle and Cool Jewels.
QWhat do you enjoy most about being part of Dinosaur Park’s legacy?
AFor me, it’s hearing the stories. Generations of families have been coming here since the dinosaurs were built in 1936. Visitors bring in black-and-white photos of their grandparents at the park and recreate them with their kids today. I love talking with people about the history of the park, the dinosaurs and the Black Hills. It’s fun to be part of something that connects families and has been a landmark for nearly 90 years. And I have a very personal connection with the region and this place, having grown up here. My great-grandfather is Doan Robinson, who was the Father of Mount Rushmore and our first state historian. I’m proud to carry on this tradition. SGN
The revamped Detroit Zoo gift shop shows off apparel, drinkware and plush in a new store display.
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
When the Detroit Zoo remodeled its gift shop earlier this year, the retail buying team refreshed the store with fun new picks that connected to the new feel of the store.
Anna Pearson, divisional merchandise director at SSA Group, serves as the buyer for this zoo store, and she says she ensures that all the merchandise ties back to the mission of the Detroit Zoo and its community. Connections made with zoo staff members helped to give her inspiration and ideas for what would resonate most in the gift shop.
“I oversee buying for 24 to 26 zoo and aquarium stores, and they are all vastly different. Some are 800 square feet, and others are 4,000 square feet,” she says. “As
you can imagine, buying for [that many] locations is a lot, and each location is special and unique. But we have a family culture at SSA Group, and we like to say we’re unapologetically family. I treat each one of the zoos like family — I get to know them, their executive staff, their client contacts.”
For example, Pearson learned that one of the Detroit Zoo’s veterinarians is passionate about gorilla conservation so she made sure that the revamped gift shop featured a table dedicated to all kinds of gorilla-themed merchandise.
“No two zoos are the same, but that’s why you just have to dig into things and find out what’s unique at each one,” says Pearson of finding souvenirs that will sell across her attractions.
Some souvenir categories and themes are universal top sellers across zoos everywhere.
For many zoo retailers, plush is the No. 1 category, closely followed by toys. Kids and adults enjoy picking a playful souvenir that represents an animal they saw during their trip, whether it’s a sleek stuffed capybara or a collection of toy animal figurines to play zoo at home.
Playful souvenirs literally spill out of the Denver Zoo gift shop, with light-up bubble wands on display for passersby during the warmer months.
teractive. We have a cart outside our main store with bubble blowers that are going all day — and that’s what really sells them!”
Pearson has noticed increasing interest in environmentally friendly toys and plush. To capitalize on that trend, SSA Group debuted sustainable Green Guardians toys from Wild Republic at some of its zoo and aquarium gift shops about two years ago that have been very popular. The Green Guardians are eco-friendly toy sets featuring animals, vehicles and people.
With plush, some zoo shoppers are drawn to super cuddly Squishmallow-style stuffies.
Pearson says SSA Group has offered a line called Spudsters from Aurora at some of its stores that have also been popular this year.
On the flip side, Pearson says some customers are more fascinated by realistic-looking plush.
“Realistic plush does phenomenal for us,” she adds. “Wild Republic has done very well with a realistic plush line. Some of our stores have done well with their realistic-looking white-faced gibbon plush.”
“No two zoos are the same, but that’s why you just have to dig into things and find out what’s unique at each one.” — ANNA PEARSON, DIVISIONAL MERCHANDISE DIRECTOR, SSA GROUP
Store Director Katlyn Profitt says bubble wands from Light-Up Toys are popular with the kids.
“Through summer, our bubble blowers are the No. 1 seller,” says Profitt. “They are super in-
To appeal to all customers, some zoo retailers have found that a wide assortment of plush is key. The gift shop at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, had the opportunity to diversify its plush selection in 2024 when the store expanded and remodeled. Retail Manager
Rachel Kramer notes that cute plush options from The Petting Zoo go over big with the kids.
“We have a range of price points and styles of plush so we really hit across the board with something for everybody,” she says.
Since many zoos cater to member customers who might return regularly, these destination retailers often like to highlight celebrations in their souvenirs — from baby animals to birthdays and really curious critters that can only be found at the zoo.
“We have a range of price points and styles of plush so we really hit across the board with something for everybody.”
— RACHEL KRAMER, ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
Profitt says the Denver Zoo gift shop features some unique animals in plush form, including a stuffie that represents the zoo’s okapi (it’s known as the forest giraffe and resembles a mix between a zebra and a giraffe).
And if there are any baby animals in the zoo, Profitt says those will sell big in souvenir form.
“We had a baby orangutan two years ago, so anything orangutan has been a big seller,” she says. “Anytime the zoo has baby animals, those products fly out.”
Celebrations of all kinds of milestones also relate well on zoo souvenirs. Elmwood Park Zoo celebrated its centennial in 2024, so Kramer says customers loved merchandise tied to that occasion. But even shorter milestones like birthdays and quirky holidays can be a hit with guests.
“A lot of zoo customers come here on their birthday, so we have some lines of hats and T-shirts that say things like, ‘I spent my birthday at the Elmwood Park Zoo,’” says Jamie Sheard, associate director of guest services at Elmwood Park Zoo. “We also celebrate animal birthdays at the zoo. We just celebrated a Sweet Sixteen of one of our giraffes. So we have merchandise related to that — it’s a great way to personalize the experience.”
Zoo retailers also have found souvenir success in stocking some items that are either made by local vendors or highlight the community around the zoo.
Apparel is a great way for zoo retailers to incorporate the zoo or city name on a souvenir. Sheard notes that apparel is a growing category for Elmwood Park Zoo and that the gift shop leans on primarily local apparel vendors when designing these souvenirs. He says Elmwood
Park Zoo partners with Reid’s Tannery, an apparel vendor in nearby Skippack, Pennsylvania, for a lot of its souvenir T-shirts and other apparel.
Kramer adds that the gift shop also works with Bags by Bruno, which is based in nearby New Jersey, for reusable bags that double as souvenirs with the zoo name drop.
When SSA Group helped to revamp the Detroit Zoo gift shop, Pearson says she made sure the gift shop highlighted some new local vendors. “We leaned into local vendors for our grab-and-go snacks and giftable food,” she says. “One vendor is Pop Daddy — they make
popcorn and are local to Michigan, which is awesome for us. And then there’s Simply Delightful, which makes taffy and has some really great limited-edition flavors. The Detroit Jerky has also done great.”
Gift shops tend to be zoo guests’ final stop before they leave the attraction, so these destination retailers try to provide guests with a good sendoff. On top of having trendy souvenirs, zoo retailers need to make sure customers leave happy.
Profitt attributes her strong team to the success of Denver Zoo’s gift shop and its appeal to customers.
“They really love their job and love coming to work every day at the zoo, sharing information about the zoo with guests and talking to them about favorite animals,” she says. “I think that’s what sets us apart — being really intentional with the guests.” SGN
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show panelists explore how retailers and vendors create meaningful souvenirs.
Souvenirs are more than just “stuff” on a shelf — when done right, they become vessels of memory, storytelling and connection. That was the theme of the panel “Storytelling Through Souvenirs: Product Development with Purpose,” held during the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show in mid-September.
Moderated by Kristin Ely, executive editor, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine, the discussion brought together a diverse panel: Angela Dalby, vice president of marketing, sales and creative, Charles Products Inc.; Kelly Jones, vice president of operations, Great Escapes RV Resorts; Jackie Kusser, executive buyer and receiving supervisor, Wall Drug; and Melissa Lew, jewelry artist/owner, Melissa Lew.
When asked how souvenirs go beyond being “stuff” to become carriers of memory and story, panelists emphasized emotional connections and functionality.
“Souvenirs … often can remind people of one of the favorite things they did with friends or a family member,” said Dalby. “They also have the ability to have your brand go home, especially if it’s functional. They’re reminded of your location, that memory and that family connection.”
Jones noted how souvenirs can extend an experience. “We did a color-your-own bandana for dogs. It wasn’t just a bandana; it was an activity
and a memory.”
For Lew, accuracy and authenticity play a role in memory-making. “As an artist, that’s one of the biggest reasons why I do so much research,” she said. “I want to make sure that whatever I create really does reflect history or culture, because those are important memories for people. It connects them to the attraction.”
Kusser pointed to Wall Drug’s famed fivecent coffee as an example of how something simple can span generations. “That cup of coffee connects generations together,” she said. “And you can buy a Christmas card in the shape of the cup. It becomes its own story.”
The conversation then turned to how retailers balance retail goals with authentic storytelling.
Dalby stressed alignment among product, brand and values. “You want to make sure all that aligns,” she said. “It sounds silly, but all of
that is so important to make sure it’s not disappointing.” She added that products themselves can become vehicles for storytelling, whether the story is eco-friendly values or a historical narrative.
Jones described how she uses built-in characters from the Yogi Bear–themed Jellystone Park resorts to guide product design. “Yogi is mischievous, Boo Boo is the conscience, Cindy Bear is the southern belle,” she explained. “I would never put Boo Boo in a situation where he’s being mischievous. I try and build my line like a complete sentence, so I have a whole story I can tell.”
Lew emphasized communication with buyers and vendors. “You know your story best,” she said. “Don’t be
“You know your story best. Don’t be afraid to tell vendors what won’t work and why. When you work together as partners, everybody succeeds.”
— MELISSA LEW, MELISSA LEW
afraid to tell vendors what won’t work and why. When you work together as partners, everybody succeeds.”
For Kusser, fair pricing is part of the storytelling. “I keep prices fair so guests not only hear the story but feel good about their purchase,” she said. “That’s marketing — when they leave and feel good about the experience.”
When the panel was asked who should pursue custom products, the consensus was clear: everyone.
“Don’t let customization scare you,” said Jones. “You can take a template a vendor already has and tweak it to your property. It doesn’t have to be built from the ground up.”
Panelists at the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show suggested retailers ask the following questions to their vendors about custom design:
• Do you offer in-house design services, or should I provide finished artwork?
• What is your standard design process? What are your policies on revisions?
• What customization options are available? How flexible are you with customization (colors, logos, characters, packaging)?
• Will this design be exclusive to my organization/gift shop?
• Can you help translate our brand story into product ideas that feel unique and memorable?
• What options are there for limited editions, seasonal products, or collector series?
• What are your packaging options?
A full list of tips and advice is at: www.sgnmag.com/las_vegas_2025_tips.
Kusser agreed. “Everyone should do something custom,” she said. “If you make yourself just a little bit different, you’re not going to look like the same shop. That’s important to customers.”
Dalby, who used to be a retail buyer, cautioned that customization should always be thoughtful. She recalled inheriting a container of custom ashtrays — for a nonsmoking property. “You can make anything custom, but make sure it’s what your customer wants,” she said.
Lew encouraged retailers to explore collaborations with local makers, “especially emerging artists
In closing, panelists reflected on lessons they wished they had known earlier in their careers.
“My biggest mistakes were buying for myself, not my customers,” Dalby said. “I declined a shirt I didn’t like — and everyone else loved it. That taught me to listen to the customer.”
Jones relies on her family and staff to test ideas. “I’ll send designs to my 27-year-old daughter and ask, ‘Would your friends buy this?’ She is my harshest critic, but she’s usually right,” Jones said.
Kusser emphasized the value of listening to vendors. “Good vendors
“Good vendors will steer you in the right direction. They’re seeing demand across markets, and they’ll tell you what works.” — JACKIE KUSSER, WALL DRUG
— those cool, special pieces can really resonate with your customer.”
Jones also noted that not everything in a store has to be branded sharing what she learned about Dollywood at a recent conference. “Only about 30% of souvenirs actually have ‘Dollywood’ on them,” she asserted. “Custom is great, but you also need regional or complementary items.”
will steer you in the right direction,” she said. “They’re seeing demand across markets, and they’ll tell you what works.”
Lew added that retailers should not be afraid of experimentation. “If at least 10% of your products don’t fail, you’re not taking enough risks,” she said, referencing advice she had heard earlier at the show. SGN
Offering classic destination-themed art along with intriguing signs can help destination retailers develop a strong-performing category with good profit margins.
As the old saying goes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. When a tourist finds an artistic wall print or sign at a gift shop at the end of their vacation, that one souvenir just might capture the essence of their vacation in one frameable canvas.
Tourists also love to commemorate the fun and laughter they experienced on vacation, so decorative signs and prints with humorous sayings are also keepsakes people might want to take home. Themed signs — think Bigfoot, Route 66 or some popular sports teams — also appeal to customers who want a gift or basic decor to hang up at home.
When destination retailers carry a wide array of wall art and signs,
the category can be a draw for customers from all walks of life.
A mix of artistic watercolor prints and namedrop souvenir wall art can be found at the different gift shops owned by The Acadia Corp. in Bar Harbor, Maine. The company operates eight gift and souvenir stores around Acadia National Park, and Retail Buyer Amy Sundberg says these souvenir prints are often popular, selling year after year.
“We stay true to a core collection of bestselling images season after season, just updating the name-drop typography once in a while, and supplementing with a few new designs to keep the displays fresh.”
— AMY SUNDBERG, THE ACADIA CORP.
“We stay true to a core collection of bestselling images season after season, just updating the namedrop typography once in a while, and supplementing with a few new designs to keep the displays fresh,” says Sundberg.
Top sellers include 8-inch by 12-inch prints by Lantern Press that feature iconic Acadia National Park spots. She says these custom images often evoke a sense of place for customers to take home as a memory and share with others.
Strong merchandising is important with wall art and decor. Showcase these products well in your store so customers can envision putting these souvenirs in their own homes. Here are some strategies:
• To avoid confusion as to whether a sign is for sale or just decor for the store, include a clear price tag on or near the product.
• For retailers with limited space, try displaying each print on the wall and keep stock in the lower pockets of the standing display. This maximizes the chance that customers will see the prints that are available and makes it easy for them to compare sizes and designs.
• Incorporate wall art and signs in store displays when it’s possible to encourage add-on sales of different products offered within a certain theme (i.e., Route 66 themed souvenirs, Bigfoot-themed souvenirs, etc.)
• Be willing to talk to customers about the art or sign, and offer to help them grab it if it’s hard to reach — friendly customer service can always be a good selling tool for destination retailers.
Aaron Morris, CEO of Lantern Press, says the best wall prints need to capture iconic moments from whatever destination it’s representing.
“Our art resonates because we capture the big moments that say, ‘we were there,’” he explains. “It could be a print of the sun rising behind a mountain peak with a bear in the distance. It should capture a good memory.”
Cute name-drop signs are bestsellers for Up North, a gift and souvenir store in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Co-Owner Kelly Dabilis notes that Pittsburg is a popular tourist destination for hikers as well as ATV and snowmobile riders. She says the gift shop has had success both in creating some custom signs as well as partnering with vendors on classic wood block signs.
Dabilis says customers love a sign that says, “I Love You to Pittsburg and Back.”
She adds, “If a saying tugs at your heartstrings, that will work in this category.”
In addition to destination-specific prints and signs, customers might enjoy seeing signs and decor that feature their favorite themes and teams. Cynthia Powers-Ezell, national sales and marketing manager at Signs 4 Fun, says every region has some themes that will always sell well on merchandise, including signs and art.
“Route 66 items are going to be big in the
Southwest and even into Chicago — there’s something nostalgia about it,” she explains.
“Then in the Pacific Northwest and in mountainous areas, Sasquatch or Bigfoot is wildly popular. Then depending on the retailer or destination, NFL signs can be big — especially during the regular football season.”
Humorous novelty signs are also a hit for destination retailers, and Powers-Ezell notes that Signs 4 Fun has a wide range of laugh-out-loud signs for retailers.
“People love to laugh — they scour a store to find funny signs that they can relate to themselves or offer as a gift,” she says. “They’re like large, metal greeting cards.”
When customers walk into Hurricane Dave’s gift shop in Gulf Breeze, Florida, they quickly find some playful decor and funny signs that make them smile.
“We look for fun, unusual things. And people like funny things,” explains Owner Dave Ivey.
“One sign is a tropical bird with the saying, ‘Polly Wants a Cocktail.’”
These playful signs displayed toward the front of the store appeal to customers just coming in to browse. When they laugh, they commit to keep shopping. Ivey adds that having some signs up front gives customers something fun to look at as well as decorative ideas.
It can take some time to figure out the exact wall art or signs that will resonate with customers, but once the right ones are found, it can be a great merchandise category.
Maintaining a selection of proven bestselling wall art designs is a smart strategy for destination retailers, as most tourists don’t visit the same spot year after year. Coupling that approach by also introducing a few fresh prints each season can add variety and help capture sales from both new and returning visitors. SGN
Bald Head Island, NC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Chris Webb
BESTSELLERS:
Apparel, games and books
RETAIL TIP: Make every inch of retail count.
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
Old Baldy Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop, souvenirs do more than tell a story — they help.
Where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic, a lighthouse stands sentry over shifting sands and stories of ship captains and swashbuckling pirates. Old Baldy, built in 1817, is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse — a rugged, mottled structure with stucco sides that have endured two centuries of wind and salt.
It’s a place where nature and nostalgia intersect.
While Old Baldy has been out of service since 1935 — serving as a radio beacon until 1958 — this National Register of Historic Places monument still beams with energy and is relevant as a living history site.
Visitors climb its 108 steps for sweeping views of Bald Head Island, tour the Smith Island Museum of History
next door to learn about shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers, and wander through the small but mighty Old Baldy Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop, where every sale supports the preservation of this maritime landmark.
The clapboard-style keeper’s cottage at the base of the lighthouse was reconstructed in 2000 to resemble the modest home that once stood beside the tower. Inside, the museum store’s 180-square-foot footprint is brimming with inventive displays that make the most of every inch — without feeling cluttered.
“Our store and admissions revenue keep the ship sailing,” says Chris Webb, executive director of the Old Baldy Foundation. Proceeds cover payroll, maintenance and educational programs.
Old Baldy has weathered hurricanes, erosion and centuries of change, yet it endures thanks to Webb, her
dedicated team and the visitors who carry a piece of that legacy home — in a mug, puzzle or pirate doll.
“Every sale matters,” Webb emphasizes. “Every purchase helps us preserve this place. The light may no longer guide ships, but it still shines in everything we do.”
The product selection speaks directly to the lighthouse’s maritime mission. “We try very hard to do as many custom items as we can,” Webb explains. “People like to buy things with Old Baldy on them.”
Shelves are lined with stoneware mugs from
Sunset Hill Stoneware, T-shirts and hoodies from High Range Designs, Artisans Inc., Graphic Attack and American Backcountry, and puzzles featuring custom island photography produced by Heritage Puzzle.
“We stay within our theme — nautical, historical, or pirate-related — because there’s a long history of pirates here on the island,” Webb adds.
The shop carries Channel Craft’s traditional games like Captain Morgan’s Revenge and Rum Line, plus retro favorites such as Lincoln Logs in canvas bags. “We like games that feel timeless — things that connect families across generations,” says Webb.
Games extend to, “I’m a Pirate” and “I’m a Mermaid” sets by Madd Capp Games, and plush by Ganz moves fast with young tourists reaching for Raggedy Ann pirate dolls, parrots and an array of stuffed animals.
To keep displays fresh, Webb repurposes furniture and fixtures. “We also use slat wall, and
this year we squeezed in a freestanding display from Lantern Press,” she says. “It increased the visibility of impulse buys and includes magnet panels. Our magnets are great sellers.” Those also come from Mill Wood Art.
One of the store’s most popular expansions has been its book corner. “We realized homeowners and vacation renters wanted beach reads and regional history,” says Webb. The result is a mix of Nicholas Sparks paperbacks, Southern cookbooks and volumes on maritime history.
Old Baldy welcomes about 30,000 visitors each year, including more than a thousand fourth graders who take field trips to the lighthouse museum as part of their North Carolina history studies. The surge of small guests flows into the gift shop in groups of 20 so “the shop isn’t overwhelmed,” Webb says.
Tourism drives most sales at the shop and summer is prime time. But Webb says September and October are also quite steady. “I call it ‘baby month,’ when grandparents, parents and toddlers visit together,” she says.
Families take advantage of lessened crowds once school-aged children are back to the books. “Shoulder seasons are getting stronger,” Webb adds.
With waves of visitors throughout the year, managing inventory to keep shelves fully stocked requires constant coordination and a shuffle between multiple storage locations. Those include the cottage attic; a porch converted into an office; and an off-site warehouse about a fiveminute golf cart ride away.
On Bald Head Island, forget mini vans to schlep boxes or pickup trucks to haul loads. The pedestrian-only island, reachable by ferry, is for walkers, bicycle riders and golf carts.
“When we do custom items like puzzles or ornaments, minimum orders can be 500,” Webb explains. “You need somewhere to put them.”
Restocking can be a shuffle, especially in high season. “It’s hard to keep every T-shirt size on the shelf,” says Webb, noting that updating the shop’s systems has eased this pain. “We rely on our point-of-sale system to know what’s where.”
Logistics extends to staffing.
“Every one of my employees commutes across the Cape Fear River,” Webb says. “It takes a special kind of person who wants to be part of this. We pay for their parking and ferry passes. Most of my staff have history backgrounds, which is fitting because there aren’t many fulltime jobs with benefits for historians in this area, so this place attracts them.”
Beyond retail, the Foundation operates tours, educational programs and events that bring
history to life. Webb says her team includes an educator who also manages collections; a communications coordinator for social media and outreach; and a visitor and museum services coordinator.
Each winter, when island traffic slows, the team closes for maintenance. “January and February are our downtime,” Webb says. “We clean, refresh displays and plan for spring. It’s also when we order new merchandise.”
Webb says she finds daily joy in the rhythm of the work.
“The light may no longer guide ships, but it still shines in everything we do.” CHRIS WEBB
“I’m 70 and a widow — if I were retired, I’m not sure what I’d do,” she reflects. “I love my staff; they’re young, smart, energetic. I get to work with people who care deeply about history. That keeps me going.” SGN
Dec. 7-10
Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina www.grandstrandgiftshow.com
Jan. 7-9
Surf Expo Orlando, Florida www.surfexpo.com
Jan. 13-19
Atlanta Market Atlanta www.atlantamarket.com
Jan. 25-29
Las Vegas Market Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com
NOV. 16-18
Ocean City Resort Gift Expo Ocean City, Maryland www.oceancitygiftshow.com
DEC. 5-7
GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
JANUARY 2026
JAN. 5-7
ASI Show Orlando Orlando, Florida www.asishow.com
JAN. 7-13
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com
JAN. 11-12
Northstar Fashion Exhibitors St. Paul, Minnesota www.northstarfashion.com
JAN. 12-14
CMC LA Market Week Los Angeles www.californiamarketcenter.com
JAN. 14-16
Alaska Wholesale Gift Show Anchorage, Alaska www.alaskagiftshow.com
JAN. 18-21
Minneapolis Mart Home & Gift Show Minnetonka, Minnesota www.mplsmart.com
JAN. 19-23
Seattle Market Week Seattle www.seattlemart.com
FEBRUARY 2026
FEB. 1-3
NY NOW New York www.nynow.com
FEB. 1-3
Philadelphia Gift Show Oaks, Pennsylvania www.philadelphiagiftshow.com
FEB. 1-3
Shoppe Object New York www.shoppeobject.com
FEB. 3-6
Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com
FEB. 10-13
Rocky Mountain Apparel, Gift and Resort Show Denver www.rockymountainshow.com
FEB. 14-17
Toy Fair New York www.toyfairny.com
FEB. 16-19
Las Vegas Apparel Las Vegas www.lasvegas-apparel.com
FEB. 16-19
WWIN - Womenswear in Nevada Las Vegas www.wwinshow.com
MARCH 3-5
Great Lakes Gift Show Kalamazoo, Michigan www.greatlakesgiftshow.com
MARCH 8-9
Cape Cod & Islands Gift Show Falmouth, Massachusetts www.ccgiftshow.com
MARCH 14-16
New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Shows Portland, Maine www.nemadeshows.com
MARCH 17-19
ASD Marketweek
Las Vegas www.asdonline.com
The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show wrapped up another successful year, drawing thousands of buyers and more than 600 exhibitors in 1,300+ booths to the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 16-19. According to Clarion Events’ Group Show Director April Holinek, the mood of the show floor was overwhelmingly upbeat, with both buyers and vendors praising the quality of connections and the new elements added to the 2025 event.
“The vibe this year has been great,” she said. “People overall are so happy. They’re thrilled. The quality of buyer is here, they’re seeing huge accounts, so everyone’s very happy.”
Among the highlights of this year’s show was the debut of the Store Design and Tech Pavilion, designed to make the event a true one-stop shop for retailers. “Not only can you go buy all your products, you can also buy the displays to go with them. You can buy your credit card systems, POS — all the things,” Holinek explained. “We’ve now made the show a one-stop shop, which I think people really love.”
The show also expanded its Lifestyle and Made in America sections, bringing in fresh brands to diversify offerings. The emphasis on domestic manufacturing resonated strongly with attendees, according to Holinek.
Education played a larger role than ever before at this year’s event. Building on positive feedback from 2024, when the show introduced two education sessions, organizers doubled the lineup to four. “Those were so well received,” Holinek noted. “Everyone felt like they learned something new heading home to their stores.”
Buyers came from across the country, with strong representation from national parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, hotels and casinos.
Buddy Knoebel, owner of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, enjoys attending the show. “It’s very good — we love the show. I will say it’s very big and too short, and I wish we had more time! But we walked a lot of the aisles and talked to many people.”
Exhibitors were also enthusiastic about the caliber of attendees. “I’ve heard multiple times that the quality is here, and the buyers are loving the show this year,” Holinek said. “I think it’s probably one of the biggest shows we’ve had.”
Exhibitors also noticed shifts in buyer behavior. Jewelry maker Melissa Lew, who has been exhibiting at the show since 2019, said she’s seen attendees arrive with more focus than in past years. “It seems like buyers are buying with intentional research,” she explained. “They’re basically doing the research before they hit the show floor, so they’re not running all over the place. They’re just very targeted.”
In 2026, The Las Vegas Souvenir Resort Gift Show returns to an October schedule, running Oct. 6-9.
Surf Expo finished its September edition with strong momentum, delivering a highenergy, business-first event. Retailers from 66 countries attended the show, connecting with a mix of heritage brands, emerging newcomers and crossover outdoor companies.
“This show truly reflected the energy of the market right now,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “From the coasts to the lakes, retailers are seeing strong summer sales and came to Surf Expo ready to discover fresh products and new opportunities.”
Looking ahead, the surf industry is set for major growth, fueled by technological innovations, sustainable product development, surf park expansion, and the 2028 Summer Olympics to be held in Los Angeles.
As Surf Expo prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the show continues its legacy as the leading marketplace where the business of surf and coastal lifestyle comes to life.
The next event returns to the Orange County Convention Center Jan. 7-9, 2026.
Registration is now open for Atlanta Market, taking place Jan. 13-19, 2026, at AmericasMart Atlanta. As ANDMORE’s first major wholesale buying event of the year, Atlanta Market will set the tone for 2026 retail and design, offering buyers access to over 6,000 product lines across gift, decor, furnishings, seasonal, lifestyle and apparel categories.
“Atlanta Market is where the new year begins for our industry,” says Jon Pertchik, ANDMORE CEO. “It’s the first opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together, discover what’s new and make connections that shape the year ahead. Winter Market 2026 is where planning turns into action.”
Buyers and members of the media are encouraged to register early and plan ahead. Hotel accommodations can be made online at www.atlantamarket.com/hotel.
Permanent showrooms will be open Jan. 13-19, 2026. Temporaries will be open Jan. 14-17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NY NOW, produced by Emerald, has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Greeting Card Association to co-locate their respective industry-leading events in New York City beginning in 2026. The collaboration will debut with GCA’s *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo taking place within the NY NOW Winter Market Feb. 1-3, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York.
“This partnership brings together the top events in our respective sectors,” says Matthew Mathiasen, show director of NY NOW. “By aligning *Noted with NY NOW, we’re creating new opportunities for buyers and exhibitors to connect across complementary product categories.”
As part of the agreement, *Noted will feature a dedicated pavilion within the NY NOW Winter Market show floor. Organizers expect the addition to bring 50-70 new exhibitors and boost attendance.
NY NOW Winter Market 2026 takes place Feb.1-3, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City.
Looking for something new to offer? Here are some trending products that are sure to turn heads.
1. Wild Republic: Polar bear - Ecokins plush, www.wildrepublic.com; 2. Rabbit Studios: Legends We Ride 52-inch cane style umbrella, www.billandtracirabbit.com; 3. Smith Southwestern: The Mother Road Route 66 centennial short-sleeved black T-shirt, www.smithsouthwestern.com; 4. Wayne Carver: Personalized souvenir mugs, www.waynecarver.com; 5. Joseph K. & Co.: San Juan Islands name-drop Santa in a kayak ornament, www.josephk.com; 6. Urban Charm: Bronze Go Into the Wild keychain, www.urbancharminspires.com; 7. FIesta Toy: Minky 13-inch bean bag birdie bat plush, www.fiestatoy.com; 8. Impulse Souvenirs: Texas Frio River name-drop ornament, www.impulsesouvenirs.com.
Have a product to feature? Send a high-resolution image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com.
A.T. Storrs Ltd. – www.atstorrs.com 13
Alaskan Suncatchers – www.alaskansuncatchers.com 56
American Gift Corp. – www.agiftcorp.com ................................................................ 21
Animals Forever – www.animalsforever.net 49
Aqua Babiez – www.aquababiez.com 51
Atlanta Market – www.atlantamarket.com/gift 77
Beacon Design – www.beacondesign.com 15
Better Magnets – www.bettermagnets.com............................................................. 27
BMA Souvenirs – www.bmasouvenirs.com 73
Bucket Wonders – www.bucketwonders.com ......................................................... 37
Capsmith Inc. – www.capsmith.com 25
Desperate Enterprises – www.desperate.com 61
Dutch American Import Co. – www.dutcham.com ................................................ 5
Eagle Emblems – www.eeincusa.com 42 Fiesta Toy – www.fiestatoy.com.......................................................................................
Grand Strand Gift and Resort Merchandise Show –www.grandstrandgiftshow.com
Great Lakes Promotions – www.greatlakespromotionsllc.com ........................81 Impulse Souvenirs – www.impulsesouvenirs.com
Seagull International Inc. – www.seagullintl.com ..................................................
www.signs4fun.com
Streak – www.silverstreaks.com
Souvenir Avanti Inc. – www.souveniravanti.com ....................................................65
Souvenir Source – www.souvenirsource.com
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties – www.sgnmag.com ................................................ 39
Spoontiques – www.spoontiques.com
SS Handcrafted Art – www.sshandart.com 50
Stickers Northwest – www.stickersnorthwest.com 8 Surf Expo – www.surfexpo.com 75
Tangico – www.tangicousa.com ................................................................................ 52-53
The RGU Group – www.thergugroup.com
Touchstone Distributing – www.touchstonedistributing.com
Town Pride – www.townpride.com
TownWear – www.mytownwear.com
Urban Charm – www.urbancharminspires.com .......................................................
Wayne Carver – www.waynecarver.com 2-3, 9
Wheeler Manufacturing – www.wheelerjewelry.com ........................................... 31
Whistle Creek – www.whistlecreek.com 58
Wind River – www.windriverchimes.com 23
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP 2025 Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, PS Form 3526-R.
1. Publication Title: SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES
2. Publication Number 529510.
3. Filing Date: September 29, 2025.
4. Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly.
5. Number of Issues Published Annually: Six (6).
6. Annual Subscription Price: $59.00.
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108. Contact Person: Russell Marth; Telephone: (860) 301-6503.
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108.
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Karen Carr, Publisher, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108; Kristin Ely, Editor, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108; Managing Editor, None.
10. Owner: Breakwall Publishing LLC, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: Karen Carr, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108; Kristin Ely, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108.
12. (Does not apply.)
13. Publication Title: Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September/October 2025.
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average Number of Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: A. Total Number of Copies: Average: 12,983; Actual: 13,136
B. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution:
1: Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 5,956; Actual 6,171.
2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average: 5,956; Actual 6,171.
D. Nonrequested Distribution:
1. Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 6,048; Actual: 5,954.
2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: Average: 979; Actual: 1,011.
E. Total Non-requested Distribution: Average: 7,027; Actual: 6,965.
F. Total Distribution: Average: 12,983; Actual: 13,136.
G. Copies not Distributed: Average: 0; Actual: 0.
H. Total: Average: 12,983; Actual: 13,136.
I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average: 45.88%; Actual: 46.98%.
16. Electronic Copy Circulation:
A. Electronic Paid and Requested Copies: Average:1,242; Actual: 1,791
B. Total Print Copies plus Total Electronic Copies: Average: 7,198; Actual: 7,962
C. Total Print Distribution plus Paid and Requested Electronic Copies: Average: 14,225; Actual: 14,927.
D. Percent Paid, both Print & Electronic Copies: Average: 50.60%; Actual: 53.34%.
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November/ December 2025 issue of this publication.
18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner: Karen Carr, Publisher. Date: September 29, 2025.
Winner: Pixie’s General Store
Location: Ojai, CA
Owner: Whitney Hartmann
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
ixie’s General Store in Ojai, California, is more than a whimsical stop for kids’ crafts, fairy trinkets, nostalgic gifts and locally made goods — it has become a hub for community giving and connection.
Owner Whitney Hartmann, a longtime local photographer, purchased the store in 2019 with a vision to build on its playful roots while opening the doors wider to her neighbors.
SPONSORED BY:
Soon after, she began hosting themed fundraising events where local nonprofits could “take over” the shop for an evening.
families and gathering gifts to brighten the season.
“People want to help, and they appreciate knowing the proceeds
“People want to help, and they appreciate knowing the proceeds are going to a deserving nonprofit.” — WHITNEY HARTMANN, OWNER
“It’s not just shopping, it’s a full event with food, flowers, raffles and community spirit,” she says.
Pixie’s General Store has invited a variety of groups to host fundraising events, from high school clubs to women’s shelters, sports teams and international service trips. Organizations earn 20% of sales during their fundraising event.
Pixie’s also organizes an annual holiday wish tree, adopting local
Pixie’s General Store shows off its cute Ojai name-drop merch. Photos: Jessica Claire
are going to a deserving nonprofit,” Hartmann says.
When fires devastated Southern California, Pixie’s coordinated the shop’s Tote Bag Project, collecting care bags for displaced families. The store also provides free community fun, offering free sno-cones on the Fourth of July and hosting themed crafting events for kids.
“I’m just doing the things I love and feel are important — and if others follow their hearts, we can make an impact without even trying,” Hartmann says. SGN
