Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties_July-Aug 2026

AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PUBLICATION FOR THE SOUVENIR & RESORT GIFT INDUSTRY | JULY-AUGUST 2026

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WILD MERCH WINS AT ZOO STORES

Plush and squishables are two favorites at these gift shops.

FOLLOW RETAIL ON THE FREEDOM PLANE Destination retailers team up for a unique retail experience.

PLUSH STANDS OUT AT PARK STORES Park retailers share playful ways to display plush.

COVER STORY

A roadside promise built on free ice water became one of America’s most iconic retail stops where nostalgia, scale and a disciplined approach to souvenirs still drive millions of visits.

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE JULY-AUGUST 2026 | VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 4

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58 COVER STORY

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show Special Section: Product previews and exhibiting advertisers.

Wall Drug’s promise to deliver free ice water has helped to make the store one of America’s most iconic retail stops where nostalgia and a disciplined approach to souvenirs still drive millions of visits.

SOUVENIR FOCUS: Zoos

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Several themes seem to go over big at zoo stores, and smaller items rule. Visitors also enjoy plushies, squishable toy animals, and conservation-focused or sustainable finds that tie into the zoos’ missions and resident animals.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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RETAILER ROADMAP

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NEWS BRIEFS

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FRESH IDEAS

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ATTRACTION ACTION

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SAVVY SHOPKEEPING

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TREND TALK

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TRADE SHOW CALENDAR

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TRADE SHOW NEWS

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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AD INDEX

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SUNSHINE AWARD

Remembering Larry White, SGN’s longtime advertising director.

Discover the stores featured in this issue.

SGN parent company debuts new advertising division for retailers.

Pet accessories; mountains; coyotes; kids’ products; insects; and food.

Refining your checkout process can improve the shopping experience.

Take note of tourist patterns and shopping behaviors.

Embrace trendy squishable souvenirs in your stores.

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.

The Lakehaus Gifts + Goods offers a welcoming retail hub. www.sgnmag.com

CONTENTS

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FEATURES

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NEXT EXIT: International UFO Museum Inside this museum, alien lore and souvenirs keep curiosity in orbit.

MERCHANDISING: Rocks & Minerals

Having a strategy to show off rocks pays off for destination retailers.

PRODUCT TREND: Holiday

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Memory-making merchandise keeps Christmas retail thriving all year long.

CASE STUDY: Freedom Plane

Destination retailers partner to shape America 250 retail in retail time.

MERCHANDISING: Plush

When park retailers showcase plush, it becomes a top-performing category.

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Majestic Meadows

This farm pairs animal encounters with boutique retail finds.

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CONTENTS

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FEATURES

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PRODUT TREND: Native American

Tradition sells, and so do great stories and unexpected treasures.

MERCHANDISING: Route 66

Route 66 stores help people celebrate this iconic road’s centennial.

CASE STUDY: Plenty Mercantile

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This Oklahoma City retailer shares its experience opening an airport store.

MERCHANDSING: Name Drop & Custom

Retailers use visual storytelling to bring name-drop souvenirs to life.

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Zion White Bison Resort

Western nostalgia and glamping themes are big for this resort store.

BUSINESS: Social Media

Learn how to improve on social media by batching content consistently.

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PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Carr karen@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 701 • Direct: 330-591-2575 EXECUTIVE EDITOR & CONFERENCE DIRECTOR Kristin Ely kristin@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 702 • Direct: 619-241-4828 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Megan Smalley megan@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 704 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kristen Hampshire khampshire@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 710 SALES DIRECTOR Deborah Marshall deborah@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 711 • Direct: 660-672-4063 SALES MANAGERS Kristi Massey kristi@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 703 • Direct: 209-230-3698 Alan Scott alan@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 706 • Direct: 818-945-9918 AD PRODUCTION MANAGER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debby Clarke debby@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 705 AD PRODUCTION COORDINATOR & PRODUCTS EDITOR Katie Turner katie@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 709 COLUMNISTS: Tommy Brown, Melody Caban, Kathy Cruz CIRCULATION: Greg Wolfe, Russell Marth BUSINESS ADVISOR: Jerry L. Croft With Gratitude to Larry White, Sales Director Emeritus

BreakwallPublishing

Subscriptions: www.sgnmag.com/subscribe 800-705-6833, Ext. 1 • subscriptions@breakwallpublishing.com Advertising & Sales: 3593 Medina Road #117, Medina, OH 44256 800-705-6833, Ext. 2 • info@breakwallpublishing.com • www.sgnmag.com/advertise Editorial & Circulation: 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108 Entire contents ©2026 Breakwall Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Content contributed by writers, advertisers, and outside sources in Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties is presented for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent the views of Breakwall Publishing LLC or the editorial staff. Inclusion of advertisements or sponsored content does not indicate endorsement of any company, product, or service. Breakwall Publishing LLC and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information submitted by advertisers, agencies, vendors, or contributors and are not liable for any errors, omissions, or claims made therein.

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (ISSN 1521-4249) is published bi-monthly by Breakwall Publishing, LLC, 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108. Periodical postage paid at San Diego, CA, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

REMEMBERING LARRY It’s not often that you encounter someone whose dedication to their work, their customers and the industry they serve runs so deep. Larry White was one of those rare individuals. He lived and breathed the gift and souvenir business, building relationships, bringing people together and always making sure his customers received exceptional service and support.

Although Larry’s title was advertising director for Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, the role he played and the impact he had extended far beyond any title. His smile, his loyalty to his customers and his unwavering commitment to the industry left a lasting impression on everyone who knew We hope to make you him, including the team here at SGN. proud, Larry, and take We are grateful to have known Larry and to have witnessed firsthand comfort in knowing that the the care and passion he brought to his work. To Larry, customers were publication you cherished never simply accounts. They were friends, trusted business partners and people whose success genuinely mattered to him. His shoes are not just is in good hands. difficult to fill — they are impossible to fill.

Over more than three decades, Larry helped shape Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties into the respected publication it is today. He also played a vital role in ensuring its future when he approached Breakwall Publishing about purchasing the magazine. Because of Larry’s vision and trust, the publication he cared so deeply about will continue to serve the industry he loved.

This magazine is part of Larry’s legacy, and those of us he welcomed into the fold have the privilege and responsibility of carrying that legacy forward. We owe Larry a tremendous debt of gratitude, and as an ongoing tribute to his contributions to SGN, his name will continue to appear on the masthead.

The greatest way we can honor Larry is by continuing to produce the quality publication that retailers and suppliers have relied upon for generations. We hope to make you proud, Larry, and take comfort in knowing that the publication you cherished is in good hands.

Thank you for everything. May you rest in peace. SGN

@souvenirsgiftsandnovelties 12 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

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@sgnmagazine

@Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties www.sgnmag.com

RETAILER ROADMAP

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties interviews retailers in popular destinations all over the United States. These are the stores featured in the July-August 2026 issue.

Have a story you would like to share? Email Kristin Ely at kristin@breakwallpublishing.com.

Arizona Museum of Natural History Mesa, AZ Jeffrey White Big Mike’s Rock Shop Cave City, KY Sarah Ray Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland Frankenmuth, MI Dietrich Bronner

Gladys Porter Zoo Brownsville, TX Gigi Trevino History Colorado Center Denver, CO Kendall Goduto Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Joliet, IL Christine Johnson

Cabin + Gift Creede Creede, CO Miranda Dickinson

International UFO Museum & Research Center Roswell, NM Cat Martinez

Central Coast Zoo Atascadero, CA Cynthia Stringfield

Jack Rabbit Trading Post Jospeh City, AZ Cindy Jacques

Christmas Spirit Rehoboth Beach, DE Jill Hudson

Joe Wilcox Indian Den Sedona, AZ Pam Freeman

Cook Forest Trading Post Sigel, PA Victoria Reid

Lake Superior Zoo Duluth, MN Samantha Halligan

Dead Horse Point State Park Gift Shop Moab, UT Bre Johnson

Lone Chimney Mercantile Dallas, TX Annie Holland

Fanning 66 Outpost Cuba, MO Ryan Thompson 14 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique Medina, OH Faye Farley Rachel Mizer McKee’s Indian Store Anadarko, OK Liz Stephens Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) Seattle, WA Stacie Ford-Bonnelle National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Cooperstown, NY Josh Rawitch National WWI Museum and Memorial Kansas City, MO Brooke Leisinger-Smith Navy Pier Store Chicago, IL Jeremy Myers Ohio Caverns West Liberty, OH JD Harshfield Painted Desert Indian Center Holbrook, AZ Lita Slatton

Plenty Mercantile Oklahoma City, OK Brittney Matlock Red River Gorge General Store Slade, KY Adrienne McMahon Reelfoot Lake State Park Gift Shop Tiptonville, TN Cory Hussey The Lakehaus Gifts + Goods Moose Lake, MN Jennifer Waldo The Landing Pad Gift Shop Wilmington, IL Kirsten Van Duyne Townsend Mercantile Co. Townsend, TN Brooke Webb Wall Drug Wall, SD Jackie Kusser Zion White Bison Resort Virgin, UT Tama Hughes Zoo Boise Boise, ID Connor Eldredge

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NEWS BRIEFS

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties parent company debuts new online advertising division for retailers

In memoriam: Larry White

Lawrence “Larry” White, a longtime advertising director for Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine, passed away on June 14.

For more than three decades, White cultivated relationships with wholesalers throughout the gift and souvenir industry. In his role, he built lasting friendships with vendors and became a familiar face at many of the gift and souvenir shows across the country.

White was widely respected throughout the gift and souvenir industry and formed lasting friendships with countless wholesale vendors and other professionals in the industry.

In 2016, White was honored with the Golden Lily Award by the Living Legends Association during the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in recognition of his commitment and contributions to the souvenir industry.

“Larry was a legend in the souvenir industry, and he will be sorely missed,” says Karen Carr, publisher of Breakwall Publishing. “His contributions have made a lasting impact on the industry, and he will be remembered for his dedication, his generosity and his remarkable ability to build relationships.”

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties will feature a tribute to White in the September/October issue.

Known for its industry-leading publications, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and Seaside Retailer, Breakwall Publishing is expanding its services with the launch of RetailBuzz 365, a new programmatic advertising division designed to help retailers increase visibility, attract customers and grow their businesses.

Programmatic advertising uses advanced technology and audience targeting to deliver digital ads to the right people at the right time across websites, mobile apps and other digital channels.

Through RetailBuzz 365, retailers can target consumers based on interests, shopping behaviors and geographic locations, allowing them to maximize their marketing dollars and reach qualified customers more effectively.

“Retailers today face more competition than ever for consumers’ attention,” says Karen Carr, publisher of Breakwall Publishing. “We’ve spent years building relationships with retailers and providing valuable industry insights through our magazines. Expanding into programmatic advertising is a natural evolution that allows us to help our readers grow their businesses in a more direct way.”

RetailBuzz 365 will offer customized digital advertising solutions designed to increase store traffic, build awareness and connect retailers with consumers in their local markets.

“One of the biggest challenges retailers face is reaching the right audience,” says Kristin Ely, executive editor of Breakwall Publishing. “Programmatic advertising gives businesses the ability to deliver their message with precision and efficiency.

We’re excited to provide our readers with another tool that can help them succeed.”

As a trusted business partner to retailers, Breakwall Publishing launched this new DIGITAL SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE IN-STORE TRAFFIC service to further its mission of supporting the retail industry’s continued growth and success.

To help retailers learn more about programmatic advertising and the opportunities available through RetailBuzz 365, Breakwall Publishing will be hosting educational webinars in the coming months. Additional details will be announced soon.

For more information about RetailBuzz 365 and Breakwall Publishing’s programmatic advertising services visit www.retailbuzz365.com or contact Deborah Marshall, sales director, at deborah@breakwallpublishing.com.

RETAILBUZZ 365

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NEWS BRIEFS

SGN and Seaside Retailer win 2026 Azbee Awards for editorial excellence Medina, Ohio-based Breakwall Publishing has announced that its two publications, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and Seaside Retailer, have each been recognized by the American Society of Business Publication Editors with 2026 Azbee Awards of Excellence. ASBPE is the professional association for full-time and freelance editors, writers, art directors and designers employed in business, trade and specialty press.

SGN received a regional silver award in the Group or Company Profile category for “Funny Business,” written

by Contributing Writer Kristen Hampshire. SGN also received a regional bronze award in the How-To Article category for “An Inviting Little Hiking Store,” written by Associate Editor Megan Smalley.

SGN’s sister publication Seaside Retailer also received several awards. Seaside Retailer received a national silver award and a regional silver in the Print Article Design category for the “Timelessly Original” cover story, which was designed by Publisher and Creative Director Karen Carr. The feature article pairs long-form storytelling with

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immersive design to spotlight a third-generation coastal retailer. Seaside Retailer also received a regional gold award in the Publication Design category for its strong brand identity, consistent styles and overall design.

Additionally, ASBPE awarded Seaside Retailer with a regional bronze award in the Case Study category for “Making a Quick Comeback,” written by Smalley. The article outlines how Quiet Flight Surf Shop reopened its doors in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Seaside Retailer and SGN are published bimonthly by Breakwall Publishing. For more information, visit www.breakwallpublishing.com.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Paradies Lagardère debuts new airport retail concepts in Atlanta

Paradies Lagardère, a North American travel retailer, has brought the spirit of Atlanta to life at the HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport with the opening of three new retail concepts in Concourse B, including Atlanta Beltline Market, Atlanta Influences Everything and The Village Retail. All openings debuted under the theme “Made in Atlanta. Found in ATL.” The new stores showcase the city’s culture, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, offering a curated experience rooted in local makers.

“These brands make it clear that Atlanta is here, Atlanta is visible and Atlanta belongs in this airport in a real way. That is good for the New Atlanta Beltline Market inside ATL. city, good for local business and good for the millions of travelers who move through ATL every year,” says Ricky Smith, airport general manager.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum debuts expanded retail space

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a new, expanded museum store to enhance the shopping experience in Cooperstown, New York.

The Hall of Fame hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new store on May 9.

Presented in the shape of a baseball diamond, complete with basepaths and a dugout, the new museum store offers a wider variety of product, from headwear and women’s apparel to youth apparel and collectibles to support the museum’s mission.

With the new storefront open, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum says its old storefront will be transitioned into additional museum space in the next year to provide new experiences to museum visitors.

www.coastalconnectionsconference.com

September 18-20, 2026 Margaritaville Resort Orlando

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“This is a great opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with fellow retailers who share similar challenges.

The information I gathered was incredibly beneficial and I am so happy I attended.”

— Sam Chang, IBCaribbean, Boca Raton, FL

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NEWS BRIEFS

Tennessee state park opens remodeled gift shop

Reelfoot Lake State Park has debuted a newly remodeled Camp Store and Gift Shop in Tiptonville, Tennessee. The northwest Tennessee park is known for having the only naturally occurring lake in Tennessee and its wetlands that are a hotspot for American bald eagles, according to the park’s website.

Park Ranger Cory Hussey says the park had a gift shop for decades but decided to complete a major renovation and expansion to increase the store’s presence in the visitor center.

“Previously, the gift shop operated out of a much smaller adjoining room in the visitor center,” he explains. “We decided to relocate it into the main area of the visitor center, which completely transformed both the customer experience and our daily operations.”

Vanessa Henson, a clerk for Reelfoot Lake State Park’s gift shop, says she helped to secure a grant worth about $5,000 to provide the state park with fixtures and materials to renovate its gift shop. She says the state park was able to add new flooring, shelving, slat wall and display racks in the new gift shop.

“Rangers, clerks, maintenance employees and park management all worked together painting, installing fixtures, organizing layouts and providing input on how the space should function,” he says. “Not only did that save a significant amount of money compared to hiring contractors, but it also gave the staff a real sense of ownership in the project. You can walk into the visitor center and see something that was truly built through teamwork.”

Lone Chimney Mercantile debuts storefront at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Paradies Lagardère, a North American travel retailer, has opened Lone Chimney Mercantile at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Officially opened on May 12, the store marks a milestone in bringing locally rooted concepts to life across the airport.

Inspired by its origins in Richardson, Texas, Lone Chimney Mercantile brings a warm, nostalgic sense of place to DFW. Known for its thoughtfully curated mix of vintage-inspired goods, handcrafted items and everyday essentials, the store celebrates craftsmanship, storytelling and timeless design.

Annie Holland, founder of Lone Chimney Mercantile, says opening at DFW is “a meaningful next chapter” for her business.

“What began as my neighborhood shop in Richardson has always been about more than just products for sale; it’s about honoring craftsmanship, sharing stories and creating a sense of connection,” she shares. “Bringing that experience to travelers is incredibly special, and we’re proud to stay true to our roots here at DFW.” 20 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

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NEWS BRIEFS

FIFA World Cup set to spark long stays and high spending

Research released by the U.S. Travel Association reveals the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s potential to deliver major economic gains for communities across the country, but notes that safety concerns and entry barriers could limit America’s ability to capitalize on the opportunity.

International World Cup visitors expect to spend more than $5,000 per person, which is 1.7 times more than what people spend on typical international trips to the U.S. One in three report that they plan to stay longer than two weeks. More than 80% of World Cup travelers are open to visiting destinations beyond the largest gateway cities as well. “This research shows visitors aren’t just coming for the matches, they are coming to experience America,” explains Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

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Event Network develops custom World Cup merchandise

To accommodate U.S. cities preparing for travelers coming to see FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Event Network prepared some of its partner stores with souvenirs that appeal to this milestone moment. The company debuted its World Cup collection at 65 stores across the country to help FIFA World Cup fans bring home one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

Abby Kessler, senior director of product design and development at Event Network, has been helping the company develop its World Cup line for almost two years.

She notes that FIFA-inspired scarves are a big part of the new collection.

Kessler expects the World Cup souvenirs will be front and center at these partner stores for the summer season, building up to the final World Cup match in July.

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FRESH IDEAS

Happy tails

Check out these wag-worthy gifts that are designed for both pets and their owners.

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1. The Darling Effect: Americana heart dog collar charm, www.thedarlingeffect.com; 2. Neoteric Brands: Las Vegas dog treats, www.neotericbrands.com; 3. Lanikai Bath and Body: Poi Dog shampoo, www.lanikaibathandbody.com; 4. Ore Originals: Colorado Wish You Were Here dog toy, www.oreoriginals.com; 5. Charles Products Inc.: Rope disc dog toy, www.charlesproducts.com; 6. Buddy by the Sea: Sailor Buddy bandana, fits all sizes, www.buddybythesea.com; 7. Salty Paws: Black floral dog leash, www.saltypawscollars.com; 8. Haute Diggity Dog: Chewy Vuiton checker bone toy, www.hautediggitydog.com; 9. Pavilion Gift: Red striped canvas pet bow tie, www.paviliongift.com; 10. Kate Spade: Adventure stripe leash, www.katespade.com.

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#1, #10: Roadrunners; #2: CMA; #8: Just Got 2 Have It!; #9: Ivystone

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FRESH IDEAS

Mountain treasures

Showcase the beauty of mountain landscapes with these souvenirs and gifts.

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1. Stickers Northwest: Mountain night name-drop sticker, www.stickersnorthwest.com; 2. American Backcountry: Vintage T-shirt, www.americanbackcountry.com; 3. The Wilusz Way: Teal mountains ornament, www.thewiluszwaywooddesigns.com; 4. Snoozies: Women’s Pairables slippers, www.snoozies.com; 5. Lantern Press: Lapel pin with mountain scene, www.wholesale.lanternpress.com; 6. Splendid Iris: Gilded mountain scene necklace, www.splendidiris.com; 7. GP Originals: Linen pencil bag with mountain scene, faire.com/direct/gporiginals; 8. Gallery 35: Mountain Maine multilayer wall decor, www.gallery35me.com; 9. Anju Jewelry: Patina Summit sky cuff, www.anjujewelry.com; 10. Impulse Souvenirs: Six-panel unstructured cap, www.impulsesouvenirs.com.

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#1, #6: Roadrunners

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FRESH IDEAS

Goods that howl

Celebrate the spirit of the wild with these coyote-themed gifts.

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1. Aurora World: Miyoni - 9.5-inch lifelike coyote plush, www.auroragift.com; 2. Beacon Design: Southwestern coyote ornament, www.beacondesign.com; 3. Mowbi: Coyote - Smoky Mountains wall prints, www.mowbiwholesale.com; 4. Earth Sky and Water: Customizable cards - coyote, www.earthskywater.net; 5. Squidly Designs: Coyote and friends tote bag, www.squidlydesigns.com; 6. Little Critterz: Coyote pup “Howler” porcelain figurine, www.littlecritterz.com; 7. The Globe Pequot Publishing Company: There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea book by Jennifer Ward, www.globepequot.com; 8. Zootility: TekPets - coyote 3D wood puzzle, www.zootility.com; 9. Desperate Enterprises: Looney Tunes Busted sign, www.desperate.com.

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#8: Roadrunners

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FRESH IDEAS

Kid central

Expand your store’s children’s section with these fun, kid-approved finds.

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1. GeoCentral: Dig Kit - Desert Canyon, www.geocentral.com; 2. Oooh Yeah! Socks: Highland cattle kids sherpa slipper socks, www.ooohyeah.com; 3. Fantasy Pets: Daisy the Dairy Cow 3D-printed toy, www.fantasypets.net; 4. Big Potato USA Inc.: P for Pizza easy letter game, www.bigpotato.com; 5. Stephen Joseph: Shark pencil pouch, www.stephenjosephgifts.com; 6. GooseWaddle & Pello: Waddles the Goose board book, www.goosewaddle.com; 7. Zoologee: 12-inch Basset Hound plush, www.zoologee.com; 8. Asobu: Bestie Elephant 16-ounce insulated tumbler, www.asobubottle.com; 9. Snifty Scented Products: Octo Brites stackable marker set, www.sniftypen.com.

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#3: CMA; #4, #6, #9: Roadrunners; #5, #8: Ivystone

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FRESH IDEAS

Bug out

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Add some buzz to your shelves with playful insect-inspired gifts and souvenirs.

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1. GIANTmicrobes: Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) plush, www.giantmicrobes.com; 2. Wheeler Manufacturing: Emma & Ivy artwork earrings - dragonfly, www.wheelerjewelry.com; 3. Silver Streak: Kyanite dragonfly, www.silverstreaks.com; 4. Liberty Graphics: Milkweed Village youth T-shirt, www.lgtees.com; 5. Creative Compass: Dragonfly tumbler, www.shopcreativecompass.com; 6. Mountain Graphics: Firefly sticker, www.mtgraphics.com; 7. Karma: Enamel bug keychain, www.karmagifts.com; 8. Zizo USA: Butterfly ornament, www.zizousa.com; 9. Mosaico Jewels: Mariposa pendant, www.mosaicojewels.com; 10. Entosense: Cicada T-shirt, www.wholesaleedibleinsects.com; 11. Corkcicle: Sport canteen - 20-ounce, www.corkcicle.com.

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#7, #11: Ivystone

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FRESH IDEAS

Foodie finds

Food-themed gifts and souvenirs are equal parts playful and deliciously fun.

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1. Hazel Mazel: Tea towel with vegetable design, www.hazelmazel.com; 2. Fiesta: Noodlez takeout plush, www.fiestatoy.com; 3. Kurt Adler: Noble Gems snow cone ornament, www.kurtadler.com; 4. Plushology by RGU: Cheese squishy plush wearable keychain, www.faire.com/direct/thergugroup/rep/sgn-magazine; 5. Rebecca Accessories: Hamburger enamel charm necklace, www.rebeccaaccessories.com; 6. Bukowski Bears: Orange charm, www.bukowskibears.com; 7. Art Studio Co.: Canvas tote, www.artstudiocompany.com; 8. Pacha Soap Co.: Bath bomb fruits, www.pachasoap.com; 9. Artistic Impression: Craveable bag tags, www.maiwholesale.com; 10. World’s Softest Socks: Holiday spring cozy crew - cookie crumble, www.worldssoftest.com.

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#1, #6, #8: Ivystone; #10: CMA

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ATTRACTION ACTION

BY T O M M Y B R O W N

REFINING YOUR CHECKOUT PROCESS

W

hen busy season ramps up, checkout lines may start to stretch longer in your stores.

If the checkout lines seem chaotic, that can adversely affect revenue and downgrade your attraction services score. People do not like to guess where a line forms or ends, as it can add stress and discomfort to the guest experience.

Destination retailers can take the guesswork out of this by defining their lines with signs and stanchions. These tools can add a level of order to your checkout process.

INTENTIONAL LINE ORDERS If you have a long line of guests in front of your register and they catch you yelling for the next customer to come up, this might hit a guest’s friction point. Chaotic queue

If you make the waiting time for your guests more engaging, it makes for an overall happier shopping experience. lines and checkout processes can lead to negative and sometimes disorienting experiences.

Having controlled lines at your checkout keeps order and consistency. It improves customer experience.

The way to change that experience for your guests is by creating an intentional line order. Having an intentional line order means being mindful of surroundings. It must not block merchandise or store flow.

You will also want to have easy-to-understand signs so that guests know where to start the queue. Defined queue lines do not have to be long; six to eight feet is plenty long to start a defined row of guests.

Always test your line and monitor it to see if the guests understand it. If you see confusion at the defined line, change it and try another approach.

UPSELL IN THE QUEUE Your checkout lines are a great place for add-on sales. Use line control as a chance to sell more to your guests.

Retail queuing troughs can help you highlight bin items for add-on sales, all while controlling the register line. You could also feature videos or signs that promote sales or shopping events in the queue.

If you make the waiting time for your guests more engaging, it makes for an overall happier shopping experience in the queue.

OFFER A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE Order and engagement are your queue line goals. If a guest enters the line correctly and talks about things you have added to the line for interest, you have achieved your goal.

Attraction retail should always be an experience all the way up to checking out at the register. Remember, it is your responsibility as a retailer to ensure that you eliminate guest conflict points and create unique guest experiences, so start with your register queue and create that retail magic for all. 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.

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SAVVY SHOPKEEPING

BY K AT H Y C R U Z

TAKING NOTE OF TOURIST PATTERNS

M

ost souvenir retailers already know tourists shop differently than the locals. The more interesting question is what those shopping behaviors may actually be telling us about the business.

Recently, I visited an independently owned shop where almost every customer interaction seemed to lead to a closed door. None of the responses were rude, but after a while, it became noticeable how often the customer experience quietly stopped instead of continuing forward.

It made me think about how often retail businesses unintentionally close doors for customers without realizing it.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Of course, no business can say yes to everything. Not every store offers shipping. Not every product will have extended size options. Not every request makes operation-

Every tourist market behaves differently, which is why observation matters so much in destination retail. al or financial sense. But there is still value in paying attention to the types of questions customers repeatedly ask.

Those repeated questions often reveal friction points, missed opportunities or unmet expectations. Customers may wonder if your store ships or if you offer gift wrap.

Many simply want to know a good place to go out to eat.

Provide answers to these common questions.

SHOPPING BEHAVIORS

Customer behavior can reveal useful clues, too. Some travelers browse slowly because shopping is part of the vacation experience itself. Others shop quickly between activities or while traveling with large groups.

Then some customers hesitate as they shop because of luggage limitations or concerns about flying home with fragile items. Others are specifically looking for products that feel connected to the destination they are visiting.

Pay attention to how customers behave in your store to find ways to improve their experience.

TRAVEL INFLUENCE

Travel style may also influence purchasing decisions more than retailers realize. Customers staying in hotels may shop differently than travelers staying in short-term vacation rentals. Some retailers may notice that vacation rental guests purchase more locally made food items or consumables they can enjoy during their stay, while other travelers focus more on portable gifts or keepsakes to bring home.

Every tourist market behaves differently, which is why observation matters so much in destination retail.

The strongest souvenir retailers are seldom the ones trying to say yes to every customer’s request. They are the ones paying close attention to patterns, questions and behaviors over time and asking themselves an important question along the way: How many doors might we be unintentionally closing for the customer standing right in front of us? 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.

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TREND TALK

BY M E L O DY C A B A N

EMBRACE SOME SQUISHY SENSATIONS

M

ove over, matte finishes and cold marble. The retail world is losing its edge — literally. Enter the gummy aesthetic as a hyper-tactile, translucent and delightfully bouncy trend that is turning all kinds of products into sensory playgrounds.

If your gift shop’s current inventory feels a bit too “grown-up,” it might be time to embrace the squish.

THE SCIENCE OF THE SQUEEZE Lately, many people have been obsessed with things that feel like premium gelatin. You may have seen this with popular squishy phone cases or bracelets that feature a gelatin-like texture. This desire is a direct rebellion against

By stocking items that prioritize feel over function, your store can be part of the sensory reset. our glass-screen existence. Gen Z and Millennials are navigating a world of high-definition digital fatigue, and they are hungry for ASMR-style tactile feedback.

According to Pinterest Predicts 2026, searches for the “jelly candy aesthetic” have skyrocketed by 100%. Meanwhile, jelly blush — makeup you can bounce a finger off of — is up 130%.

For the modern gift buyer, the squish of a translucent tote bag provides a hit of dopamine and a bit of nostalgia all wrapped up in one.

FROM BEAUTY TO DECOR Squish toys have been popular for a while, and kids can’t resist a positive sensory experience with fidget squishies and slimes. But the demand for squishable goods isn’t just about tactile toys. People of all ages can appreciate the squish sensation.

Some popular gummy goods include: • Jelly-textured tech: Phone cases that feel like soft gummy bears • Rubberized jewelry: Matte, flexible necklaces and rings in playful colors • Bouncy home decor: Silicone lamps and translucent, liquid-looking acrylic trays • Sweet tips: Candy covered press-on nail designs WINNING THE IMPULSE BUY For souvenir and gift store owners, the gummy trend is an impulse-buy gold mine. These items are inherently giftable because they can also be easily shared. When someone buys a gummy-textured keychain, it’s meant to be shared. You hand that keychain to a friend and say, “You have to feel this.”

To capitalize on the gummy rush, embrace translucency and flexibility. Look for items that play with light.

Think sea-glass finishes and neon gels that look good enough to eat.

In a world that feels increasingly hard, consumers want to buy something soft. By stocking items that prioritize feel over function, your store can be part of the sensory reset. 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.

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PRODUCT TREND: GIFTS

ADVERTISER.....................................................BOOTH......... PAGE A-B Emblem...............................................................2642.......................144 A.T. Storrs....................................................................1111...............................13 American Backcountry.........................................1931.......................... 147 American Gift Corp. .............................................431.............................37 Animals Forever........................................................1817.............................41 Art Studio Co............................................................911............................130 Artistic Impressions................................................1337....................34-35 Better Magnets........................................................3031......................... 125 Bucket Wonders......................................................1531...........................141 Call For The Wild.....................................................3337..........................110 Capsmith Inc. ...........................................................1137..........................105 Charles Products Inc. ............................................811..............................33 CoTa Global...............................................................611.............................. 61 Dutch American Import Co...............................2113..............................5 Fiesta Toy....................................................................1011, 1118.................107 Friendly Crystals.......................................................2349........................88 Global World.............................................................904.........................145 Grasshopper’s Mermaid.......................................2249.......................129 Impulse Souvenirs...................................................2731.......................... 171 Jackson Pacific...........................................................1115..............................31 Lantern Press.............................................................1731..........................130 LaserGifts....................................................................1005........................ 172 Lipco Group...............................................................937............................79 44 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026 2024

ADVERTISER.....................................................BOOTH......... PAGE Little Critterz.............................................................1817........................... 69 Lone Rock Clothing...............................................327............................ 18 McGovern & Co. .....................................................1243.......................... 70 Mei Wah Co. .............................................................1035...........................72 MV Sport/The Game............................................3001..........................67 PCF Souvenirs/The Postcard Factory............1148......................... 142 Pennybandz...............................................................1212........................... 113 R.S. Covenant Inc....................................................737............................. 19 Rabbit Studios..........................................................2943......................... 121 Silver Streak................................................................505.....................82-83 Smith-Southwestern.............................................1416.......................... 131 Souvenir Avanti Inc................................................2036........................99 Souvenir Source.......................................................2206...........................7 SS Handcrafted Art................................................1330.......................... 89 The Wilusz Way Wood Designs.......................3137.......................... 115 Urban Charm.............................................................2914......................... 20 Village Originals Inc................................................1131............................ 85 Wayne Carver...........................................................2107.....................2,3,9 Wheeler Manufacturing.......................................931............................ 87 Wildthings...................................................................1126............................73 Xplorer Maps.............................................................1954........................149 Zizo USA Inc..............................................................1351..................... 74-75 Zoologee.....................................................................643.................... 64-65 www.sgnmag.com

© ENVATO

Check out the July/August Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties advertisers who will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show in October!

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COVER STORY: WALL DRUG

A roadside promise built on free ice water became one of America’s most iconic retail stops where nostalgia, scale and a disciplined approach to souvenirs still drive millions of visits. hrowback hand-painted billboards line the miles along I-90 in South Dakota, advertising free ice water, 5-cent hot coffee and homemade doughnuts. The nostalgic teasers build anticipation for travelers bound for the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, pulling toward Wall Drug Store.

The roadside attraction in Wall, South Dakota, is a bucket-list stop and a family tradition — a fourth-generation enterprise packed full of nostalgia, where 76,000 square feet of retail include 26 shops under one roof.

For most visitors, Wall Drug is a stop on the way to somewhere else. But for many, it becomes something they return to. And while the Main Street outpost has grown over time, the building itself has not changed much.

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“Visitors come here and they want to step back in time,” says Jackie Kusser, executive buyer and receiving supervisor.

The ice water’s still free and there have been no inflation price hikes for the nickel coffee.

These tried-and-true niceties date back to when founders Ted and Dorothy Hustead opened in 1931 as a hometown pharmacy with some convenience items. Today, Wall Drug draws millions of visitors each year, with peak summer days bringing up to 20,000 people through its doors.

While billboards may be the hook, the magic inside is what has turned this South Dakota store into a roadside legend — and a masterclass in souvenir retail.

Jackie Kusser, executive buyer and receiving supervisor, has spent more than 25 years making sure Wall Drug is stocked with affordable, tried-and-true finds. Photos: Ryan Becker

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COVER STORY: WALL DRUG

BY THE NUMBERS: WALL DRUG 1931 76,000 26 100,000+ 20,000 50 to 200 $0 5,000 $0.05

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Year Wall Drug opened Square feet of retail Shops under one roof Estimated SKUs Peak daily visitors in summer Employees (off-season to peak) Cost of the original draw: ice water Estimated cups of ice water served daily Cost of a cup of plain black coffee

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COVER STORY: WALL DRUG

Some souvenirs promote native wildlife like bison, while others promote nearby national parks and attractions.

WHAT’S IN STORE Wall Drug is one stop with many shops carrying more than 100,000 SKUs, estimates Kusser, who has spent more than 25 years shaping the product assortment.

Visitors can find a bookstore, jewelry counters, a 700-style boot department, western wear, rock shops, souvenir shelves and a camping store area. Of course, there’s a pharmacy that keeps the operation true to its roots.

But within the Wall Drug “compound,” visitors can also find refreshments at the soda fountain, taste sweets from its doughnut factory

“We are definitely known for customers walking out and saying, ‘The prices are better here than other places.’ We take pride in that. We want our souvenirs to be affordable.” — JACKIE KUSSER or dine at a massive cafe surrounded by one of the country’s largest privately owned collections of Western art.

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Outside, the experience continues. The Backyard blends retail with entertainment — mining stations, a shooting gallery, photo ops and a giant jackalope — giving families space to explore while extending the shopping journey.

The longer people stay, the more they discover and the more opportunities there are to convert a stop into a sale. Signage and simple paper maps help guide customers around the complex.

And with an influx of tourists during the busy season between Memorial and Labor Day, shoppers are often navigating crowds, moving quickly and making decisions on the fly. Kusser’s goal is to make that process as easy as possible.

Within Wall Drug’s stores, products are grouped by type: walls of mugs, rows of magnets, dedicated hat sections so customers can quickly find what they’re looking for without overthinking the experience.

“We want to make it easy for them,” she says, relating that items are categorized by price point, too. For example, stickers, magnets, keychains and other small purchases are displayed together, while higher-end brands like Demdaco figurines are situated with similar products.

“We are definitely known for customers walking out and saying, ‘The prices are better here than other places,’” Kusser says. “We take pride in that. We want our souvenirs to be affordable.” www.sgnmag.com

COVER STORY: WALL DRUG

“We want to give people a happy experience, and we want them to walk out with something in their hands they can feel good about.” — JACKIE KUSSER Going along with the free ice water, accessible souvenir pricing is part of the charm. Kusser says, “We want to give people a happy experience, and we want them to walk out with something in their hands they can feel good about.”

Wildlife and western themes are popular plush at Wall Drug, such as these bison and jackalope stuffed animals.

NOSTALGIA SELLS Aside from a cost-conscious buying approach, Kusser says consistency is key. Despite the scale, Kusser’s buying philosophy is grounded in restraint and not “what’s new.” The focus is meeting customers’ expectations because by the time they arrive, the signs have already told them what Wall Drug is — and what it isn’t.

“Visitors have an idea in their heads of what they will find,” says Kusser. “We try to maintain our nostalgia.”

And what they are is old-school.

So Kusser sticks with motifs and familiar, natural color schemes. “We choose products in neutral tones like white, cream and brown, and we may throw in some orange and green,” she relates, adding that some red mugs join the assortment “but even a red mug is risky.”

“It’s a different climate in this region when it comes to buying,” says Kusser, calling out wildlife motifs including buffalo and western themes. Jackalopes interest visitors because of their regional lore.

A basic diner-style mug with a brown wrap logo has been the store’s top-seller for decades.

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Name-drop and souvenir mugs are a big category for Wall Drug, with many options hanging on display in the store.

“It’s simple and people like that,” Kusser says.

Name drop is also a focus, with Wall Drug’s brand recognition driving sales in apparel, hats, mugs, magnets, blankets, stuffed animals and more. These join Badlands and Black Hills logoed items.

Rarely will Kusser deviate from the Wall Drug norm.

“We’ve worked with our vendors for so many years and they know our store,” she says, citing these relationships as a rewarding part of her role. “It’s such a team effort.”

THE WALL DRUG WAY Selling more souvenirs for lower prices requires strategic ordering and constant stocking, along with a team that works like a well-oiled machine.

Kusser aims to receive all product shipments between January and May. She places re-orders as needed during the busy summer months.

This means most ordering happens September through December.

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Souvenirs arrive by the semi-truck load and are hand-sorted by Kusser and her team, who use pricing guns to tag every item with a good, ‘ole “sticker price.” Using paper and pen, Kusser personally compares receivables to invoices to check that orders were accurately fulfilled.

Throughout the season, the team maintains a steady rhythm of restocking, guided by daily walkthroughs and constant communication.

“We tried to implement at POS system, but we have too many SKUs and we don’t have the labor for it,” says Kusser, explaining how products are rung up at the register by price, not item number. “So, we don’t get a report that says, ‘You sold this many, time to reorder.’”

But estimating inventory needs based on what Kusser knows about what works is also the Wall Drug way. “It’s natural for us,” she says.

As for people, Wall Drug jumps from about 50 full-time employees in the off-season to up to 200 during prime time.

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“Many are ‘work campers,’ so they live in their campers and travel to national parks in the area to work,” Kusser explains.

Though even when the store’s labor force is at a seasonal high, the Wall Drug culture is still “small town vibes,” says Kusser.

And rather than chasing what’s next, Wall Drug continues to prove the staying power of consistently following the Wall Drug way.

For Kusser, that’s what makes the job special. “It’s like being part of a big family.” SGN Guests can find a robust selection of rocks at Wall Drug, with many from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

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WHERE PLUSH MEETS POSSIBILITY Zoologee is more than just a name change, it is the transformation of an engaging, story-driven brand that helps retailers connect with families.

F

or over 30 years, The Petting Zoo has built a strong reputation in plush, particularly within zoos, aquariums, resorts and attraction-based retail. Founded with a passion for creating playful, accessible animal plush, the company has grown significantly in recent years — expanding its reach, assortment and customer base.

As that growth accelerated, so did the need for a rebrand that more fully reflects the company’s identity.

“We wanted to evolve into a vision-driven brand with a purpose,” says Rich Dusky, who is part of the leadership

team, which includes John Lizewski, the founder, who brings immense passion for the industry, and his brother JoRoy Lizewski, master of toys.

That evolution led to Zoologee, a rebrand designed to better align with the creativity, scale and long-term vision behind the company’s product offering.

MORE THAN PLUSH — A STORY TO TELL. Zoologee, a playful take on the word zoology, the study of animals and their habitats, introduces a more cohesive and experience- driven framework to the collection. The Zoologee

SPONSORED ADVERTISEMENT

name is paired with a thoughtfully developed visual identity, including a logo centered around what the management team describes as not only an animal you can imagine, but a parent and child connecting through nature.

Together, the name and logo help unify the assortment under a brand that feels both playful and purposeful. It’s the imaginative discovery of animals and their habitats through joyful, nature-based experiences.

“We want to connect families through those nature experiences — whether it’s a trip to a zoo, a national park or beyond,” Dusky says. “We want our products to be an experience to that child, that mother, that family, and for Zoologee to build a relationship with those consumers.”

DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE AND CREATIVITY. Zool-

ogee continues to build on what has driven its success: strong, consistent product development led by JoRoy Lizewski. With hundreds of new items introduced each year, the company balances speed to market with a clear creative direction. “Build the line. Build a vision, and customers will buy into that vision,” Dusky says.

The rebrand brings that vision into sharper focus — creating a more cohesive collection that appeals across

“We want to connect families through those nature experiences — whether it’s a trip to a zoo, a national park or beyond.” — RICH DUSKY a wide range of customers, from children to gift-givers looking for something meaningful and memorable.

WHERE WONDER COMES TO LIFE. While the name

has changed, the foundation remains rooted in the same entrepreneurial spirit established by its founders — one centered on creativity, accessibility and a deep appreciation for animal-inspired design.

Looking ahead, Zoologee represents the next chapter: a brand built not just around plush, but with other products and around the experiences and emotions those products inspire.

Zoologee is where wonders await. For retailers, it’s an opportunity to offer a collection that goes beyond product — bringing storytelling, imagination and a sense of discovery into every assortment.

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SOUVENIR FOCUS: ZOOS

Several themes seem to go over big at zoo stores, including small-sized options, soft plush, squishy souvenirs and conservation-focused finds.

STORY BY M E G AN S MA LLEY

NATURAL WINNERS

T

he Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, is known for its fun giraffe feeding experiences, a wide range of reptiles on display and its primate exhibit to name a few things. When Gigi Trevino joined the zoo’s team as an assistant store director through Event Network in January, she made sure that the gift shop highlighted all of these favorite animals and experiences with memorable merchandising displays.

At the Zoo Boise gift shop, visitors can find toy animal figurines, apparel and many shelves filled with plush.

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Visitors are usually drawn to what Trevino calls the store’s “Mickey table,” reminiscent of what one might find at a Disney store. A few mannequins donning souvenir T-shirts and hoodies promoting giraffes at the zoo are on top of a tiered circular table, while some of those tees, hoodies and other giraffe-themed souvenirs are available below.

Across the store, plush island is another focal point, with stuffed versions of favorite zoo animals lined up neatly in cubbies on the four-tiered structure. Along the walls, guests can also find souvenir apparel, caps, drinkware and toys

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SOUVENIR FOCUS: ZOOS

Gladys Porter Zoo highlights some cuddly plush toys on a wall and giraffe-themed gifts on a table.

to commemorate their visit.

But souvenir opportunities aren’t limited just to the brick-and-mortar gift shop at the Gladys Porter Zoo, as a mobile bubble cart moves to various hotspots in the zoo as well.

“We got our mobile bubble cart this year, and a popular item is our flamingo bubble wand,” says Trevino. “We like to take the cart out right to the middle of the zoo by the giraffe exhibit so the kids have a longer time to play with bubbles in the zoo.”

Strategic merchandising like this is key for many zoo retailers who want to help guests have a seamless zoo experience from start to finish and hopefully pick up trendy souvenirs on their way home.

Idaho, classic name-drop magnets are regularly a top-performing souvenir because of their size and the recognizable name drop on them.

“Our custom Zoo Boise magnets are some of our bestsellers,” says Connor Eldredge, general manager with SSA Group at Zoo Boise.

The Gladys Porter Zoo store certainly has souvenirs of all sizes, but Trevino says some of the smallest souvenirs are the biggest sellers.

Since some animal exhibits can be expansive at this zoo, name-drop binoculars tend to be very popular in the gift shop.

“Some of the animals are a little far from our SMALL SELLS walkways, so binoculars are necessary,” Trevino Zoo stores usually carry souvenirs of all shapes explains. “Our No. 1 item in the gift shop is binand sizes, but some of the smallest souvenirs oculars, which we place right on our queue line.” can be the biggest sellers. At Zoo Boise in Boise, She adds that small, collectible squish toys are also having a big moment in the spotlight, which are also located MAKING MOVES in the gift shop’s queue line.

Moving merchandise frequently has been a helpful way to boost souvenir “We have to restock handsales at the Gladys Porter Zoo gift shop. held toys and squish toys so “The thing I’ve learned since coming here is to move items around,” many times a day!” she says. says Assistant Store Director Gigi Trevino, who now regularly moves products around and even rearranges fixtures regularly to create a more visually Kids certainly love squishy engaging store. capybara and axolotl toys, but She adds, “We’ll constantly move things around, especially for the peoTrevino says even some parents ple who come in to the zoo often. We have a good membership program enjoy the squishy sensation. with people coming once or twice a week, and they usually hit the gift “I tell people to just pick the shop. We might not have anything new in a week, but changing the floor toy up for a good squeeze and set often keeps that appeal alive.” parents are wowed,” she says.

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SOUVENIR FOCUS: ZOOS

“Everyone is about the sensory toys this year. All the fidgets, squishables and handheld toys are moving fast. 3D toys are also all the rage, and the smaller price points help push sales.”

— SAMANTHA HALLIGAN, LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO

Lake Superior Zoo presents a collection of souvenirs, including a hat, tee and drinkware.

“We had an office lady in charge of a bank who came in and bought two cases — 52 items in total — and gave them to everyone at her work! I would love to say it’s just the kids, but adults are finding the squish toys amusing too.”

Smaller souvenirs are also bestsellers at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minnesota.

“I call them trinkets, but our bestselling categories are our smaller items that are more affordable and portable, such as Good Luck Minis, mini 3D fidgets and stickers,” says Samantha Halligan, director of guest experience.

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She adds, “Everyone is about the sensory toys this year. All the fidgets, squishables and handheld toys are moving fast. 3D toys are also all the rage, and the smaller price points help push sales.”

POPULAR PLUSHIES Plush tends to be a top category for many zoo retailers, and for the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero, California, it’s the biggest category in the gift shop.

“We are a boutique zoo at five acres,” describes Executive Director Cynthia Stringfield.

“Our visitors are able to get closer and get to know all our individual animals really well.

Some favorites are our red pandas, Mexican

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SOUVENIR FOCUS: ZOOS

The red panda is a fan favorite at the Central Coast Zoo, and customers want a plush version of this animal.

spider monkeys, ‘Shelby’ our fossa, meerkats, toucans and Aldabra and Radiated tortoises.”

These favorite animals at the Central Coast Zoo are also favorite plush picks in the gift shop, with red panda plush easily being the bestseller.

The store offers some plush from both Wild Republic and Nature Planet.

Eldredge says plush is also the No. 1 souvenir at Zoo Boise, with some plush options from Wild Republic and Aurora. He says the red panda plush is a favorite since the zoo debuted a new red panda exhibit last summer.

“We have a variety of plush representing our animals here at the zoo,” he says. “These are the perfect take-home gifts for guests to bring home their favorite animal from the zoo.”

At Lake Superior Zoo,

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FAVORITE CRITTERS

Many zoo retailers agree that capybaras, axolotls and red pandas are all trendy animals in 2026. plush is also one of the top three categories, alongside toys and custom souvenirs.

“Our most popular plush at the moment are axolotls, capybaras and red pandas,” says Halligan. “I think that plush is a successful category because people can relate to their experience the most through plush animals that embody their favorite animals at the zoo.”

MISSION MINDED Conservation and mission are also big themes for zoo retailers, and souvenirs often reflect

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SOUVENIR FOCUS: ZOOS

these values. The Central Coast Zoo focuses on selling items that relate directly back to the zoo, its area and that give to conservation causes.

“Since we are a smaller zoo and people connect with our individual animals, we focus on the species we have here at the zoo in our store as well as our conservation projects for our local area, such as pollinators like Monarch butterflies in particular,” says Stringfield.

Trevino says a large portion of apparel at the Gladys Porter Zoo store is from Event Network’s eco-friendly Wearsponsible line.

“We try to have as much related to sustainability as we can,” she notes.

At Zoo Boise, some fair trade items in the gift shop connect to the zoo’s mission.

Eldredge says, “We carry a robust collection of items from Africa, including artwork, baskets, hot sauces and more.”

With every sale in the Zoo Boise gift shop, guests are invited to give back to conservation.

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“A percentage of all sales as well as our new ‘Round Up for Conservation’ program goes directly back to the zoo’s operations and its conservation efforts around the world,” he says.

Halligan adds that finding souvenirs that are memorable, give back and support conservation are considerations whenever she and her team decide to find new products.

“From photos and stories of our actual animals to the commitment to conservation through bringing in unique products that benefit both people and animals around the world, we strive to be the final touch that creates a lasting memory on someone’s visit,” she says. SGN

The Central Coast Zoo store displays relevant stuffed animals of various sizes in a barrel.

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NEXT EXIT: INTERNATIONAL WHYDAH PIRATE UFO MUSEUM MUSEUM

Close s r e t n u o enc ST O RY BY K

R IS TE N H A M

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PS H IR E

Inside Roswell’s UFO Museum and Research Center, alien lore and out-of-this-worl d souvenirs keep curiosity in orbit.

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NEXTNEXT EXIT:EXIT: INTERNATIONAL WHYDAH PIRATE UFO MUSEUM

U

FO zealots arrive in full costume.

NASA gurus linger over satellite displays. Curious travelers pull off the highway because Roswell, New Mexico, is one of those places they have to see for themselves.

Nearly 80 years after the 1947 Roswell incident — when debris discovered near this high-desert town sparked decades of speculation about a possible UFO crash and government cover-up — the city continues to embrace its extraterrestrial reputation. Visitors can check out alien-themed attractions, public art and restaurants. At the center of it all is the International UFO Museum and Research Center, where guests from around the world come searching for answers, history and a little mystery.

For Deputy Director Cat Martinez, the story has always been part of the local landscape. Born and raised in Roswell, she joined the museum in 2015 and worked her way from the library to the gift shop before taking on her current role.

Today, she welcomes everyone from serious researchers to families with dogs dressed as aliens.

Here, Martinez shares what keeps visitors fascinated and what they’re taking home from the gift shop.

Q A

What kind of experience can visitors expect when they arrive?

The museum starts with exhibits focused on the 1947 Roswell Incident and follows a horseshoe-shaped path through the galleries. Along the way, guests can watch our documentary, Recollections of Roswell, explore exhibits about UFO history and pop culture and see one of our biggest attractions: a large, animated saucer display. Every 30 minutes, the lights flash, smoke rolls out and aliens begin communicating in their own language. It’s a fun spectacle that draws a crowd every time.

Q A

What questions do visitors ask most often when they tour the museum?

The biggest question is whether we think something really happened during the Roswell ‘incident’ and whether aliens are real. Having worked in the library for Aliens are featured on most of the souvenirs at this gift shop, including plush, candy and magnets. Photos: Stephanie Defranco www.sgnmag.com

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NEXT EXIT: INTERNATIONAL UFO MUSEUM years, my personal opinion is that something happened. There is just so much information available that people leave with plenty to think about, regardless of what they believe.

Q A

What role does the gift shop play in the overall experience?

The gift shop’s proceeds help support the museum and its mission. Visitors’ support benefits everything we do, from curating exhibits and educational programs to maintaining the collection and library.

The gift shop is located at the end of the museum, and about 80% of the merchandise is exclusive to us. People want something that says

“Visitors enjoy finding products that connect different parts of the museum experience. Our staff listens to their ideas so we can test new souvenirs.” — CAT MARTINEZ they were here and connects back to Roswell.

Most of our products feature the Roswell incident, flying saucers or aliens. Most visitors leave with at least a small souvenir.

Q A

What categories consistently sell well in the gift shop?

The store has fun finds like alien figurines and alien toilet paper.

Magnets, keychains, mugs and stickers are always popular. We also do very well with collectibles like ornaments and coasters, and we offer hobby items such as guitar picks by Lipco Group. Tangico supplies a lot of our collectibles and novelty items, along with Kappes Co., now

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Customers appreciate the Roswell name drop, which is featured on some souvenir T-shirts in the store.

part of Lipco Group. American Welding Co. makes custom metal magnets, but we stay away from signs and other bulky or big items that aren’t as travel friendly.

Toys from Rhode Island Novelty go over big with the kids. We offer an assortment that ranges from alien plush and saucer stress squishies to solar system puzzles. Kids who visit our research library can leave that space with a swag bag of goodies like a bendable alien, pencil and sharpener in the shape of a UFO. Sports-themed items sell surprisingly well in the gift shop, including golf balls by EnjoyLife, baseballs and other gear featuring alien graphics.

Apparel is always a strong category, especially our custom T-shirts and hats, mostly from Prairie Mountain.

Q

Are there any newer products that have taken off at the International UFO Museum store this year?

A

We recently added challenge coins after a visitor suggested them, and they have done very well. We also started carrying freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches because of our NASA exhibits. We recently started carrying collars and leashes, dog toys and T-shirts

by So Fetch.

Visitors enjoy finding products that connect different parts of the museum experience. Our staff listens to their ideas so we can test new souvenirs. www.sgnmag.com

NEXT EXIT: INTERNATIONAL UFO MUSEUM We like to offer a mixture of items people expect and different products since about half of our guests are return visitors.

Q

Tell us about the annual UFO Festival in Roswell.

What does this event mean for the gift shop?

A

The UFOlogist Invasion takes place during the first week of July every year, close to the anniversary of the Roswell incident. We host UFOlogists and speakers from across the country who give presentations and interact with visitors throughout the weekend. Guests The International UFO Museum name drop and aliens are featured on souvenir caps at the gift shop.

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can attend lectures, ask questions and have one-on-one conversations with experts. It’s one of our biggest events of the year and our store’s sales reflect how busy the museum is during this time.

Q

As someone who grew up in Roswell, what do you enjoy most about working at the museum gift shop?

A

The people. We meet visitors from all over the world and every one of them brings a different perspective. Some show up in costume, and then you have serious researchers spending hours in the library.

Visitors sometimes share their personal experiences with you. Seeing all these personalities come together around a shared curiosity is really rewarding, and when people are walking around the gift shop and say, ‘This is really cool!’ or, ‘What a great shop!’ that is fulfilling to me, as well. SGN

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MERCHANDISING: ROCKS & MINERALS

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Having a strategy to show off rocks, gems and minerals pays off for destination retailers.

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any have dubbed Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio, as America’s most colorful caverns. “It’s very beautiful, naturally decorated,” says Ohio Caverns Manager JD Harshfield.

A gift shop is attached to the Ohio Caverns Visitor Center. Harshfield says rocks are one of the bigger souvenir categories in the store.

Several tables and containers show off natural stones, gems and minerals for people to take home as mementos from their tour.

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“Some people might be inspired by the awe of the cavern,” Harshfield says. “For the most part, people come here to see a natural attraction, and they want to take home something that’s natural like rocks, gems and minerals. That really goes hand in hand.”

KEEPSAKES FOR THE KIDS One of the store’s largest rock presentations is geared toward the kids: a 4-foot by 8-foot table Ohio Caverns has no shortage of rocks, gems and minerals in its gift shop. Many of these naturalistic souvenirs line tiered tables throughout the store.

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MERCHANDISING: ROCKS & MINERALS

loaded with tumbled stones. The table has all kinds of stones, from standard quartz to amethyst and agates. Customers can fill small 3-inch by 4-inch or 2-inch by 3-inch bags with their favorites from the table for a reasonable price, making it a top souvenir for kids.

Collectible tumbled stone bags are a hit for many destination retailers. In Mesa, Arizona, the Arizona Museum of Natural History’s gift shop has a popular tumbled stone mining cart that’s also a draw for field trippers.

“We sell bags of rocks and polished gems at the cart, and those are very popular among the kids,” says Retail Operations Manager Jeffrey White. “We have about 150 pounds of rocks in the cart at any given moment.”

Across the store, guests can find some other larger souvenir rocks and minerals, such as agate and amethyst.

From coast to coast, tourists enjoy souvenir rocks and minerals, but having a strong presentation of these rocky finds is the key to making it a top-selling category for destination retailers.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Since decorating tastes differ, carrying a wide variety of souvenir rocks and minerals is crucial for retailers interested in delving into this category. In Cave City, Kentucky, rocks literally spill out of Big Mike’s Rock & Gift Shop, with

“What happens a lot of times is people will try new things and kind of forget about things that sell well. Play to your strength and sell what’s selling well.” — ROGER BOOTH, SILVER STREAK a selection of stones available for customers to purchase scattered on tables outside and inside the gift shop. Manager Sarah Ray says it’s known as one of the largest rock shops in the state.

“The previous owner of the store promoted us as the largest rock shop in Kentucky, and

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Showcasing a wide variety of rocks and minerals keeps guests browsing at Big Mike’s Rock Shop.

while I can’t quantify that, we are one of the largest,” says Ray, whose parents purchased the store in 2015.

Ray adds that her father, Rob Ray, is impeccably detailed in his approach to managing the store’s variety of rocks. She says he keeps a detailed list of all the bestsellers each quarter.

Gemstone rings are at the top of that list right now, followed by amethyst in any form and gemstone trees. Also included in the store’s top 10 list are Kentucky agate stones.

“We’re one of the few stores in the area that sell Kentucky agate, which is our state stone,” Ray says.

Having a variety of vendors has also helped White at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, who says he often turns to Silver Streak, Village Originals as well as some vendors he finds at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show each year.

MORE TO MINE FOR Variety is also key for vendors in this category.

Silver Streak, a wholesale vendor focused on jewelry and gemstones, has been focused on

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MERCHANDISING: ROCKS & MINERALS

expanding its product line to appeal to retailers in this category.

“My wife and I bought this business a year and a half ago.

For a few years before we purchased it, there had been nothing new introduced,” says Silver Streak A large table encourages guests to browse for rocks and gems at the Ohio Caverns gift shop. owner Roger Booth.

“What we’ve done the last eight months to a year is we have really focused on a couple of things to reinvigorate it — one of them is bringing in new products.”

The company has added 40 new products this

year alone, including new gemstones for pets in its Pawparrazzi line. But the vendor says it’s keeping some of its timeless staples as well.

The tumbled stone mine shaft and breakopen geodes are popular for Silver Streak, and Booth notes that it’s always important for retailers and vendors alike to play to their strengths.

“What happens a lot of times is people will try new things and kind of forget about things that sell well,” he explains. “Play to your strength and sell what’s selling well.”

SHINY EXAMPLES To draw more customers into the rock category, some destination retailers have found that shining a light on their rocks and minerals can be helpful.

White says the Arizona Museum of Natural History gift shop has LED lights shining down

TRY THIS! Ohio Caverns will tie some promotions to various birthstones throughout the year. The store often has an amethyst sale in February tied to that month’s birthstone.

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MERCHANDISING: ROCKS & MINERALS

on all the cases that contain gems and minerals as well as some small battery-powered spotlights on nicer amethyst pieces.

“Lighting can’t hurt!” says White.

Enlightening customers with more details about the gems and stones is also a selling tool for the Arizona Museum of Natural History gift shop. White adds that most of the store’s rocks and fossils will come with a free informational card to let people know more about the product.

TOUCH AND FEEL Going an extra step to invite customers to touch and feel the different rocks and gems has been the trick to boosting sales in this category for Big Mike’s Rock Shop. Ray says the store keeps some of the more fragile or high-priced gems and minerals in cases, but the majority of the products are available for customers to touch and feel.

“Most of our items are out on shelves that people can pick up and hold,” she says. “I think

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that really benefits our business because things are available. People can look at it, touch it, feel it. They don’t have to ask to have a case opened.”

It also helps to have staff members who are knowledgeable about the different rocks to answer customers’ questions. While Ray says she’s no geologist, she says she and her parents have learned a lot over the years running the store.

“When people ask if I’m a geologist, I tell them I’m simply self-taught!” she shares. “After I joined the store, I started reading what I could, studying rock accounts, books, and rock and gem publications. I stay up to date on what people are selling and liking.” SGN

At the Arizona Museum of Natural History, rocks, gems and fossils are featured on jewelry.

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PRODUCT TREND: HOLIDAY

STO RY BY K R ISTEN HAM PSHIR E

MERRY AND

BRIGHT

Memory-making merchandise and loyal customers keep Christmas retail thriving all year long.

T

Cozy sweaters and ornaments featuring Smokey the Bear are hits at Townsend Mercantile Co.

he welcoming windows in the cedar-shake sided coastal cottage home of Christmas Spirit in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, entertain a year-round character.

A 6-foot-tall Grinch is dressed for every season — a beekeeper in spring, a lifeguard in summer. Yule rules year-round.

And that’s the only way owner Jill Hudson has ever done retail.

She started at Christmas Spirit in 1988, joining a family-owned business she bought out during the pandemic. Generations of tourists treat a stop at the shop as a family tradition just

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like beach sunsets, saltwater taffy and crab cakes.

Whether operating a year-round holiday shop or carving out a section to support this category, souvenir and gift retailers agree: the spirit of this season sells in the heat of July or during cozy-up cabin days.

At Townsend Mercantile Co. by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leaf peepers visiting during early fall are a captive audience for holiday fare. So, owner Brooke Webb unwraps Christmas inventory in mid-September.

She buys what she can move before winter.

Meanwhile, at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a 2.2-acre www.sgnmag.com

PRODUCT TREND: HOLIDAY

Memorable pickup truck displays are stocked with holiday-themed souvenirs at Bronner’s.

destination store is decked out year-round for families that make an annual pilgrimage to experience “holiday extra.” Dietrich Bronner is the third generation who manages the vast catalog (50,000-plus SKUs) and product development.

A theme that rings true across the board is a consistent preference for personalization, an ode to traditional holiday themes and interest in wonderland whimsy, without going too far.

“People never come in here and ask, ‘What’s this

Quick to explain, Bronner notes the store’s clientele and visitors have an appetite for Christmas crazy more in a volume way to the tune of 50,000 different gift items, decorative pieces and ornaments, and about 300 decorated and lit trees of all sizes.

Ornaments are hands-down the top selling category. This variety caters to most every interest or occasion.

So, there’s Christmas crazy. You won’t find the obscure or outlandish, however.

“Like, an ornament that’s a frog with a Santa hat on a surfboard who’s eating cake at the same time, those far-out options are for a niche clientele,” says Bronner.

Bronner’s isn’t niche. It goes big. So the store stays in the lane of red, green, silver, gold and candy-cane stripes.

Webb adds, “I’m a conservative buyer.”

Townsend Mercantile focuses on apparel year-round and holiday follows suit. “Ornaments always do well,” she says of an item she stocks

“Nutcrackers haven’t had their time to shine in a while and they’re coming back strong from traditional ones to different ornamental takes.”

— DIETRICH BRONNER, BRONNER’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND year’s Pantone Christmas color of the year?’” quips Bronner. “We are quite traditional.”

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Some Christmas styles are steadfast, other classics run cycles. Lately, there’s more wiggle room, says Bronner of the expected yet ever-evolving holiday market. “It’s much more forward-thinking, contemporary, more fun and comical,” he says.

Nutcrackers of all kinds are having a moment at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

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year-round in Townsend and Smoky Mountain name-drop themes. Those by Cape Shore are married with mugs.

For apparel, she sticks with simple modern statements like “Merry” in applique or embroidered in block lettering. “That was a hot sweatshirt for us,” she says of mock-neck styles.

At Christmas Spirit, traditional is all about the beach in this resort community. Hudson decorates 17 themed trees that range from coastal to Irish to junk food and nutcrackers. One is all gingerbread, another is Santas and there’s a ballerina tree plus one with silver-and-gold glitz.

Visitors want what they want.

“It’s always beach stuff for us,” says Hudson, adding that funny reindeer characters are www.sgnmag.com

PRODUCT TREND: HOLIDAY

moving and, this year, a nod to America 250 is calling attention to a patriotic tree. Hudson always carries the White House Historical Society’s annual ornament.

And there’s always holiday music piped into the store. “It’s what people expect,” she says.

Christmas Spirit shows off some collectible holiday decor, figurines and garland in a display.

MERRY CLASSICS, HAVING A MOMENT At Bronner’s there’s a nativity scene nod included in some form on every Christmas tree. “That stands true today,” says Bronner.

Nutcrackers are classic. They tend to ebb and flow from a sales perspective, and now they’re moving. “They haven’t had their time to shine in a while and they’re coming back strong from traditional ones to different ornamental takes,” Bronner says, referencing country themes such as Scotland.

Department 56 collectible ceramic houses always go over big. “We display them in elaborate cityscapes that are inspiration for customers,” says Bronner.

The store is also a longtime seller of Fontanini nativity sets — Italian-made scenes with detailed resin figurines and expandable village pieces.

“These are a mainstay, and we have a family relationship with Fontanini,” Bronner says, noting that the family will visit Bronner’s to sign pieces.

Highland cows, specifically ornaments designed by Delightfully Yours that Bronner’s carries, are also having a moment. “They’re goofy, funny and cute,” Bronner says. “Axolotls had their time and now it’s Highland cow time.”

Hudson says customers gravitate toward Joe

A traditional Christmas tree is decked out with souvenir ornaments at Christmas Spirit.

Spencer dolls by Gallerie II with cloth bodies and hand-painted faces. Each collectible has a name and costume. C&F Home tea towels in seasonal themes go over big, as do Wee Forest Folk tiny collectible mice figurines in holiday fare.

Variety is key, especially when you’re entertaining repeat guests who pick up an ornament or holiday goodie every year. Hudson says one young-adult customer has been visiting since he was about 10 years old. Now in his 20s, he still sends a picture of his Christmas tree every year so Hudson can see the ornaments he has collected from the shop.

As for most wonderful, these moments are a gift to Hudson. “It just makes people happy to come here,” she says.

HOLIDAY GETS PERSONAL Ornaments are a staple at souvenir and gift shops, holiday or not. So it’s no surprise that this category dominates Christmas retail sales.

The top-selling ornament at Bronner’s is a 10-centimeter classic glass bulb the founder introduced when he started the business in the 1960s. It’s red, shiny and the team hand paints whatever the customer wants on it.

Christmas Spirit’s array of ornaments from vendors like Ganz, Enesco, Kurt S. Adler Inc. and Old World Christmas give visitors a variety 94 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

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PRODUCT TREND: HOLIDAY

of themes and customizable options. Guests go for family-fun themes such as beach chairs in a row, each with a name that Hudson or a team member etch or paint onto the ornament.

“It’s just all about the people who come in here and they’ve been visiting us for generations.”

— JILL HUDSON, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT “We also have handmade sand dollars and oyster shell ornaments that say Rehoboth Beach or nearby Dewey Beach, and we can personalize those,” Hudson says.

Capitalizing on locality, throw-back ornaments that feature Funland amusement park’s bumper cars and haunted houses are often inscribed with a “baby’s first trip” memo, she says.

Getting personal also relates to sports, hobbies, favorite treats, family heritage and more. If your kid plays lacrosse, Bronner’s has an ornament for that. If Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal

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or Funions resonate, Christmas Spirit fulfills the appetite on its junk food tree.

Bronner points out, food ornaments still need to meet a “Remember when?” vibe to sell.

Otherwise, they can flop at this holiday wonderland. “Mac-and-cheese and Ramen noodles will always sell because they’re comfort foods,” he says.

The shrimp cocktail ornament didn’t do so well in rural Michigan. But on the coast, customers toast to seafood, plated for dinner or hooked to hang on the tree. And in the Smoky Mountains, timeless apparel staples always make the mark.

Personal, memorable and year-round salable holiday souvenirs tug at guests’ heartstrings.

And this is exactly what Hudson loves most about carrying Christmas Spirit into the next generation of customers who visit. “It’s just all about the people who come in here and they’ve been visiting us for generations,” she says. SGN

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CASE STUDY: FREEDOM PLANE

STO RY BY K R ISTEN HAM PSHIR E

FREEDOM PLANE:

A 250 RETAIL MOMENT MOHAI and other Freedom Plane retailers are collaborating to shape America 250 retail in real time and setting an example for future museum store collabs.

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hen a landmark traveling exhibition honoring America 250 presents a moving retail opportunity, collaboration across gift shops is the key to pulling off justin-time product orders, planning popup shops and staffing for an unexpected surge in visitors.

Just ask Stacie Ford-Bonnelle, mercantile manager at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle, one of eight stops on the national Freedom Plane tour, which also includes National WWI Museum & Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri; Atlanta History Center in Atlanta; University of Southern California Fisher Museum of Art in Los Angeles; Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston; History

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Colorado in Denver; Museum of Miami in Miami; and Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. The experiential exhibit is bringing original founding-era documents to cities across the country.

MOHAI is the final destination on the eight-stop Freedom Plane tour and one of two West Coast locations. Across the country, the exhibit offered museum gift shops an unprecedented opportunity to learn, adapt and refine what an America 250 retail experience could be.

“We’re excited we were considered,” Ford-Bonnelle relates. On Jan. 20, she learned of MOHAI’s grand finale slot, July 31 to Aug. 16.

Positioning matters. With each city hosting the exhibition for about 16 days and a rapid turnaround in between, retailers were learning from one another

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CASE STUDY: FREEDOM PLANE

MOHAI features souvenir displays for both America 250 (left) and the Freedom Plane tour (right).

in real time — while also planning for significantly higher traffic.

“We are all holding hands,” says Ford-Bonnelle of the few months leading up to the exhibition and connecting with retail managers at previous stops as their Freedom Plane exhibits departed to the next stop. “We’ve had great conversations, and we’re all sharing what’s working and figuring it out together.”

RETAIL RELAY MOHAI’s first move was reaching out to other participating museums. Ford-Bonnelle says she also tapped into the Museum Store Association network, talking with retailers and vendors.

“The WWI Museum in Kansas City was the first stop, and it was all new to them,” Ford-Bonnelle says. “They really helped us wrap our brains around what to expect and sent us pictures of their pop-up.”

Estimating attendance was part of the challenge. Ford-Bonnelle says MOHAI typically welcomes about 400 people daily and is planning for about 2,000 guests a day or more during Freedom Plane.

Collaboration extends to product, too. While early hopes included a fully traveling merchandise assortment, logistics and institutional dif100 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

ferences shifted the strategy. Instead, stores are sharing insights — and, in some cases, inventory.

“We’ve done that in the past with traveling exhibits,” Ford-Bonnelle notes. “If something works in one location, there may be an opportunity to bring that into the next.”

At the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the tour’s first stop, a trial-and-error approach paid off quickly. “We were taking our best educated guesses,” says Brooke Leisinger-Smith, director of guest services. “This was our first pop-up, and we weren’t sure what to expect.”

Leisinger-Smith worked with the National Archives to source Freedom Plane merch. “I also called the New York Historical Society and other sites that sell products like this more regularly,” she says, noting that institutions supplied lists of vendors and top-selling products.

At the WWI museum, high-performing items included Freedom Plane-branded merchandise, replica documents, pins, patches and postcards — many of which sold out within the first weekend.

Unexpected winners also emerged.

“Founding father finger puppets were wildly successful,” Leisinger-Smith says, along with novelty items from Unemployed Philosophers Guild that appealed to kids and adults.

LOCAL LAYERS Each museum gift shop on the Freedom Plane tour is telling a same yet different story based on the location and context of its collections. www.sgnmag.com

CASE STUDY: FREEDOM PLANE

The Freedom Plane carried founding-era documents to eight museums across the U.S., including the WWI Museum in Kansas City, pictured above.

At MOHAI, the museum is using retail and America 250 to expand the narrative beyond traditional perspectives and include its racial equity workplan. The MOHAI store is working with local organizations, artists and retailers to bring in merchandise that reflects a wider range of voices and experiences.

MOHAI regularly partners with local businesses — from bookstores to record shops — to curate themed assortments tied to exhibits. For Freedom Plane, Ford-Bonnelle reached out to indie bookstores to help shape book selections and storytelling.

FREEDOM PLANE PLAYBOOK

Retailers participating in the Freedom Plane tour find that these merchandising moves are driving results.

#1 #2

Lead with the moment. Anchor the front of the store with event-driven product. Freedom Plane branding.

Build a story. Create flow with defined zones. At MOHAI, the layout moves from Freedom Plane to museum-branded merchandise to America 250 storytelling.

#3

Collaborate with retailers. Retailers are connecting with other tour stops to learn what’s selling, what’s not and how to adjust assortments in real time.

#4 #5

Balance price points. Offer entry-level souvenirs alongside higher-ticket items.

Stay flexible. Use movable fixtures and phased product rollouts to adjust quickly.

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“We’re able to highlight other businesses while offering products we might not typically carry,” she relates.

At History Colorado, Retail Manager Kendall Goduto also layered a local lens into the national moment. Its May 28 to June 14 Freedom Plane stop coincided with Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the campaign The Moment That Made Us. “We are a centennial state, created on the 100th anniversary of the founding of America,” she explains.

A commission developed merchandise that honors both milestones, including a zip-up hoodie, T-shirts, hats, mugs and stickers.

For Freedom Plane, Goduto focused on souvenirs that align with the exhibit itself, such as feather pens and bald eagle plush.

“I met with Stacie at MOHAI and Brooke at the WWI museum, and Stacie shared her product list, so we definitely borrowed from that,” says Ford-Bonnelle.

FLEXIBLE FORMAT If there’s one constant across Freedom Plane retailers, it’s flexibility. MOHAI’s modular fixtures like slat walls and movable displays allow for quick shifts based on demand. The team is planning phased product rollouts, adding new merchandise in waves leading up to the exhibition.

“We’ll ramp up over time and adjust based on what we’re seeing,” Ford-Bonnelle says.

She’s staying in close contact with other cities on the tour to refine MOHAI’s approach. By the time the exhibition reaches Seattle, MOHAI will have insights from multiple stops. www.sgnmag.com

CASE STUDY: FREEDOM PLANE

“We’re all sharing what’s working and figuring it out together.” — STACIE FORD-BONNELLE, MOHAI If certain items underperform elsewhere, MOHAI may opt out. If others sell quickly, the team can reorder or source additional inventory.

And beyond product, MOHAI is preparing for a surge in visitors — potentially five times its typical daily traffic.

With lines expected to extend into the surrounding park, the store becomes part of the experience. “People can come into the shop while they’re waiting,” Ford-Bonnelle says.

That creates opportunities for impulse purchases and deeper engagement, especially with interactive and family-friendly items.

“It will be interesting to see what people get excited about and what they want to take home,” she says.

For retailers, that’s the ultimate takeaway.

Freedom Plane isn’t just a traveling exhibit — it’s

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History Colorado showcases bald eagle plush alongside some relevant reads and souvenir mugs.

a live test of how storytelling, collaboration and merchandising intersect at scale.

And for MOHAI, the opportunity is as much about learning how to execute just-in-time retail as it is about selling souvenirs and gifts that visitors can take home as mementos.

“We’re going to showcase what we do best,” Ford-Bonnelle says. SGN

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MERCHANDISING: PLUSH AT PARKS

When park retailers find playful ways to showcase plush, it easily becomes a top-performing category.

PLAYFUL WITH PLUSH

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Baskets are stuffed to the brim with stuffed animals at the Cook Forest Trading Post.

any travelers come to the Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky for its hiking trails, climbing routes and outdoor adventures.

But for some visitors, an unexpected roadside sight becomes part of the experience: a giant, fuzzy Bigfoot lounging in a camping chair outside the Red River Gorge General Store in Slade, Kentucky. The 72-inch Sasquatch plush from Zoologee regularly catches motorists off guard, prompting double takes — and plenty of impromptu stops at the store.

“Everyone takes a picture with Bigfoot,” says

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STORY BY M EG AN SM ALLEY

Adrienne McMahon, general manager. “It’s a really great draw.”

Once inside, customers can find a wide variety of souvenirs and essentials at the Red River Gorge General Store. As people browse the store, they can find plush scattered all about. Some smaller Bigfoot plush line a bookcase in one part of the store, and other plush creatures are integrated into store displays. McMahon says she even places some butterfly plush on the walls.

Plush may not be top of mind for people visiting the park, but when park retailers merchandise this category well, it can be a very successful category. www.sgnmag.com

MERCHANDISING: PLUSH AT PARKS

“Some people say plush isn’t a quick mover, but in my experience, it is,” McMahon says. “You just have to find your place.”

RELEVANCE RULES Earlier this year, Reelfoot Lake State Park debuted a renovated gift shop at its park visitor center in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Park Ranger Cory Hussey says the new store layout is very open and accessible.

Apparel and plush are the store’s bestperforming categories, with small, medium and large options available from Wild Republic and Deluxebase. For that reason, Hussey says plush gets a spot front and center in the new store.

“Plush animals are some of the most eye-catching items,” he says. “We make sure they are highly visible.”

He also makes sure that the plush offered is highly relevant, wanting plush animals to reflect

“Plush animals are some of the most eye-catching items. We make sure they are highly visible.”

— Cory Hussey, Reelfoot Lake State Park Gift Shop the wildlife that visitors see at Reelfoot Lake. As a hotspot for the American bald eagle, plush versions of these birds are favorites. The store also carries plush osprey and pelicans. And as the park looks to goats for vegetation management, Hussey says he plans to start selling goat plush in the store this year as well.

Carrying plush that features native species is also a key strategy for Bre Johnson, park ranger at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah.

“I try to pick plush based off of what we have in the park and the area — scorpions, bighorn sheep, hares, kangaroo rats, bats,” she says. “I recently added horse plush. They’re not in the area, but with the name of the park, I thought it fit.”

Dead Horse Point State Park displays a cute horse plush beside a name-drop tee and cap in its gift shop.

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A cuddly Bigfoot plush is front and center in a display at the Red River Gorge General Store.

At Cook Forest Trading Post in Sigel, Pennsylvania, owner Victoria Reid mostly sticks to woodland-themed plush, but she will venture off a little to include some trendy favorites.

“We have shark plush,” she says. “Sharks are incredibly popular whether you’re near the ocean or not! We tend to focus on the woodland themes, but if something seems like it’s popular or trending, we will add that to our mix as well.”

McMahon says supplementing traditional woodland plush with some unexpected critters has worked well for her at the Red River Gorge General Store.

“We have Bigfoot plush. We have a lot of your standard park animals, but we also like to do bugs,” she says. “I have scorpions, bees and things that you don’t often see at other stores just because I find them fun. By carrying some alternative options like possums, raccoons and armadillos, people love that.”

TRY A SURPRISE There are many ways park retailers can have fun with the plush category. While most plush sits on pedestal-style racks at the Reelfoot Lake State Park gift shop, Hussey scatters some plush around the store to make things interesting.

“We may have an opossum hanging from a clothing rack or an eagle perched on a mannequin,” Hussey describes. “It helps make the space feel more playful, immersive and connected to the wildlife.”

Johnson knows many of her customers want www.sgnmag.com

MERCHANDISING

TRY THIS! Reelfoot Lake State Park promotes its plush on social media to engage prospective visitors and share some fun products that are in the visitor center gift shop. For Plush Animal Lover’s Day on Oct. 28, the store posted videos of park rangers highlighting their favorite plush in the store.

a magnet, so she strategically places plush baskets next to the magnets.

“Everyone comes in for a magnet and then sees the plush,” she says.

“That helps with sales.”

McMahon adds that she likes to surprise regular customers who come in more often by moving plush around frequently at the Red River Gorge General Store.

“I change things up quite often,” she says. “Even though I have a plush section, I will change out the plush that is featured in there a couple of times a week because I want to keep it fresh.”

STUFFED STRATEGIES Since kids drive plush sales, Reid says she likes to keep them lower at the Cook Forest Trading Post. Her giant plush aisle is well within reach for kids of all ages, with a variety of sizes mixed together to choose from.

“Children drive toy and plush sales, so they need to be accessible and at their eye level so they can see them,” says Reid. “You don’t want the plush or toys to be too high to where kids can’t reach them.”

Park retailers can also promote their plush on social media to boost sales in this category. Hussey says Reelfoot Lake has found cute ways to feature plush in park social media posts. He notes that the park team 110 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE

MERCHANDISING: PLUSH AT PARKS

collaborates on creating fun, engaging social media posts.

“A ranger might take a plush owl out on our boardwalk for a photo that will be shared on social media, or we also made a post for Plush Animal Lover’s Day where we asked park employees about their favorite plushies we offer,” he says. “These posts are great at featuring our park along with some of the products we offer.”

At the Red River Gorge General Store, the larger-than-life Bigfoot is regularly featured on the store’s social media pages. When the store hosted an ice cream social event, McMahon says she had her giant Bigfoot plush pose for a picture in a fire truck at the event that she later posted to social media.

And because people are drawn to the store’s Bigfoot plush mascot, McMahon likes to give it a name. “Giving your plush a personality and a backstory for social media is powerful because people will come and ask about it,” she says.

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Reelfoot Lake State Park places relevant animal plushies in tiered baskets in its new visitor center store.

Even if a store doesn’t have a giant plush to promote, McMahon says retailers can find some fun way to incorporate plush in store displays.

“Maybe if you have a camping display in your store, have a plush bear in there pretending to eat out of a garbage can,” she suggests. “Give your plush life. That’s what ultimately helps to move them.” SGN

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RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: MAJESTIC MEADOWS

MAJESTIC MEADOWS Medina, OH STORE MANAGER: Rachel Mizer BESTSELLERS: Alpaca fur plushies RETAIL TIP: Buy in the off-season for a better focus on customer service in peak season.

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STORY BY M E GA N SM A LLE Y

One unique boutique

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Majestic Meadows combines animal encounters with boutique retail finds for a one-of-a-kind farm experience. s visitors arrive at Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique in Medina, Ohio, it initially seems like many other Midwestern farms — there are lush green pasturelands, some barn-like structures and occasional bleating sounds of sheep or goats in the distance. But as visitors begin either a private animal encounter or a self-guided tour, they often recognize that this destination is not your average farm.

On self-guided tours, visitors get up close and personal with many creatures: alpacas, of course, but also llamas, sheep, goats, mini horses, mini donkeys, mini cows, rabbits and even camels, kangaroos and wallabies. For visitors who want one-on-one time with animals, they 114 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

can sign up for an encounter with an Asian small-clawed otter, capybara, sulcata tortoise, prehensile-tailed porcupine, South American coatimundis, skunk, three-banded armadillo and two-toed sloth.

Guests quickly fall in love as the animals approach them for a pet or a treat, provided by the farm. Store Manager Rachel Mizer says Majestic Meadows visitors get much closer to animals than they might at a zoo or even some other farms.

“The owners started with just alpacas, so alpacas are always at the heart of everything they do here at the farm,” she explains. “But the farm has grown to be a place where families can come and meet animals and make memories together. It’s a hands-on experience where people can connect with animals.” www.sgnmag.com

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: MAJESTIC MEADOWS

Many souvenirs at Majestic Meadows are made of alpaca fur, including animal-themed hats, colorful gloves and even plush.

EXPANDING EXPERIENCES Majestic Meadows debuted as a hands-on farm destination in 2018, but owners Jeff and Faye Farley have been caring for alpacas for many years.

Faye Farley says she and Jeff fell in love with alpacas after attending an alpaca farm open house in the mid-1990s. The husband-and-wife team purchased their first alpaca and began an alpaca farm in 1997 in Medina. The Farleys eventually opened a boutique store on their farm and named themselves Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique to showcase their alpacas and alpaca fiber products.

As more families and school groups started visiting the farm, Farley says she saw the value in providing people with animal encounters.

“A lot of times, parents want their kids to remember that they came to an alpaca farm, so buying a stuffed animal made of alpaca fur does it for them.”

— RACHEL MIZER, STORE MANAGER “What really got us interested in non-farm animals was seeing how powerful animal interactions could be for other people,” says Farley.

“People were naturally drawn to unique animals and loved learning about species they would probably never have the opportunity to see up close otherwise.”

While adding over a dozen new species was a learning curve, Farley says she and her husband have spent a lot of time researching each animal’s needs, from nutrition to enrichment, veterinary care and habitat design.

Their countless hours of research on different 116 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

species paid off — Mizer says the attraction generally draws 500 to 1,300 people per day during peak season from May to August, with quite a few people coming daily in the off season as well.

The boom in visitation prompted Majestic Meadows to open a second gift shop on-site.

Today, the farm features its boutique filled with alpaca fur finds and a general gift shop with something for everyone.

MEMORABLE MERCHANDISING Majestic Meadows’ two shops are relatively small but offer a curated mix of merchandise specific to each store.

Mizer says the focus in the gift shop is souvenirs and kids’ items. The general gift shop, which opened in 2020, could easily make a kid smile with the farm-themed toys and plush Adults can find a souvenir T-shirt along a back wall, with several designs displayed on slat wall. Another wall features dozens of alpaca fur socks. The store also features mugs, drinkware, tea towels, caps, magnets and just about any other souvenir guests might want.

Just steps away from the gift shop is another building that houses the boutique. The two-story boutique is small but cozy, dedicated to carrying a curated assortment of all-things alpaca.

On the first floor, guests can find hats, dryer balls, and alpaca plush all made from alpaca fur as well as the alpaca-themed home decor and jewelry. The upstairs floor gives off a “grandma’s attic” vibe with alpaca-fur apparel and accessowww.sgnmag.com

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: MAJESTIC MEADOWS

One aisle in the gift shop is full of plush, books and toys, while another aisle showcases souvenir apparel.

ries scattered about on hardwood fixtures.

Farley adds that she started the boutique to give her guests a memorable shopping experience to end their visit.

“We wanted to offer guests a unique shopping experience that felt warm, inviting and different from a traditional store,” she says. “The word ‘boutique’ reflected the atmosphere we hoped to create, which was more specialty gifts, alpaca apparel, home decor, handmade items and carefully selected products that fit the charm and experience of the farm.”

FAVORITE FARM FINDS With a focus on alpacas, alpaca plush made from alpaca fur is consistently a top seller at Majestic Meadows. Mizer turns to DebrAnn Weiss & Co. for alpaca-fur plush, including plush alpacas, donkeys, goats, capybara and bears.

“A lot of times, parents want their kids to remember that they came to an alpaca farm, so buying a stuffed animal made of alpaca fur does it for them,” says Mizer.

Plush versions of animals at the farm also tend to sell well for the farm, with some options available from Wild Republic, Zoologee and Aurora. Mizer makes sure there’s even a plush version of the coatimundis, which she gets from Zoologee.

“It’s hard to find product for the coatimundis, but we have a stuffed animal of them that we get from Zoologee,” she says.

Mizer has also noticed interest in 3D-printed animal figurines, so she has added some new Pocket Pets from R-Biz Associates that have been fun fidget souvenirs at the gift shop.

Since a capybara is a popular animal on-site, anything related to the capybara is also sure to sell at Majestic Meadows.

“Capybaras are still trending hard,” she notes.

“We sell a lot of capybara slippers. And then Jelly Gems, essentially squish toys in the shape of a capybara, have been selling.”

INTENTIONAL PLANNING With a very busy peak season in the summertime and a lean gift shop staff, Mizer says she often tries to do all her buying for the stores in the off season. “When it’s really busy, there’s not much you can do besides customer service,” she says. “We try to do a lot of purchasing in the slower months so that when we’re busy we don’t have to worry as much. We have a storage room where we put everything.”

Las Vegas Market is one place she turns to for new trends and ideas. She also tries to act

The boutique offers many animal-themed home decor pieces like these shelf sitters as well as souvenir stickers.

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RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: MAJESTIC MEADOWS

“Many visitors tell us they come for the animals but end up spending just as much time enjoying the shopping experience.” — FAYE FARLEY, OWNER on customer suggestions that had been made consistently during peak season.

“We had a lot of people wanting a picture of our animals on crew necks, so we got those developed,” she says.

Faye notes that she and Jeff are always exploring the possibility of bringing new animals to Majestic Meadows.

“We also believe growth should happen thoughtfully and responsibly,” she adds. “We will likely continue evolving over time while making sure animal welfare remains the top priority.”

Equally important to the Farleys is continuing to offer a warm, welcoming shopping environment. As retail opportunities grow, Faye says they plan to do so thoughtfully.

“Many visitors tell us they come for the

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animals but end up spending just as much time enjoying the shopping experience,” says Faye.

“Guests love that the boutique feels unique and personal, with gifts, alpaca products, home decor and items that reflect the warmth and charm of the farm itself.” SGN

Eye-catching capybara plush draw customers to one of the store’s aisles full of souvenir tote bags, backpacks and kids’ and baby apparel.

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PRODUCT TREND: NATIVE AMERICAN

STORY BY K R ISTEN HAM PSHIR E

NATIVE SPIRIT ita Slatton loves telling this celebrity stop-in story about when The Beatles’ Paul McCartney rolled into Painted Desert Indian Center, a longtime Route 66 outpost in Holbrook, Arizona. Turquoise, teepees and towering dinosaurs have made memorable impressions on many road-trippers — and at least one rock legend.

“He came in and I said, ‘You look like Paul McCartney!’” relates Slatton, who runs the family business with her husband, Freddie.

It was 2008 and McCartney was making the Route 66 trek for his 66th birthday. And while certainly an epic encounter in Slatton’s book, it’s one of many storied visits from artists like country music chart-topper Chris Stapleton, along with everyday travelers and tourists.

Painted Desert’s expansive inventory of authentic Native American and inspired gifts offers something for everybody. Price points range from 50 cents to $25,000.

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As for product trend? The one thing Slatton can pinpoint is that most expect to buy nothing when they drop in. Then they find something.

“Many just come in to use the bathroom,” Slatton quips, quite proud of the restrooms’ hand-painted tiles, a collaboration with R.C. Gorman, a Navajo Nation member known as the Picasso of American Indian Art. Then, guests meander around the 4,000-square-foot store and find “a saddle for every seat,” from pottery to toy tomahawks and everything in between, she says.

The common thread across souvenir shops specializing in Native American products is family tradition, unexpected finds and gifts that become storytelling pieces.

Slatton says, “That’s my favorite thing. There are those few who have been looking for a bowl or squash blossom for years and we can fulfill their needs because we have the inventory here. And there are most who purchase something on impulse.” www.sgnmag.com

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Tradition sells. So do great stories and unexpected treasures.

PRODUCT TREND: NATIVE AMERICAN

NOT A LOST ART Long before Sedona, Arizona, became a premier destination for Southwestern shopping, the late Joe Wilcox was building relationships with Native American artists. What began as a small jewelry operation grew into a collection of stores that helped shape Uptown Sedona’s retail landscape for decades.

Now the Joe Wilcox name lives on at a headliner location that opened after his passing, shares his daughter, Pam Freeman, who is carrying on the legacy.

Overseeing Joe Wilcox Indian Den means nurturing generations-long relationships with Native American artists and providing a retail mix that appeals to locals and tourists looking for something quintessentially Southwest.

Jewelry is a top category, and it is merchandised by color and type. Authentic jewelry is displayed in glass cases with coordinated earrings, necklaces, bracelets. “This makes it easy to find a set,” Freeman says.

“This is not only a business, it’s a future for our people.” — LIZ STEPHENS, MCKEE’S INDIAN STORE For McKee’s Indian Store’s owner Liz Stephens, Native art and culture are more than a business. A member of the Caddo Nation, Stephens has spent a lifetime immersed in the traditions that define Anadarko.

Stephens partners with a variety of indigenous artists, including Traci Rabbit’s selection of authentic works.

At McKee’s, iconic Pendleton wool products have long held their appeal and fill a dedicated space, alongside the store’s selection of gabardine, broadcloth and traditional cotton fabrics used in regalia. So does the adjoining Susan Peters Gallery, which adds another dimension to the McKee’s experience. Named for the influen-

One-of-a-kind statues and indigenous pottery are favorites at the Painted Desert Indian Center.

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Native American patterns can be found on drinkware and dresses at McKee’s Indian Store.

tial educator and Native art advocate who helped nurture generations of indigenous artists, the gallery showcases fine art ranging from paintings and sculptures to pottery and traditional works.

These are the Native American souvenirs and gifts consumers crave and are willing to push the budget to take home.

Some customers visiting the area are looking for a souvenir that’s inspired by the region and Native American culture, and items inspired by the culture offer an “in” to taking home a gift that would be out of reach if it was authentic.

This is why Painted Desert Indian Center works with some importers for bow-and-arrow toys, dream catchers and tomahawks. A supplier in Mexico provides truckloads of blankets.

Available in one size, they can fit a full-size bed.

Slatton says, “I have so many people tell me they make curtains for their cabins out of them.”

And at Joe Wilcox Indian Den, Freeman dedicates part of the store to gifts and souvenirs.

It’s all about making sure tourists and customers can find what they want.

“We strive to provide great customer service and a great selection of merchandise,” says Freeman, relating that the Southwest theme threads through categories for the most part. “We also carry home decor, kitchen items, food products, www.sgnmag.com

PRODUCT TREND: NATIVE AMERICAN

soaps and lotions, wind chimes, purses, kids’ items and souvenirs,” she says.

BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS Relationships are central to acquiring authentic Native American products, and those transactions are built on years of trust and personal visits.

“The artists we represent have gotten to know Freddie and if they like someone, they’ll come back and do business again,” says Slatton. “That’s the way it is. And we know that here in Holbrook, whether you’re a car salesman or a shop owner, if you lose your Indian trade, you’ve lost a lot.”

At Joe Wilcox Indian Den, Native American art offerings include traditional fetish carvings — small, hand-carved animal figures, often crafted from stone. Artists visit the shop, and longtime relationships inform buying. Freeman says, “We have people we’ve

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been buying from for 30 years.

We trust them and they deliver high-quality pieces.”

From a showstopper selection of Native American dance shawls to scarf slides and embroidered ties for men, McKee’s also invests in its fabric department and relies on Native American artisans who provide products to the shop.

And tight-knit relationships extend to the team at McKee’s. “We have all Native American staff, and they are local to this area and members of some of the surrounding tribes,” says Stephens.

Combining culture and business is what Stephens cherishes the most about McKee’s.

“This is not only a business, it’s a future for our people,” she relates. “My children will one day benefit from us having this. It’s fulfilling a legacy.” SGN

Turquoise, silver and other Native American jewelry pieces are staples at Joe Wilcox Indian Den.

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MERCHANDISING: ROUTE 66

HIGHWAY HIGHLIGHTS As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, destination retailers help travelers remember the occasion with souvenirs and mementos.

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STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY

Bureau of Public Roads launched the nation’s first federal highway system. The National Park Service website reports that the highway quickly became a popular route due to active promotion from the U.S. 66 Highway Association, which advertised Route 66 as “the shortest, best and most scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles.”

People from all over the world have traveled on Route 66. Scattered along this road are many destination retailers — some new and some old — all dedicated to helping people celebrate the past, present and future of Route 66 and its landmarks.

© ADOBE STOCK | MYSH

.S. Highway 66, popularly known as Route 66, hit a major milestone this year as it celebrates its centennial. Even though the United States decommissioned this iconic highway in 1985, many travelers keep its legacy alive by driving the route and visiting famous stops along the way across the 2,400-plus mile stretch.

Route 66 winds across roughly two-thirds of the continental U.S., passing through eight states from Lake Michigan in Chicago to the Pacific Ocean coastline in Santa Monica, California. The highway began in 1926 when the

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MERCHANDISING: ROUTE 66

Colorful and memorable store displays help souvenirs to pop at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.

STOP #1

ILLINOIS ROCK & ROLL MUSEUM ON ROUTE 66 | JOLIET, ILLINOIS The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is a newer attraction along Route 66 — Guest Services Manager Christine Johnson says the museum opened in 2023 to showcase the history of both rock ‘n’ roll icons of Illinois and the state’s ties to Route 66. The museum features a colorful, eclectic aesthetic that encapsulates the spirit of both classic rock ‘n’ roll and Route 66.

While the museum and its shop certainly highlight rock ‘n’ roll’s history in Illinois, Johnson says the museum’s location on Route 66 is

“People are looking for the kitschy mom-andpop feeling and all the cool things that were on the route.” — CHRISTINE JOHNSON also very important and is featured in souvenirs across the store.

“Route 66 is vintage Americana,” she says. “A lot of people are looking for the kitschy momand-pop feeling and all the cool things that were on the route in its history. People are looking for fun nostalgia that takes them back in time.”

Even though the museum is a new stop for people traveling along Route 66, Johnson says it’s already popular with tourists. To date, she says travelers have come to the museum from 49 states and at least 54 different countries and counting.

The museum store features more than just 126 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

souvenirs — a retro soda bar setup complete with bar stools and a jukebox invite guests to come sit and take a selfie to make a memory while they’re in the store. Next to the diner bar, autographed electric guitars along with some T-shirts for sale.

Knowing that many visitors are road trippers, Johnson stocks a lot of smaller souvenirs that travel well. She turned to some one-of-a-kind vendors known for Route 66 memorabilia for the store, including David Wickline’s Route 66 magnets and Efren Lopez’s Route 66 photographs and postcards. She adds that Route 66 children’s books and coloring books from Anne Slanina are big with the kids and families coming in.

Store displays tie together Route 66 and rock ‘n’ roll perfectly, with rock on one side of a shelf and highway history on the other side. Some products blend these themes together seamlessly like the store’s new “Rock the road — 100 years and still rocking” T-shirts celebrating the Route 66 centennial.

Since people of all ages and demographics have been stopping at the new museum and its gift shop, Johnson says she tries to carry something for everyone.

“I listen to the travelers who come in. I ask them, ‘What would you like to see in our gift shop?’” she explains. “I ask people what they want to see in the gift shop. Usually, they are right on the target — I put stuff they recommend in here, and it flies off the shelves. We do very well here in the gift shop. I’m proud of where it’s come.”

STOP #2

FANNING 66 OUTPOST AND THE LARGE ROCKER | CUBA, MISSOURI Five hours down the road from Joliet, many Route 66 travelers stop to look at the world’s second-largest rocking chair outside the Fanning 66 Outpost in Cuba, Missouri. Owner Ryan Thompson explains that it had been the world’s largest rocking chair until a few years ago.

“We have what was once the world’s largest rocking chair. Now it’s the second largest, but www.sgnmag.com

MERCHANDISING: ROUTE 66

that still brings a lot of people!” he says, noting that the 42-foot-tall chair has even attracted some celebrities like Billy Connolly and other TV personalities who want to take a selfie by the famed chair.

Inside the 10,000-square-foot store, nostalgia is plentiful with over 400 different glass soda bottles to choose from, penny candies and the smell of homemade fudge and popcorn wafting from the kitchen.

Thompson says Route 66 signs always sell.

“We sell Signs4Fun signs, and most of my signs are under $17,” he notes.

“The word of mouth does a lot for us, and people say they enjoy how crazy our selection is and how we have a lot of different stuff.” — RYAN THOMPSON Route 66 magnets are also popular at Fanning Outpost, with over 40 designs to choose from.

Thompson adds, “A lot of people like the small souvenirs.”

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Small souvenirs like classic Route 66 mugs are favorites with customers at Fanning 66 Outpost.

People also like souvenirs that can’t be found elsewhere on Route 66. In 2025, Thompson says Route 66 salt-and-pepper shakers in the shape of a gas pump were his No. 2 sellers. People also enjoy homemade Route 66 bracelets and throw pillows that one of Thompson’s relatives makes for the store to sell.

Fanning Outpost prides itself on its wide selection of souvenirs and gifts, from T-shirts and hats

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MERCHANDISING: ROUTE 66

to puzzles, Monopoly and drinkware.

Thompson says the popularity of his store has spread through word of mouth from past travelers, many of whom post about their visits on social media.

“The word of mouth does a lot for us, and people say they enjoy how crazy our selection is and how we have a lot of different stuff,” he says.

Just as important as the store’s souvenir selection is its customer service. Knowing that tourists might not be able to return to the store for a long time, Thompson offers to help customers by shipping souvenirs to their home if they ask.

“We’re so early on Route 66, so I get a lot of people who finish the route and call me saying, ‘I figured I would see this souvenir again, but I did not. Can you ship it?’” he explains. “So we offer shipping.

Especially with motorcycle groups coming in, we let them know we can ship to them.”

STOP #3

JACK RABBIT TRADING POST JOSEPH CITY, ARIZONA One of the oldest stores along Route 66 is the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, Arizona. The store turned 77 years old this year, and owner Cindy Jaquez says she created some souvenirs with the store’s logo and the phrase “77 on 66.”

Jack Rabbit Trading Post displays custom Route 66 mugs, tees and more.

they get a prize and can pick any one item from our lineup of 77 on 66 merchandise,” she says. “We usually get a winner every other day.”

Jaquez admits not everyone understands the reason for the giveaway, but to her, it’s important to celebrate the store’s long-standing history on Route 66. She shares that her family has owned the store for three generations and all but 12 years of the store’s history. For much of its history, the store has had a large jack rabbit outside, perfect for selfies. Inside the store, there’s just about every souvenir, gift and memento imaginable for travelers to browse.

Like at Fanning Outpost, both magnets and signs are top sellers for Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Jaquez primarily leans on USA-based vendors for her store’s souvenirs, including custom magnets made by Better Magnets and postcards from Smith-Southwestern.

Word of mouth spreads the word about this Route 66 stop, but Jaquez keeps the popularity alive by continuing to post pictures of the

“It’s just a great feeling to know that we’re all part of this Route 66 family.” — CINDY JAQUEZ To celebrate the store’s legacy with customers, Jaquez even offers prizes to customers who have the number “77” in their receipt total.

“If someone has 77 in their total,

store and people’s visits on the store’s Facebook page. With tour groups always coming in, Jaquez says she makes sure to offer them top-notch hospitality to welcome them.

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MERCHANDISING: ROUTE 66

She notes, “If I know a tour is coming, I’ll have treats ready for them, like cupcakes. It makes a memory for them.”

Regularly communicating with other Route 66 store owners and attractions also helps provide Jaquez with inspiration and encouragement, she says.

“We know quite a few of the other Route 66 business owners and are friends with so many of them,” she says. “We support them and do what we can for them. For the most part, many of these businesses are good about helping each other out. It’s just a great feeling to know that we’re all part of this Route 66 family.” SGN

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Iconic stop with a new shop The Gemini Giant has been a staple landmark along Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois, for many years, but this larger-than-life astronaut statue got a brand-new gift shop last year.

The Landing Pad gift shop opened just outside the Gemini Giant in May 2025, fully stocked with Gemini Giant and Route 66 memorabilia. For 2026, the store has Route 66 centennial-themed mugs, hats, T-shirts and stickers. Kirsten Van Duyne, executive director of the Wilmington Park District that runs the store, adds that there’s also just about “everything Gemini Giant” a customer might want.

After one year of business, the store has become a fun stop for Route 66 travelers.

Many people take a selfie with the Gemini Giant statue, and Van Duyne says people can also make memories in the store with a fun photo station.

Van Duyne adds that the new store has been exciting for the town of Wilmington, and it’s been a fun stop for visitors to the Gemini Giant.

“Route 66 is important because of the visibility that it has given us and made us into a tourist town,” she says, noting that the new gift shop helps support the town as well. “All the dollars spent here at the store are being put back into the community to make this a fantastic stop on your journey.”

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CASE STUDY: PLENTY MERCANTILE

Plenty Mercantile shares how an idea for an airport store turned into a reality in 2023 and the benefits of these new partnerships.

AN IDEA TAKES FLIGHT

W

hen people visit Oklahoma City, Plenty Mercantile is one of the go-to spots for gifts and souvenirs. The brightly colored store is known for its original finds, sustainable fits and a warm, hospitable atmosphere.

Co-owner Brittney Matlock opened the store with the help of her mother and co-owner, Traci Walton, in 2012, in hopes of providing thoughtfully made and affordable gifts to the community. The store has even achieved B Corp Certification status, recognizing that it meets high standards for both social and environmental impact with its merchandise.

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STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY

“We vet all of our products. They are not perfect, but they have to meet our purchasing principles. Our sustainability is a common thread through everything that we do,” Walton explains.

Over the years, Walton and Matlock often wondered what it might be like to bring the Plenty Mercantile brand to an airport. This idea started to become a reality when Oklahoma City Council approached Plenty Mercantile on partnering as a retail concessionaire with the OKC Will Rogers International Airport in 2019.

“Our mayor and our city council wanted there to be Plenty Mercantile co-owners Traci Walton (left) and Brittney Matlock ensure the airport store feels similar to its streetside counterpart.

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CASE STUDY: PLENTY MERCANTILE

some local representation and some local presence, so when you land at the airport, you get a taste of the actual city,” says Matlock.

Intrigued by the opportunity, Matlock says she and her mom agreed to form a concessionaire partnership with the OKC Will Rogers International Airport.

FROM IDEA TO REALITY Presenting a proposal and later developing an airport store proved to be a learning experience for Plenty Mercantile.

“It was a much more involved situation and process than we ever realized,” says Matlock.

The Oklahoma City retailer partnered with Paradies Lagardère, a large Georgia-based travel retailer, to bring Plenty Mercantile to the Will Rogers International Airport. Through the partnership, Paradies Lagardère manages the buying and day-to-day operations of the airport store, while Plenty Mercantile governs the brand and influences some of the buying decisions.

PLENTY OF SUSTAINABILITY

Promoting sustainability is front and center at Plenty Mercantile, and the destination retailer ensures that focus is also in the spotlight at its OKC Will Rogers International Airport storefront.

To differentiate from other airport stores, co-owner Brittney Matlock says Plenty Mercantile’s airport store features a Zero Waste section to promote sustainability and eco-friendly products and souvenirs.

“That very much aligns with our streetside store and its values,” she says.

While airports are often full of single-use plastics at the various concession stands, Plenty Mercantile’s store provides some more sustainable options for travelers, such as reusable cups, reusable travel utensils, bar soaps and more eco-friendly, on-the-go options.

Co-owner Traci Walton adds that the store also features a refill station for travelers to fill their empty water bottles before or after their flights for free.

“It’s a computerized refill station, and you can add flavors for additional cost,” she describes.

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Plenty Mercantile’s airport store features neatly organized grab-and-go food and drinks for travelers.

Plenty Mercantile presented its retail plan to the Oklahoma City Airport Trust on March 13, 2020. That same week, COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency and much of the U.S. went into lockdown. Once air travel reached more normal levels, Plenty Mercantile and Paradies Lagardère went back to planning for the new airport store. By 2023, the new store debuted and has helped to bring OKC gifts and souvenirs to travelers from all over the world.

As a woman-owned business, Plenty Mercantile also qualified as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), which helps retailers in the contracting process and in operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation recognized Plenty Mercantile as an ACDBE vendor, which Matlock says has been very beneficial and ensures that the company receives a portion of all airport concessions profits.

Matlock says the partnership with both Paradies Lagardère and the OKC Will Rogers International Airport has been an eye-opening experience for her these past few years.

“We’re not used to corporate timelines on things, but it’s cool to see how they do things,” she shares, adding that giving up some control of the day-to-day operations to Paradies Lagardère has been a helpful exercise for her. “It’s helped me release a lot of control I didn’t realize I could.

Letting that happen has been maturing for me.

And it’s not like you open and only get one shot — we have a 10-year contract. There’s opportunity to make things better.” www.sgnmag.com

CASE STUDY: PLENTY MERCANTILE

buying for the airport store, Matlock says she and Walton help to connect Paradies Lagardère with reputable brands they want featured in the airport store.

A display table calls out local vendors and Oklahoma name-drop merchandise featured in the colorful airport store.

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT Plenty Mercantile’s airport store has a similar look and feel to its flagship streetside store — the same golden logo and whimsical graphics along with displays of thoughtfully curated products — but the product mix is a little different.

“We wouldn’t carry neck pillows streetside, but the airport store has those,” she explains, adding that the airport store has some contractual requirements to follow.

Half of the airport store is stocked with travel essentials, and the other half is full of gifts and souvenirs that can be found at Plenty Mercantile’s streetside store. The travel essentials side features a large snack and to-go drink selection, and a wall full of books and magazines for travelers to take on their flights.

STEADY OPPORTUNITIES In hindsight, Matlock says she is grateful that Plenty Mercantile took the risk to partner with Paradies Lagardère to open a store at the OKC Will Rogers International Airport in 2023. On top of providing additional revenue, it directs some airport travelers to the flagship store while they are in town. Matlock says it also helps small local vendors like Oliver Fragrance Co. get their brand out there to a wider range of customers.

“If you get the opportunity, do it,” she advises other destination retailers.

But, she adds, retailers need to be prepared to relinquish some control if they want to expand their brand into an airport store.

“You have to adjust your expectations,” she says, noting that these kinds of stores often involve a variety of partnerships with the airport and concessionaire operators. “You are now in a partnership and not in ultimate control. That can feel scary to independent operators, but it can be great. Utilize these partners’ resources. Understand that the store can’t be exactly like you want it, but it can be close and that’s great.”

Plenty Mercantile is in the middle of a 10-year contract with OKC Will Rogers International Airport. Matlock says she is currently planning to renew that once the contract expires.

“If you negotiate correctly, this is like passive income for a certain amount of time,” she says.

“WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES PEOPLE SEE WHEN THEY COME TO THE CITY AND ONE OF THE LAST THINGS THEY SEE WHEN THEY LEAVE.” — BRITTNEY MATLOCK, PLENTY MERCANTILE The other side of the store looks a lot like Plenty Mercantile’s flagship store, with namedrop caps and tees, souvenir mugs and OKC stickers. There are also local and sustainable brands that align with the store’s mission, such as Oliver Fragrance Co., which is a local maker of candles and roll-on fragrances.

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Bringing the Plenty Mercantile brand to a wider audience has been encouraging to Matlock and Walton, too.

“What an honor it is to be one of the first places people see when they come to the city and one of the last things they see when they leave,” she says. “It’s a very cool way to be involved in your city.” SGN www.sgnmag.com

MERCHANDISING: NAME DROP

Retailers use visual storytelling and destination-driven displays to bring name-drop souvenirs to life.

SENSE OF

PLACE STORY BY K R ISTEN HAM PSHIR E

A

t Cabin + Gift, name-drop gifts celebrate the spirit of Creede while telling the story of the scenic Colorado mining town. And owner Miranda Dickinson brings an artistic approach to showing off custom products, consistently the top-selling category at her shop.

The goal is simple. “We want customers to feel like they’re walking through a modern mountain cabin filled with treasures from Creede,” she says. “Our name-drop merchandising philosophy centers around storytelling, warmth and creating emotional connections between visitors and the products we offer.”

Dickinson seeks out a combination of expected name-drop souvenirs such as tees and hats — with an eye for soft materials, on-trend cuts and stylized Creede prints, some of which she designs herself. She blends this with tea towels, drinkware, magnets, keychains, candles and decor bearing the Creede name.

“Visitors want products that help them relive their experience in Creede,” says Dickinson. “This could be a candle that reminds them of the mountains, a mug they’ll use every morning or a sweatshirt that becomes their favorite souvenir from vacation. Customers are searching for meaningful pieces that feel connected to the town.”

Jeremy Myers sees the same trend at the Navy Pier Store in Chicago, the only gift shop on the pier dedicat-

Cabin + Gift combines a name-drop cap, T-shirt, mug, pillow and sticker for a colorful display.

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MERCHANDISING: NAME DROP

ed to Navy Pier merchandise.

“Other stores focus more on Chicago or neighborhoods, but we’re the go-to when visitors are looking for Navy Pier souvenirs, so we show off those products,” says Myers, store director.

“thrillers, fillers and spillers” with a statement piece that rises above the rest, a lush presentation to fill out the look and trialing visuals that guide the eye down.

“One of our best-performing display strategies is combining texture, height and product LAYERS OF LOCATION variety within displays,” says Dickinson.

When name-drop souvenirs cover every categoTo pull off the look, she recruits a variety ry, displays could easily look like a mishmash of of props and fixtures, from stacked crates and “more of the same.” How do you create a cohereclaimed wood furniture to lanterns, greenery sive custom look rather than a dizzying mess of and mountain elements to set the Creede mood.

ZIP codes, city names, state abbreviations and In a word, Dickinson says the experience is other location reminders? immersive.

Dickinson acknowledges that custom souve“We might bring in a metal Coleman ice chest nirs could look messy without a merchandising from the 1970s,” she says. “I have a cool display strategy that goes beyond the name-drop theme. behind my counter of vintage thermoses.”

Combining name drop We have found the best method is to mix custom name-drop with nostalgia inspires merchandise throughout the store alongside lifestyle and home purchases. And Dickinson looks beyond stock products decor products.” — MIRANDA DICKINSON, CABIN + GIFT to be sure customers can “We have found the best method is to mix find a souvenir at Cabin + Gift they won’t see custom name-drop merchandise throughout elsewhere. the store alongside lifestyle and home decor “Whether it’s an artist who designs tea towels products,” says Dickinson. “This creates natural for us or myself designing the embroidery that discovery moments and encourages customers goes on hats, we want every product to have a to envision the products as part of their home, story that makes it unique and special to Creede wardrobe or vacation memories.” and our shop,” she says.

Dickinson’s layered approach to name-drop Creede tea towels by Little Birdie are top merchandising is much like a container gardensellers, along with those from Art Studio + Co., ing rule of thumb to incorporate plants that are whose designer customized a bag, as well. MeanCabin + Gift features forest and mountain name drops on some custom souvenirs as well as the Creede city name.

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MERCHANDISING: NAME DROP

while, handmade pennants by Yoho & Co. are Rocky Mountain-made.

Dickinson says customers also reach for a scented, name-drop candle by Allure Fragrance. “It’s our store’s logo but we work on the scent together,” she says. “It is inspired by Creede’s historic charm and smells like blue spruce, sandalwood and feels outdoorsy.”

More neutral color schemes are popular on name-drop apparel at the Navy Pier Store.

PERFECT POSITIONING At the Navy Pier Store, Myers says his team relies heavily on visual storytelling rather than simply grouping products by category.

“We’ll put the anchor items together, the sailboat items together, or the Ferris wheel items together,” he says. “Sometimes we’ll group by audience, like women’s apparel, but color is a big part of how we merchandise.”

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The store’s palette mirrors the waterfront setting, with blues, grays and other neutral tones dominating the assortment. Grouping products by color helps create a cohesive presentation while allowing visitors to quickly identify collections and themes.

The approach is especially important in a relatively compact footprint of roughly 300 to 400 square feet. With limited space, displays must work hard to tell multiple stories at once while showcasing as much merchandise as possible.

Myers and his team make the most of every square foot. The Navy Pier Store uses vertical merchandising and strategic placement to draw attention to featured graphics and apparel.

“If everything is folded, customers don’t see the designs,” Myers says.

Shelving displays body forms wearing featured apparel, allowing visitors to see tees that might otherwise be hidden deeper in the store.

Rolling mannequins serve a similar purpose.

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MERCHANDISING: NAME DROP

You get one chance to help them find something that reminds them of their visit.”

— JEREMY MYERS, NAVY PIER STORE “If there’s something we think is going to be popular and it’s in the back of the store, we’ll put it on a mannequin Both name-drop and cause-driven merchandise stand out on a display at the Navy Pier Store. out in the walkway so people see it right away,” Myers explains.

This strategy extends to impulse purchases near the checkout area, where stickers often become easy add-on sales.

As for name-drop product positioning, Dickinson also makes merchandising moves that draw guests’ attention and boost sales. Because repeat tourists and locals frequent the shop, along with RV visitors who camp out for the

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summer, she wants customers to find something new every time they drop in.

“They’ll bring their friends, family and visitors so I tackle one table every week and switch it out so they can say, ‘Oh, I didn’t see this last week,’” she relates.

The product may carry a destination’s name, but the purchase is often driven by a memory, experience or feeling attached to that place, whether it’s Creede, Colorado, or the Navy Pier.

And for Myers, every merchandising decision matters because many visitors are experiencing Navy Pier for the first time.

“Most people are here on vacation and having a good time,” he says. “You get one chance to help them find something that reminds them of their visit.” SGN

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RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: ZION WHITE BISON RESORT

BISON MERCANTILE Virgin, UT STORE MANAGER: Tama Hughes BESTSELLERS: Shirts, white bison plush RETAIL TIP: Stock snacks, provisions and souvenirs people enjoy. op my Bish otos: Jim h P . h s on plu hite bis opular w p ’s re y the sto tands b ughes s H a m a T

STORY BY K RIST E N HA M PSHIRE

Western wonders

R

At Zion White Bison Resort, Bison Mercantile blends glamping culture, Western nostalgia and destination-driven retail inspired by the rugged beauty surrounding Zion National Park. ed rock cliffs rise in the distance.

Covered wagons and luxury teepees dot the landscape. Guests gather around firepits under dark skies after days spent hiking through Zion National Park.

At Bison Mercantile in Virgin, Utah, the retail experience is designed to feel like a natural extension of the adventure. But when Zion White Bison Resort first set out to build this gift shop, the vision was not entirely clear, so it started with the basics.

“We had a little bit of clothing, souvenirs like keychains and stickers, some dream catchers and snacks and drinks,” says Tama Hughes, who leads customer experience and reservations at the venue.

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After four years of development on the 80-acre parcel with views of Zion’s sandstone cliffs — opening amid the pandemic — a riverfront RV park with pickleball and pool amenities took shape. Next to it, a natural next step was a store for souvenirs, gifts and provisions.

At this point, the question became: What should a shop on the property offer that combines necessities, nice-to-haves and keepsake gifts?

So, staff brainstormed.

“We wanted to keep with the theme of the park, which was Old West,” says Hughes. “The owners loved the cowboy feel and the Western lifestyle, and we wanted to blend that with making sure we had snacks, provisions and souvenirs people would actually use and enjoy.”

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RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: ZION WHITE BISON RESORT

Mercantile, after one year in business.

From the initial covered wagon modern-pioneer camping setups to glamped-out teepees and accommodations inspired by ancestral Puebloan kivas with rooftop hot tubs, there are a variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy on site.

The mercantile follows suit, with Hughes and staff leaning into visitors’ requests.

“People were asking for things,” Hughes says. “Magnets, postcards, snacks, shirts. We listened to what guests wanted.”

This display goes all out with Western motifs, with wooden barrels, decorative “wanted” signs and antique cases holding souvenirs for sale.

‘DON’T PET THE FLUFFY COWS’ Today, Bison Mercantile balances convenience retail with a curated mix of Western-inspired souvenirs, glamping essentials and playful products tied directly to the guest experience.

“The owners loved the cowboy feel and the Western lifestyle, and we wanted to blend that with making sure we had snacks, provisions and souvenirs people would actually use and enjoy.” — TAMA HUGHES The shop carries apparel, plush, snacks, jewelry, dream catchers, Native American-inspired flutes, rocks, fossils, camping gear and children’s toys. Hughes and the team source much of the merchandise at ASD Marketweek in Las Vegas, leveraging spring and fall buying trips to discover new products.

“We try to stick with the Western theme as much as possible,” Hughes says.

One of the biggest hits? “The 12-inch white bison is our top seller for all ages,” Hughes says of the Zoologee stuffies.

The live white bison herd housed on property drives interest in related merchandise and apparel, including one especially popular T-shirt slogan: “Do Not Pet the Fluffy Cows.”

The phrase originated after staff repeatedly reminded guests not to approach the animals too closely and posted signs with this friendly nudge.

“They are still wild animals,” Hughes says with a laugh.

The tongue-in-cheek shirts quickly became customer favorites, but the backstory is one deserving of reverence. When the property owner acquired the land, he also purchased bison to care for, initially naming the outpost Weeping Buffalo. (They were brown and should have been called bison.)

During construction, a Native American Lakota team member said the name made their people sad.

“Bison shouldn’t be crying,” he told Hughes, explaining the cultural signifiBison Mercantile carries plush relevant to what customers might see at Zion National Park and in the area. Kids may also enjoy the store’s toy sheriff badges.

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RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: ZION WHITE BISON RESORT

The “Do Not Pet the Fluffy Cows” phrase is popular on T-shirts, and iconic Zion National Park landscapes are featured on postcards.

cance of the rare and sacred white bison herd.

White bison symbolize hope and renewal and are estimated to only occur once in a million births. There are efforts to preserve the species in this region, and Zion White Bison Resort is part of this effort, if in a small way.

The resort acquired a couple of female and a male white bison and began breeding them annually. “We keep the females and donate the males back to Native American Nations in South Dakota to help them repopulate the species,” Hughes says.

Usually, one calf is born every year.

This story is every bit a part of the glamping, hiking, recreation and relaxation at Zion White Bison Resort — and the retail offering at Bison Mercantile.

“People come from all over the world. The Europeans especially love the Old West feel. They are fascinated by the teepees and the scenery.” — TAMA HUGHES “We want souvenirs and gifts that feel connected to where people are staying,” Hughes says.

PARK PICKS The shop’s inventory continues evolving based on guest feedback. After repeated requests, staff expanded magnets and postcards.

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postcards when we traveled.” Guests want the refrigerator picture they might not capture on their cellphones.

Other apparel reflects the property’s outdoorsy personality, including “Campaholic: On the Road to Recovery” hoodies that resonate particularly well with RV travelers as a lifestyle piece. They’re often on the road, camping.

The resort’s custom logo merchandise also ties directly into the destination. One of the resort’s earliest logos featured a white bison designed in a petroglyph-inspired style against the backdrop of Zion’s iconic rock formations.

Zion National Park name-drop shirts were also added to the store after realizing many visitors either forgot to buy souvenirs in the park or preferred shopping back at the resort. “They’re not ‘hot cakes,’ but they sell,” Hughes says.

Cold drinks, provisions and novelty snacks help round out the mix. Ice cream is a big seller, with specialty frozen treats brought in from Las Vegas. Among the standouts: Ice Tickles, which are giant foot-long push-pop treats that have become an unexpected hit with guests. “The fun flavors like Spider Man and SpongeBob have been a hit,” Hughes adds.

Offering a cool-off spot introduces opportunities to take home memories, too.

ZION ZONE As Bison Mercantile evolves, so does its product www.sgnmag.com

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: ZION WHITE BISON RESORT

Bright Native American color schemes work well on throw blankets at the gift shop.

offerings. Hughes brought in apparel by Ananda’s Collection. The boho, flowy skirts and blouses suit White Bison’s aesthetic and climate. Spirit of Nature earrings in designs including dream catchers and half moons dotted with turquoise speak to the Southwest.

Throwback western toys from Fun Factory like rubberband guns are a hit with the younger set, and so are the marshmallow launchers.

But the white bison rule.

On property, guests stop to watch the animals go about their day. The connection runs deep between the resort, the landscape and the mercantile experience.

“People come from all over the world,” Hughes adds, relating how a partnership with the local tourism bureau offered opportunities to

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host guests from around the world. “The Europeans especially love the Old West feel. They are fascinated by the teepees and the scenery.”

Meanwhile, a Zion sense of place carries into the store’s atmosphere and displays.

Apparel hangs from horseshoe hooks mounted to the walls. Wooden barrels support tabletop displays filled with arrowheads, sheriff badges, flutes and polished rocks. Decorative bowls and rustic wooden boxes reinforce the gift shop’s frontier-inspired aesthetic.

With a relatively small footprint — roughly 700 square feet — the store feels approachable and conversational. “You can talk to someone from across the way and not lose anyone,” Hughes says.

And for Hughes, the most rewarding part of the role is watching guests connect with the property and with each other. “It’s a good feel,” she says. “People are relaxed here. They’re making memories.” SGN

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BUSINESS: SOCIAL MEDIA

STORY BY MELISSA STEADMAN

Batching social media posts allows retailers to plan ahead, align content with business goals and maintain momentum throughout the year.

FROM REACTIVE TO STRATEGIC

S

ocial media is no longer a maybe for business — it is a must. It is a way to stay in front of your customers during slow seasons, promote your products and services, and reinforce your brand values and commitments.

So why can’t we post to social media

consistently?

It’s because social media has become an insatiable beast that requires constant attention. And if you’re the only one doing it for your shop, it is a constant strain on your precious time.

If marketing only happens when you have time, your business will always be limited by your time.

Posting on the fly feels productive, but unless you’ve made it a strict habit, this is inconsistent, reactive and easy to skip. On the other hand, batching your social media isn’t just about saving time — it’s about creating a system that drives consistent visibility to your brand and constant momentum to your growth.

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ENDING THE DAILY SCRAMBLE There are a few ways to manage your store’s social media.

You could hire someone internally and train them to manage your social media pages. A second approach is to outsource this job completely to a marketing agency.

These two approaches can work, but they still require you to provide overall direction. As the driver of your business, you deserve to decide what matters this month, which products to show and which order to show your customers.

A third option keeps the marketing process closer to you: batching. By batching, you plan what you want to say, align your posts with what you need to sell, and stay visible without thinking about it every day.

Batching helps business owners to reduce decision fatigue about what to post and when to post. Don’t you already make dozens of decisions throughout the week while running your business? By starting to batch out social media posts, you can spend time planning just once a month with clarity that matches your goals. www.sgnmag.com

BUSINESS: SOCIAL MEDIA

PRO TIP:

Consistency matters more than frequency. It’s better to post three times per week consistently than seven times one week and nothing the next week.

This may sound like a lot of work at first, but once a system is set up, it helps you to create a rhythm. Like preparing for a busy weekend, you decide ahead of time what goes on your shelves rather than waiting until the day of to do it. With batching, you decide ahead of time what you will show your followers, rather than stressing about creating the perfect post on the fly.

PREPARING THE FRAMEWORK Starting to batch social media takes some initial preparation. First, create a simple annual calendar to highlight times and events you will definitely want to post. You will want to make a note of key holidays, local events, promotions and sales, and seasonal shifts in your business.

Your calendar doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to give you visibility into what is coming up so you can plan better. www.sgnmag.com

You will also want to decide several parameters for your social media strategy, including which platform(s) you will use and how often to post. Consistency matters more than frequency. It’s better to post three times per week consistently than seven times one week and nothing the next week.

Finally, choose a scheduling tool or program that can help you prepare posts days and weeks ahead of time.

Meta Business Suite is a great free option if you are sticking to Facebook and Instagram.

THE BATCHING PROCESS It’s best to batch no further out than monthly so you can stay relevant to any changes in your business.

STEP 1: Decide what you’re trying to accomplish. Before writing anything, decide your overall goal for the month.

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BUSINESS: SOCIAL MEDIA

“With batching, you decide ahead of time what you will show your followers, rather than stressing about creating the perfect post on the fly.”

traffic through your posts? Sell through specific inventory? Promote an event?

This is where batching becomes a growth-strategy, not just content creation. When you have a clear goal, your content becomes easier to create and is much more effective toward reaching your customers.

STEP 2: Set weekly themes. Break your month into simple themes to guide your content. If you’re wanting to promote an end-of-summer sale, you could try something like this: • Week 1: Summer winding down • Week 2: Tease the sale • Week 3: Launch the sale • Week 4: Last call Having a weekly theme breaks down your goal into a structure. Instead of trying to decide what to post each day, you already have the direction set. It also provides a running storyline for your customer to follow.

STEP 3: Write the posts. Want to save time?

Write all your posts for the month in one sitting.

Draft captions, gather your photos and pair them together in a simple Word document.

When you lay it all out, you start to see the full picture of what your customer experiences.

Use this time to assess if you have enough product photos or if you may be repeating the same message too often. Instead of reacting daily, you are building a strategic plan.

STEP 4: Schedule the posts. Set your posts to publish ahead of time using your scheduler.

This removes the daily pressure of posting and ensures you stay consistent.

Don’t forget to add your next batching time to your calendar.

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STEP 5: Review what worked. Before starting your next batch, take a few minutes to review.

Which topics, products and types of posts got engagement? Which posts drove traffic or sales?

It’s also equally important to recognize if any posts fell flat.

You don’t need a deep analysis for this. Rather than striving for perfection, aim for consistency.

BUILDING A HABIT If batching seems intimidating, start small and then build it into a system. Try batching posts for one week at a time, and then build up to batching posts for one full month at a time.

This process gets easier the more you do it. You can work with your best employee to help you do it or do a piece of it, such as taking photos for the posts or helping write posts that

“If marketing only happens when you have time, your business will always be limited by your time.” you review. And once this process is in place, you can hand it over. You still set the direction and decide on high-level monthly goals, but you delegate someone else to create posts.

This is how you step out of the weeds and start to scale. Your social media doesn’t need more creativity; it needs more consistency. Batch it, schedule it and improve it. If your marketing demands your time every single day, you don’t have a system — you have a ceiling. SGN Melissa Steadman runs Moonbridge Consulting, where she helps founders plug their revenue leaks and focus on sustainable growth. www.sgnmag.com

TRADE SHOW CALENDAR

JULY 20-24 Seattle Market Week Seattle www.seattlemart.com

Aug. 25-27 ASD Marketweek Las Vegas www.asdonline.com

JULY 24-26 GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com JULY 26-30 Las Vegas Market Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com

AUGUST AUG. 2-4 NY NOW New York www.nynow.com Aug. 25-27 Rocky Mountain Apparel, Gift & Resort Show Denver www.rockymountainshow.com

AUG. 3-6 Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com AUG. 9-12 Las Vegas Apparel Las Vegas www.lasvegas-apparel.com

Sept. 18-20 Coastal Connections Conference Orlando, Florida www.coastalconnections conference.com

AUG. 9-12 Minneapolis Mart Minnetonka, Minnesota www.mplsmart.com AUG. 18-21 Dallas Apparel & Accessories Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com AUG. 30 – SEPT. 1 Trendz Show Palm Beach, Florida www.trendzshow.com

SEPTEMBER Oct. 6-9 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show Las Vegas, www.lvsouvenirshow.com

SEPT. 9-10 Cali Gift Show Palm Desert, California www.caligiftshow.com

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SEPT. 14-17 The Gathering Orlando, Florida www.thegatheringevent.com SEPT. 15-16 New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Shows Boxborough, Massachusetts www.nemadeshows.com SEPT. 15-17 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com SEPT. 15-18 Fall Market Atlanta Market Atlanta www.atlantamarket.com SEPT. 16-18 Surf Expo Orlando, Florida www.surfexpo.com SEPT. 18-19 The Northern Michigan Show Gaylord, Michigan www.silverliningshows.com SEPT. 25-27 GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com

OCTOBER OCT. 4-7 Minneapolis Mart Minnetonka, Minnesota www.mplsmart.com OCT. 5-6 Seattle Fall Buying Event Seattle www.seattlemart.com OCT. 6-9 Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com OCT. 21-23 Panama City Beach Gift Show Panama City, Florida www.panamacitybeachshow.com

www.sgnmag.com

© ENVATO; © ADOBE STOCK

JULY

TRADE SHOW NEWS

Coastal Connections Conference announces 2026 speaker lineup

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show celebrates 20th anniversary

The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year as the show kicks off Oct. 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Throughout the show, attendees will see special 20th anniversary touches across the show floor, including commemorative merchandise, giveaways and moments recognizing exhibitors, buyers and industry partners that have supported the event over the past two decades.

For 2026, the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show expects to feature over 600 exhibitors. Several new exhibitors will be at the show, including The Bear Factory, The Wellstreet Group and Brist Marketing. The show will also host a Viva 20 Years Celebration, where attendees can enjoy drinks and music in a fun, relaxed setting.

“Twenty years is a meaningful milestone because it reflects the strength, resilience and continued relevance of both the show and the industry it serves,” says Show Director April Holinek.

The Coastal Connections Conference is bringing a wave of top retail talent to this year’s educational lineup. The conference, taking place immediately following Surf Expo, Sept. 18-20, at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, will feature eight educational sessions designed to provide hands-on strategies and actionable insights tailored to the unique challenges of running a seaside store.

Kicking off the conference is Kathy Cruz, founder of Savvy Shopkeeper, with an energizing keynote session, “A Coastal Retailer’s Profit Playbook.” The session will dive into smart strategies for riding the tides of seasonal business and turning peak traffic into steady, sustainable profit.

Educational sessions feature insights from retail experts covering a range of relevant topics, including: Patricia Norins, co-founder of IndERA / Blue Butterfly LLC; Ciara Stockeland, founder of The Inventory Genius; Cathy Donovan Wagner, owner of RETAILMavens; Michael Hale, CEO, founder and creative director of Retail REHAB; and Jennifer Johnson, owner of The Confident Entrepreneur.

The Coastal Connections Conference will include a panel discussion on navigating catastrophic events and building a path to recovery. Attendees can also hear from coastal and nautical wholesalers exhibiting at Coastal Connections Conference’s Boardwalk event during the Boardwalk Chat session.

Early Bird rates are still available for the Coastal Connections Conference.

Register and learn more at www.coastalconnectionsconference.com.

Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel present strong momentum for summer 2026 buying season

Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel concluded their summer 2026 shows at AmericasMart Atlanta, bringing together buyers, brands and industry professionals for six days of sourcing from June 9-14.

ANDMORE reported that total buying accounts were up 1.1% in a year marked with change due to format, date and category, showing a positive reception to this year’s co-located summer market experience. Feedback indicated that attendees actively shopped both markets.

Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel will return to their traditional winter schedule in 2027, with Atlanta Winter Market running Jan. 12-17, 2027.

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www.sgnmag.com

TRADE SHOW NEWS

NY NOW adds to sales and marketing team

NY NOW, the New York-based gift, home and lifestyle trade show, has added four experienced industry professionals to its sales and marketing team and is unveiling a refreshed brand identity.

The updated brand identity brings a fresh visual look to NY NOW while retaining a name that exhibitors, buyers and industry partners recognize. Inspired by the landmarks that make New York City unmistakably itself, show organizers say the new branding translates one of the city’s most recognizable shapes (the route emblems of the subway system) into a mark that is monumental in presence and deliberate form.

“NY NOW and New York City both have deep roots as centers of connection, commerce and discovery,” says Dorothy Belshaw, CEO of NY NOW. “The new branding leans into those parallels and reflects the city’s bold energy and iconic imagery.”

To support the new branding, NY NOW has intentionally hired new team members with deep industry knowledge to drive the show’s growth with strategic direction. NY NOW has added new team members, including Ashley Ciofrone as senior manager of customer success; Michelle Karol as vice president of business development; Leanna Worrall as vice president of business development; and Sarah Zeigler as content and communications lead.

NY NOW runs Aug. 2-4 at the Javits Center in New York City. Registration information and more details can be found at www.nynow.com.

ANDMORE announces executive team transitions

ANDMORE, a large owner of permanent markets and trade shows, has announced several leadership changes to its executive team, including the retirement of CEO Jon Pertchik, effective May 31.

ANDMORE’s board of directors has established an executive committee, comprising current execJon Pertchik utives: Amory Wooden, chief revenue officer; Greg Avitabile, president and chief operations officer; Robert Klein, chief financial officer; and Ximena Juncosa, chief human resources officer. The executive committee will assume expanded responsibilities to help strengthen the company’s operating structure and align the business around its critical priorities.

The executive committee will report directly to ANDMORE’s board, including Blackstone representatives as well as ANDMORE Executive Chairman Bob Maricich.

“We have fostered a team of exceptionally talented leaders at ANDMORE, and this new structure is designed to put talent in the driver’s seat to move the business forward most effectively,” Pertchik says. “My faith in the strength of this organization and its growth prospects is as unwavering today as it was when I was first appointed CEO. I have full confidence in what comes next and believe the best is yet to come with this team.”

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Buyer registration opens for Surf Expo

Surf Expo has opened buyer registration for its Sept. 16-18 show in Orlando, Florida.

Show organizers say they have moved Surf Expo to a slightly later September time frame, well ahead of the Labor Day holiday for ease of travel and planning. The show will also run Wednesday through Friday, giving buyers a more business-focused show experience without having to make a Saturday commitment.

Show organizers say the Shoreline Outdoor category is continuing to grow, featuring adventure-focused brands such as Life is Good, Bimini Bay Outfitters and Beach & Barn. Key Swim & Coastal Gift & Decor brands have also committed to the show, including Dippin Daisys, Cape Shore, Fancy That Gift & Decor and more.

Surf Expo is also continuing its 50th anniversary celebrations and giveaways at the September show. Attendees can find exclusive 50th anniversary merchandise and boards in giveaways around the show floor.

To register and learn more, visit www.surfexpo.com.

www.sgnmag.com

TRADE SHOW NEWS

Apollo Funds to acquire Emerald and Questex Apollo, a high-growth alternative asset manager, has announced that Apollo-managed funds have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald Holding Inc. and Questex, with the intention to combine the businesses to create a large North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction.

Emerald offers large exhibitions and trade shows, including Surf Expo, Collective Shows, ASD Marketweek and IGES. Questex features a differentiated portfolio, offering information services and events for a variety of industries. By combining Emerald and Questex, Apollo Funds says it would create a scaled B2B events platform with approximately

160 events across complementary end markets.

Apollo says the combined business is expected to drive organic growth and serve as a strategic partner of choice for founders and operators in the large and fragmented B2B events landscape.

The Emerald board of directors has unanimously approved the transaction. Onex, which beneficially owns over 90% of Emerald’s outstanding shares, has entered into a support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, Emerald will become a private company.

“As AI and digital tools rapidly expand the ways professionals connect and share information, they are

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simultaneously elevating the value of trusted, in-person gatherings, where industries come together to do business, build relationships and make consequential decisions,” says Shahid Bosan, managing director at Apollo. “Bringing together Emerald and Questex would create a scaled, highly complementary platform that is well-positioned to capture that demand.”

Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald, says Emerald has transformed its portfolio in recent years with a focus on higher growth, market-leading brands.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

www.sgnmag.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

CATCHING OUR EYE Looking for something new to offer? Here are some trending products that are sure to turn heads.

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1. Sawdust City LLC: Solid wood signs, www.sawdustcitywholesale.com; 2. Tangico: Custom wine stoppers, www.tangicousa.com; 3. Cape Shore: Beach print tea towels, www.cape-shore.com; 4. Better Magnets.: Soft-touch matte finish souvenir magnets, www.bettermagnets.com; 5. Corkcicle: Go Cup insulated tumbler, www.corkcicle.com; 6. Impulse Souvenirs: Charm Collections magnets, www.impulsesouvenirs.com; 7. Smith-Southwestern: Bling puff keychains, www.smith-southwestern.com; 8. First & Main: Brown horse plush toy pony - Cinnamon, www.firstandmain.com; 9. Attractive Ocean Jewelry: Silver striper/ rockfish ring, www.attractiveoceanjewelry.com. 10. The Wilusz Way Wood Designs: Ski Gondola shelf sitter decor, www.thewiluszwaywooddesigns.com; 11. American Gift Corp.: Route 66 name-drop shot glass, www.agiftcorp.com.

Have a product to feature? Send a high-resolution image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com.

166 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

www.sgnmag.com

AD INDEX

A-B Emblem – www.abemblem.com..................................................... 144 A.T. Storrs Ltd. – www.atstorrs.com.........................................................13 American Backcountry – wholesale.americanbackcountry.com.............................................147 American Gift Corp. – www.agiftcorp.com......................................... 37 Animals Forever – www.animalsforever.net..........................................41 Art Studio Co. – www.artstudiocompany.com.................................139 Artistic Impressions – www.maiwholesale.com......................... 34-35 b. dazzle inc. – www.scramblesquares.com..........................................117 Beacon Design – www.beacondesign.com............................................15 Better Magnets – www.bettermagnets.com......................................125 Bucket Wonders – www.bucketwonders.com...................................141 Cali Gift Show – www.caligiftshow.com...............................................167 Call For The Wild – www.forwild.com................................................... 110 Cape Shore – www.cape-shore.com........................................................93 Capsmith Inc. – www.capsmith.com..................................................... 105 Charles Products Inc. – www.charlesproducts.com........................ 33 Coastal Connections Conference – www.coastalconnectionsconference.com.............................18, 159 CoTa Global – www.cotaglobal.com........................................................61 Creature Comforts – www.parkdalenovelty.com........................71, 111 Desperate Enterprises – www.desperate.com....................................81 Discount Plush – www.discountplush.com......................................... 110 Dutch American Import Co. – www.dutcham.com.......................... 5 Eagle Emblems – www.eeincusa.com....................................................104 Entosense – www.wholesaleedibleinsects.com..................................63 Exotic Sea Images – www.exoticseaimages.com................................21 Fiesta Toy – www.fiestatoy.com............................................................... 107 Friendly Crystals – www.friendlycrystals.com................................... 88 Giffa USA – www.giffausa.com...................................................................112 Glass Graphics – www.glassgraphics.com............................................ 101 Global World – www.swibco.com.......................................................... 145 GP Originals – gporiginals.faire.com................................................ 25, 119 Grasshopper’s Mermaid – www.grasshoppersmermaid.com...................................................... 129 IGES – www.iges.us.....................................................................................42-43 Impulse Souvenirs – www.impulsesouvenirs.com............................171 Jackson Pacific – www.jacksonpacific.com............................................31 Kerusso – wholesale.kerusso.com.............................................................95 Kurt S. Adler – www.kurtadler.com..........................................................91 Lantern Press – www.wholesale.lanternpress.com......................... 130 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show – www.lvsouvenirshow.com/SGN............................ Cover Tip, 45-57 LaserGifts – www.lasergifts.com...............................................................172 Lipco Group – www.lipco.biz......................................................................79 Little Critterz – www.littlecritterz.com.................................................69 Lone Rock Clothing – www.lonerockclothing.com..........................18 Macone Clay / Spooner Creek – www.maconeclay.com.............................................................................153 McGovern Outdoor – www.mcgovernoutdoor.com/pages/wholesale..........................70 Mei Wah Company Inc. – www.meiwah.com..................................... 72 Mitchell Proffitt – www.mitchellproffitt.com...................................103 168 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2026

Mowbi Wholesale – www.mowbiwholesale.com............................ 80 MV Sport/The Game – www.mvsport.com........................................67 Natural Selections International Inc. – www.naturalselectionsinc.com...........................................................152 Nelson’s – www.nelsongiftswholesale.com.........................................143 North American Bancard – www.nynorth.com................................23 NY NOW – www.nynow.com................................................................... 165 Old World Christmas – www.oldworldchristmas.com..................97 Panama City Beach Gift Show – www.panamacitybeachshow.com.................................................... 164 Paradies and Co. – www.paradiesandcompany.com/kid-u-not....................................17 Parris Manufacturing – www.parristoys.com.....................................29 PCF Souvenirs / The Postcard Factory – www.pcfsouvenirs.com...........................................................................142 Pennybandz – www.pennybandzwholesale.com..............................113 Pichincha – www.pichinchagifts.com......................................................151 R.S. Covenant Inc. – www.rscovenant.com...........................................19 Rabbit Studios – www.billandtracirabbit.com....................................121 RetailBuzz 365 – www.retailbuzz365.com..............................................11 Rocky Mountain Apparel, Gift & Resort Show – www.rockymountainshow.com..........................................................163 Sawdust City – www.sawdustcitywholesale.com.............................39 Silver Streak – www.silverstreaks.com.............................................82-83 Skylark Printing – www.skylarkprinting.com..................................... 119 Smith-Southwestern – www.smith-southwestern.com................131 Souvenir Avanti Inc. – www.souveniravanti.com..............................99 Souvenir Source – www.souvenirsource.com....................................... 7 Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties – www.sgnmag.com................................................................... 128, 157, 169 SS Handcrafted Art – www.sshandart.com.........................................89 Stickers Northwest – www.stickersnorthwest.com.........................10 Storm Striker Art by Justin Patten – www.stormstriker.com............................................................................135 Surf Expo – www.surfexpo.com............................................................... 161 Tangico – www.tangicousa.com................................................................127 The Globe Pequot Publishing Group – www.globepequot.com...........................................................................27 The RGU Group – www.thergugroup.com..........................................109 The Wilusz Way Wood Designs – www.thewiluszwaywooddesigns.com..............................................115 Tom Borg Consulting – www.tomborgconsulting.com..................96 Upper Deck Ltd. www.upperdeckltd.com...........................................137 Urban Charm – www.urbancharminspires.com.................................20 Village Originals – www.villageoriginals.com......................................85 Wayne Carver – www.waynecarver.com............................................2,3,9 Wheeler Manufacturing – www.wheelerjewelry.com....................87 Whistle Creek – www.whistlecreek.com..............................................123 Wildthings – www.wildthings.com........................................................... 73 Wind River – www.windriverchimes.com.............................................133 Xplorer Maps – www.xplorermaps.com.............................................. 149 Zizo USA Inc. – www.zizousa.com......................................................74-75 Zoologee – www.zoologee.com.........................................................64-65 www.sgnmag.com

SUNSHINE AWARD

More than a store STO RY BY K R ISTE N HAMPSH IRE

C

ommunity connection is at the core of The Lakehaus Gifts + Goods in Moose Lake, Minnesota, where owner Jennifer Waldo has created a welcoming retail hub.

“We love what we do!” Waldo says of her “more than a store” stop in a destination that swells with visitors during the bustling summer season before settling back into a sleepy town of a couple thousand.

Waldo moved home to Moose Lake with her family in 2017. She initially helped her father run the 25-year-old Lakeside Traders store before becoming owner in 2025, when she rebranded it to Lakehaus.

“Rather than strictly touristy, we began focusing on making it a place for everyone,” says Waldo. “We are some people’s second families.”

SUNSHINE

AWARD Winner: The Lakehaus Gifts + Goods

Location: Moose Lake, MN Store Manager: Jennifer Waldo Jennifer Waldo, owner of The Lakehaus Gifts + Goods, gives back to her community through her store filled with Minnesota name-drop merch and home gifts. Photo: Cassie Fjosne

CLOSE TO HOME

Every year, Waldo fields hundreds of requests for donated gift cards, baskets and sponsorships.

To filter resources where they’ll make the most impact, she prioritizes organizations that are within 10 miles of the shop.

“People come in here and tell us their stories.

Some walk in, walk around, listen to the music on our amazing playlist and tell us how relaxing it is here.”

— JENNIFER WALDO, OWNER Ultimately, Waldo sees the store as a vehicle for lifting up visitors and the Moose Lake economy. As an active member of the chamber of commerce, she also promotes a spirit of collaboration. “I’m invested in being present in the community,” she says.

SPONSORED BY:

During the Agate Days Festival in July, Waldo organizes themed T-shirts that benefit the chamber and support local purveyors.

Small Business Saturday is one of Lakehaus’ biggest events. The first 100 visitors receive a free gift such

as Lakehaus merch. Waldo invites customers who make a purchase to spin a wheel for small prizes.

“I look at it as a way to give back to the community that supports us all year,” she says.

STAY AWHILE

Waldo is on a mission to offer a “happy place” for locals, visitors and her tight-knit staff.

The doors are always open, and Waldo encourages gatherings by hosting book clubs, holiday specials like a cookie walk and Meet Santa family day.

“People come in here and tell us their stories,” she says. “Some walk in, walk around, listen to the music on our amazing playlist and tell us how relaxing it is here.” 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.

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AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PUBLICATION FOR THE SOUVENIR & RESORT GIFT INDUSTRY | JULY-AUGUST 2026