AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PUBLICATION FOR THE SOUVENIR & RESORT GIFT INDUSTRY | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
+
REMEMBERING LARRY WHITE
His career left a lasting mark on the souvenir and gift industry.
AQUATIC APPEAL AT AQUARIUM STORES Plush, custom creations and local finds draw in customers.
JEWELRY SHINES AT ZOO GIFT SHOPS Zoo retailers share how to set up winning jewelry displays.
A SMOKY MOUNTAIN MAINSTAY
THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE CONTINUES TO REINVENT ITSELF WHILE GIVING GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES ONE MORE REASON TO STOP IN PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE.
CONTENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 5
54
66 COVER STORY
2026 Smoky Mountain Gift Show Preview Important show information and exhibitor product highlights.
Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, continues to find ways to reinvent itself while giving generations of families one more reason to stop in town.
SOUVENIR FOCUS: Aquariums
80
Aquarium and marine rescue center gift shops try to carry merchandise with aquatic appeal. Their customers are often drawn to memorable plush, custom creations tied to the attraction, conservation-focused gifts and local finds they can take home.
4 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
14
EDITOR’S LETTER
16 18 32 46 48
RETAILER ROADMAP
50 166
TREND TALK
168 172 174
TRADE SHOW NEWS
176 178
AD INDEX
Merchandise is only one piece of the customer success puzzle.
Discover the stores featured in this issue.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Legends Awards debuts the new Larry White Legacy Award.
FRESH IDEAS
Bears; cabins; dinosaurs; states; wine; and personalized souvenirs.
ATTRACTION ACTION
Find ways to upcycle with your next store renovation.
SAVVY SHOPKEEPING Check your store’s operational exposures.
Get in on the plush rush and add trending stuffies in your store.
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR Make plans to attend these upcoming trade shows.
Coverage from past and upcoming trade shows.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Get fresh new product ideas for your store.
LAST LOOK
A look into retail at the Gateway Arch gift shop.
Easily locate an advertiser’s ad and website.
SUNSHINE AWARD
Webster’s Community Pharmacy steps up for its community. www.sgnmag.com
CONTENTS
74
88
FEATURES
26
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Larry White
74
NEXT EXIT: Blue Whale of Catoosa
88
MERCHANDISING: Amusement Park Apparel
96
PRODUCT TREND: Kids
104
The industry shares Larry White’s lasting impact.
Route 66 nostalgia and colorful whale motifs come together.
Tips for merchandising apparel and accessories.
96
Museum retailers respond to toy trends and play patterns.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Camp 33 Camp 33 offers hospitality and destination-inspired retail. er at this store.
112
BUSINESS: Three Tweaks for Cash Flow Improvement
116
CASE STUDY: Titanic Pop-Up Store
Keep your business afloat with these simple strategies.
116
All hands are on deck for this new retail experience.
6 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
CONTENTS
130
140
FEATURES
122
PRODUCT TREND: Stickers, Pins and Patches
130
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Loveland Living Aquarium
136
BUSINESS: Trade Show ROI
140
MERCHANDSING: Jewelry at Zoos
148
CASE STUDY: Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay
154
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Global Wildlife Center
160
These souvenirs offer an easy way to show off recent travels.
This gift shop is filled with soft plush and playful finds.
Get a return on investment during your trade show travels.
148
How zoo retailers guide customers to their jewelry sections.
Vibrant displays showcase bestsellers at this attraction store.
Wild themes win over customers in this store.
BUSINESS: Online Store Tips
154
Try these six ways to grow your online store sales.
8 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
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 Tim Smith tim@breakwallpublishing.com 800-705-6833, Ext. 714 • Direct: 440-465-2901 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, Marci Dancy 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.
12 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
JUST ONE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE It’s that time of year again. You’re packing your suitcases and catching flights to trade shows all over the beautiful continental United States. First Vegas, then Smoky Mountains and Myrtle Beach and likely other shows and markets in between… all in the hopes of finding the latest and greatest gifts, souvenirs and apparel to carry in your store for the busy 2027 season. And with so many wonderful and talented vendors out there, offering on-trend styles and custom touches, you will no doubt find exactly what you are looking for and then some to wow your customers next year. But that is just one part of the equation. In order to show off your amazing collection of goods, you need customers. That’s where Souvenirs, Enjoy your fall travels, Gifts & Novelties can help. You’ve leaned on us for years as a source for enjoy connecting with the the latest trends, advice and industry updates, but now we are taking our industry, and as you begin offerings a step further with a new digital advertising solution designed planning your inventory, specifically to attract your target audience to your store. We’re calling this new offering RetailBuzz 365 because we can help also keep in mind your you do just that — create a buzz for your store at any time online on the marketing tactics. website and apps your target demographic likes to visit. And we have a whole team dedicated to tailoring your ad targeting and creative marketing as well as providing detailed metrics on how your ads led to more customer visits. Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties has always been there as a resource for the destination retail community. And now we are excited to work with you directly with measurable success tools. To get started, please visit www.retailbuzz365.com or email us at info@retailbuzz365.com and one of our dedicated team members will get in touch with you. They might also be reaching out to you directly. I would invite you to ask questions and learn about how they can help you turn online visits into in-store traffic without all the hassles of trying to manage the process yourself. You’ll be in good hands with our RetailBuzz 365 team. Enjoy your fall travels, enjoy connecting with the industry, and as you begin planning your inventory, also keep in mind your marketing tactics. If RetailBuzz 365 fits into your strategy, please reach out. SGN
@souvenirsgiftsandnovelties
@souvenirsgiftsandnovelties
14 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
@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 September-October 2026 issue. Have a story you would like to share? Email Kristin Ely at kristin@breakwallpublishing.com. Arnolds Park Arnolds Park, IA Chris Swanson
Great Lakes Science Center Cleveland, OH Amanda DeSena
Oregon Coast Aquarium Newport, OR Alexis Stewart
The Mill at Ward Cove Ketchikan, AK Rick Brensinger
Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitor Center Store Catoosa, OK Jennifer Buchanan
Kalahari Resorts Round Rock, TX Nikki Coyle
Pahaska Provisions Golden, CO Shannon Dennison
Long Island Aquarium Riverhead, NY Constance Pellechia
Philadelphia Visitor Center Philadelphia, PA Dana Krawchuk
The Tahquamenon Falls Camp 33 Gift Shop Paradise, MI Barrett Ludlow
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Draper, UT Isac Manns
Saint Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO Tommy Brown
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland, OH Heather Hendricks Dow Gardens Midland, MI Carolynn Paten Echo Leahy Center Burlington, VT Olivia Burritt Frost Science Museum Miami, FL Magda Meza Gateway Arch Store St. Louis, MO Rick Trigg Global Wildlife Center Folsom, LA Karen Popich
Mote Science and Education Aquarium (SEA) Sarasota, FL Sandi Finefield Museum of Flight Seattle, WA Mary Christensen Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Eatonville, WA Amy Campbell
16 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Pigeon Forge, TN Holly Sturdivant Marcus Watson Statehouse Museum Shop Columbus, OH Gloria Chupp Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum Reno, NV Rachel Howard The Marine Mammal Center Gift Shop Sausalito, CA Michelle Honath
Three Bears General Store Pigeon Forge, TN Fran Delozier Tulsa Zoo Tulsa, OK Jane Casanta Turtle Central Gift Shop Bald Head Island, NC Amy Dunmire Waldameer Park & Water World Erie, PA Nancy Gorman Webster’s Community Pharmacy Altadena, CA Meredith Miller
www.sgnmag.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Legends Awards at Smoky Mountain Gift Show includes new Larry White Legacy Award
Dow Gardens opens new gift shop
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation has opened a new 22,000-square-foot welcome center at Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan. The new space serves as a gateway to the 110-acre botanical garden. Located at the end of the welcome center’s main corridor, a new curated gift shop inside the welcome center offers botanical-themed gifts, works by local artisans, gardening books and more. “Dow Gardens has long offered a gift shop, but the new retail space gave us an opportunity to reimagine the shopping experience with much greater intention,” says Carolynn Paten, director of programming and guest services at Dow Gardens. “Rather than simply offering souvenirs, our vision was to create a destination that reflects the same sense of beauty, discovery and quality that guests experience throughout the gardens.” With more space in the welcome center and gift shop, Paten adds that she and her team have been able to display more merchandise and promote seasonal collections.
Clarion Events Gift & Souvenir Group is bringing a tradition of industry recognition back to the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in 2026 with the launch of the Legends Awards, a program honoring the individuals and companies whose passion, leadership, innovation and dedication have helped shape the gift and souvenir industry. The awards will be presented Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. during the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, taking place Nov. 4-7 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The program draws inspiration from two previous industry awards programs — the Spotlight Awards and Living Legends Awards — while creating a new platform for recognizing retailers, exhibitors, sales representatives and industry leaders whose contributions have strengthened the industry and left a lasting impact. The 2026 Legends Awards includes the Impact Award, Road Rep Award, Retailer of the Year and Legend Award. Clarion is also introducing the Larry White Legacy Award in partnership with Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine, named in memory of its longtime magazine advertising director Larry White, who died earlier this year. The award recognizes an individual or company whose gift for connecting people creates opportunities and strengthens relationships throughout the gift and souvenir industry. It celebrates White’s legacy during his more than 30 years with Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and recognizes those who follow his example by helping make the industry more collaborative, connected and successful. Learn more about his legacy and the award beginning on page 26.
Xplorer Maps debuts new sun shirt hoodies
Xplorer Maps, a Missoula, Montana-based wholesale vendor focused on creating hand-illustrated map art, has expanded into the apparel category this year with the launch of its new UltraLight Sunshirt hoodies. The new UPF 50+ hoodies feature custom map art designs, with about 35 map designs currently available for the UltraLight Sunshirt Hoodies. “Xplorer Maps has done about 70 map designs over the years, but I strategically chose 35 that I thought would sell well on the new sun shirt hoodies,” says Founder and President Greg Robitaille. The sun shirt hoodies are made from quick-dry lightweight performance fabric for comfort and come in sizes small to XXXL for a versatile fit. The new UltraLight Sunshirt Hoodies are the first of many new apparel items from Xplorer Maps. Robitaille says he has some short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirt designs as well as hoodies, onesies and hats planned for 2027.
18 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame unveils reimagined store
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, has unveiled a new look to its museum store this summer. The renovated store is designed to offer an immersive extension of basketball culture. “The reimagined retail space was created through a shared vision to reflect the passion, energy and history of the game,” says Jerry Gilbert, chief marketing officer and principal at Event Network. “From the immersive design elements to our expanded merchandise offerings, every detail was thoughtfully developed to connect fans more deeply with the game they love.” The reopening also introduces exclusive merchandise and products tied to the 2026 Enshrinement Class.
20 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Philadelphia Visitor Center opens new airport location and gift shop
The Philadelphia Visitor Center and Visit PA have opened a new location in the Philadelphia International Airport’s Terminal A-West, providing travelers with visitor information and a gift shop with souvenirs from across the state. The 1,000-square-foot visitor center and gift shop debuted June 29. MarketPlace PHL represents the new store and visitor center at the Philadelphia International Airport. Dana Krawchuk, marketing and guest experience manager of MarketPlace PHL, notes that this new store is a unique concept for the airport. “The store is a great opportunity to showcase all the unique things we have in the city and across the state. This store has been a welcome addition in one of the busiest years we’ve had at the airport,” says Krawchuk.
www.sgnmag.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Colorado’s Lookout Mountain Park store opens after renovations
Business is back in the Pahaska Tepee next to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave at Lookout Mountain Park in Golden, Colorado. In late June, a new souvenir store named Pahaska Provisions opened inside the historic building. Denver Parks and Recreation had temporarily closed the building for restoration work. With some work done, the department has awarded the contract for retail operations to Overland Park, Kansas-based ExplorUS. “People are excited for this store to be reopened and what’s in sale in there,” says Shannon Dennison, director of mountain parks for the city of Denver. “I’ve had positive feedback so far about the types of merchandise and the space to walk around in there and how closely related our merchandise is to the park story.”
22 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Event Network forms retail partnership with Tulsa Zoo The Tulsa Zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has entered into a new partnership with cultural attractions retailer Event Network to manage its gift shop and pop-up retail locations. Jane Casanta, vice president of partnership development for Event Network, says the Tulsa Zoo is a good fit for Event Network’s portfolio. “Tulsa Zoo is an excellent fit for Event Network because our values and approach to partnership closely align with the zoo’s mission and culture,” she says. “From day one, our team is committed to becoming an extension of the Tulsa Zoo family, working alongside staff to support the zoo’s conservation, education and community goals while creating memorable guest experiences.”
www.sgnmag.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Hudson wins retail contract at Des Moines International Airport
Hudson, the East Rutherford, New Jersey-based global travel retail and food & beverage player for Avolta, has received an eight-year contract at Des Moines International Airport, marking a new chapter in the company’s long-standing presence at Iowa’s capital city airport. With the opening of Des Moines International Airport’s new terminal in 2027, Hudson will debut River & Grand by Hudson as a locally inspired news, gifts and travel essentials shop. River & Grand will celebrate Des Moines’ creative community, showcasing products from local artisans and brands, including Raygun, Bozz Prints, BLK & Bold, Clear Creek Orchard, Ironwood Candle Co. and Brown Dogs Farm. In addition, Hudson’s apparel collection will spotlight Iowa icons, with clothing brands Homage celebrating Des Moines-area native and WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Baseballism paying tribute to the Field of Dreams film. The store will also feature self-checkout options, allowing for convenience and speed.
24 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Heart on Main Street awards grant to Webster’s Community Pharmacy
Heart on Main Street has presented a $5,000 rebuilding grant to Webster’s Community Pharmacy in Altadena, California, which was hit during the January 2025 wildfires in Southern California. Meredith Miller has owned the pharmacy and gift shop alongside her husband and pharmacist Michael Miller. Although the building survived, all inventory was lost in the aftermath of the January 2025 wildfires. Help from generous vendors and grants helped this small gift shop rebuild and grow. “Heart on Main Street was very happy to help us out,” says Meredith Miller. “Their grant was really useful to us since we’re still buying and trying to get our inventory back to where it used to be before the fire.”
www.sgnmag.com
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
A LEGEND AND A LEGACY:
Larry White
A CAREER BUILT ON CONNECTION, GENEROSITY AND GENUINE CARE HAS LEFT AN ENDURING MARK ON THE SOUVENIR AND GIFT INDUSTRY.
O
STORY BY KRISTIN ELY
n a cool November day in 2016, in a packed meeting room at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Larry White stood in front of a crowd and accepted the Golden Lily Award. The award from the Living Legends Association was in recognition of his dedication, integrity, ingenuity, foresight and service to the souvenir and resort industry. Those in attendance could witness his humility and gratitude as he addressed the crowd in his acceptance speech saying, “I’m really proud to be part of this. It is such a close-knit industry.” As he gave shout outs to his various industry friends, he added, “For my whole souvenir family, I love every one of you.” He then turned to his
26 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
wife, Kitty and after thanking her for her support, he said, “I love you, and I love everybody in this room.” For the many souvenir industry relationships he built in his over 30-year career in advertising sales with Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, that sentiment truly sums up his contributions to the industry and why he was recognized with such an honor. When he passed away in June, many of his customers reached out to share memories and tributes to a man who was dedicated to the industry and his customers in a truly special and rare way. This outpouring is a true testament to the many people in the industry whose lives were positively impacted because of their relationship with White. One of those relationships was with Todd Reisman, president of AmuseMints. What began as an advertisersalesperson relationship became a friendship marked by a weekly ritual. Reisman could count on hearing from him every Friday. “You could almost set your watch to it,” Reisman says. That consistency reflected something Reisman saw as fundamental to who White was. He didn’t simply keep track of customers. He kept track of people — their businesses, their families, their careers and the challenges they were facing. “He had a big influence on my personal life and my business,” Reisman says. And Reisman was hardly alone. White’s instinct to check in, make introductions and lend a hand extended throughout the industry. Christina Bell, group show director for Clarion Events, recalls that White’s interest in helping companies in the gift and souvenir industry extended beyond his role with the magazine. He frequently connected new vendors with buyers or contacted trade show organizers when he came across potential opportunities. “He was a salesperson, but that wasn’t what defined Larry,” Bell recalls. “Larry was about the love of the industry and making sure everyone had a fair opportunity,
and I think he will be remembered as one of the great people in our industry.” That’s one reason that Clarion has partnered with Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties to launch the Larry White Legacy Awards as part of its Legends Awards program it is launching at the 2026 Smoky Mountain Gift Show. “Clarion wants to continue to honor the legacy of our industry,” Bell says, noting that the new program combines the spirit of the former Spotlight and Living Legends awards. “For us, it’s especially meaningful that we’re bringing these awards back on the 10-year anniversary of Larry receiving his award.” For White’s wife, Kitty, Reisman’s and Bell’s accounts of how he treated people and his passion for the industry
www.sgnmag.com
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 27
HONORING LARRY’S LEGACY To honor his lasting impact on the souvenir and gift industry, a new award has been established in Larry White’s name as part of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show’s Legends Awards program The Larry White Legacy Award honors an individual whose commitment to building relationships strengthens the souvenir and gift industry. Inspired by more than 30 years of connecting people, supporting partners and creating opportunities through Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, the award recognizes leaders who put people first, invest in the success of others and help create a more collaborative and thriving industry. “It seems fitting to have a Larry White Legacy Award as part of the Legends Awards because Larry was a legend,” Christina Bell, group show director, says. “He was a gift to our industry. To know Larry was to love Larry, and to know Larry was to have been helped by Larry.” The inaugural Larry White Legacy Award winner will be recognized at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
comes as no surprise. After 50 years together, she had a front-row seat to the way her husband built relationships — and how deeply invested he became in the people he worked with. “He loved his customers,” she says. “He developed a rapport with them that was unbelievable.” That rapport often made White much more than an advertising representative. Kitty remembers how frequently people turned to him for advice about which trade shows they should attend, where a new product might fit best or how they could make the most of limited marketing dollars. He also had a knack for knowing when one person in the industry needed exactly what another could offer — and then bringing the two together. “He was his own LinkedIn,” Kitty describes. “He always put people together.” Even when his health prevented him from traveling, it didn’t keep White from maintaining those connections. As Kitty puts it, his health “prevented him from traveling, but not from staying in touch and being with his customers.” Larry’s legacy will also live on in the pages of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties where he has cemented his place as sales director emeritus, a title that will appear on the masthead in each issue of the magazine for years to come. He also played an integral role in ensuring the future of the publication when he contacted Breakwall Publishing to purchase the magazine after its owner Scott Borowsky was no longer able to run the publication. “I think Larry felt comfortable leaving its legacy in our hands because he appreciated the quality of work we did with Seaside Retailer magazine,” says Karen Carr, publisher of Breakwall Publishing. “He liked how the two magazines complimented each other and had similar editorial coverage. I think he also liked that we provided a lot of content about the retailers themselves and didn’t focus only on products.” From 2023 until his passing in June 2026, Larry spent a considerable amount of time mentoring Carr. He also
was willing to share industry knowledge and sources with the Breakwall Publishing editorial team. “I could always count on Larry to make an introduction, share customer news to include in the magazine or just provide insight into an issue or topic affecting the industry,” says Kristin Ely, Breakwall Publishing editorial director. “He was a treasure trove of industry knowledge and contacts that was unparalleled by anyone.” Beyond that, Larry understood a fundamental part about publishing a magazine — it truly is about the people and the industry that it serves. “One of the reasons he was so well respected was because of how much he respected and treated people fairly,” says Carr. “He was always available to lend a hand and would do whatever he could do to help in any situation. There are countless stories about how he would help peers who were looking for a new job, needed business advice or wanted to make a meaningful and lasting connection in the industry.” White truly left a legacy that can’t be measured in years, awards or advertising sales, but in the relationships he built and the countless people whose lives and careers were better because they knew him. SGN
28 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
A LEGEND GOES GLOBAL Larry White’s souvenir industry expertise took him around the world. In April 1996, White traveled to Taiwan at the invitation of government officials to share his knowledge and help educate businesses about developing products for the souvenir and tourist market. The invitation was a significant recognition of the knowledge and expertise White had developed in the industry — and the trip remained a memorable milestone in his career. A Chinese-language newspaper article documenting his visit was framed and displayed in his home, a lasting reminder of just how far his passion for the souvenir industry had taken him.
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
IN THE WORDS OF THE INDUSTRY:
Remembering Larry White Larry White was a devoted supporter of the souvenir industry. His heart was as big as his personality, and he never missed an opportunity to connect us with a new company or welcome a customer like family. He cared deeply about the shows, all shows, and genuinely wanted every customer to succeed. “This is the best new thing!” he would tell us whenever he found a company he wanted to bring into our shows. Our industry is better because of him, and we certainly could use more Larrys in it. — Lisa Berry, Clarion Events Larry White was always willing to listen, offer thoughtful advice, make an introduction, or connect someone with the right person. He shared his knowledge freely and never expected anything in return. He was a trusted friend and mentor who had a profound impact on my career. What set Larry apart was the way he built relationships. They weren’t transactional, they were genuine. The souvenir industry is stronger because Larry White was part of it. — Rich Caplan, Little Critterz / Animals Forever Inc.
ness mentor and a true inspiration. The way he cared for his customers and the industry will continue to inspire me, and I look forward to making Larry proud with every issue we publish. — Karen Carr, Breakwall Publishing So first time we met, he was all smiles and super cool vibe. He walks into the booth that I am sharing with Vinny da Tooth, and says we will be doing business for 10 years after we start today, and it was true. Love ya Larry, your brother Turtle Joe — Joseph Conde “Turtle Joe,” SS Handcrafted Art It’s hard to think of Larry without hearing his uniquely delightful voice! I can’t count the years he would sneak up on me at a trade show from behind and just simply say something and I knew immediately who it was. He was frequently a source of information for me relative to a show, or a new promotional idea, and I reached out to him often for his input. He is sorely missed and will be long remembered. — Kem Clark, The Wikki Stix Co.
I’ll forever be grateful to Larry for bringing Breakwall Publishing the opportunity to purchase Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine. He loved the magazine and industry more than anyone could put into words and wanted nothing more than to see it continue to serve the industry when Scott Borowsky was no longer able to continue publishing it. While I wish it could have been longer, having the opportunity to work alongside Larry for three years was a blessing. He was a wonderful busi-
I had the honor of working with Larry when Breakwall Publishing purchased Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties in 2023. Over the last few years, it was obvious to me how he was always looking out for his customers. He was very willing to pass on his industry knowledge and would let me know anytime a customer had something newsworthy to share. Larry built a strong foundation for Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and we look forward to continuing and building upon his legacy. — Kristin Ely, Breakwall Publishing
www.sgnmag.com
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 29
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
I will never forget looking down the trade show aisle and seeing Larry heading our way.... that energy! Always a smile and for years he made us “smile” for that darn camera he always had with him! Larry was probably the first “King of the Kodak Moment!” My heart goes out to his family, friends and business associates, all who were privileged to have him as a gift in their lives. — Kathleen Gavin, b. dazzle inc. The souvenir and novelty industry just lost one of its best friends. If you needed help finding a job, or a line to sell, you could call Larry. If you wanted to sell your business, you could count on Larry to help. He was a good friend to all in our industry and will be greatly missed. — Joe Goldberg, formerly of Joe Goldberg Ent. Inc. I had the pleasure of working with Larry for nearly 25 years. He was always warm, considerate and genuinely easy to work with. Larry was a true legend in our industry, and his kindness, professionalism and presence will be deeply missed. — Dan Grody, TGPR Larry was much more than an advertising exec or a business partner. Larry was all about relationships. He was a friend, a news source, someone to bounce ideas off of and an expert in the souvenir industry. He cared about the people he worked with, sharing in their triumphs and commiserating in difficult times. He will be remembered fondly and missed greatly! — Bonnie Gunderson, Bucket Wonders Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Over recent shows, we have missed seeing Larry’s bigger than life smile. My prayers are now being lifted for his family and friends. — Flynn Harold, TCS-USA Inc. Larry was a true professional and a wonderful person, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him for so many years. Beyond our work, Larry and I shared a passion for Philadelphia sports, which gave us plenty more to talk about, cheer for, and occasionally commiserate over. Larry brought energy, integrity and warmth
30 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
to everything he did, and his impact on our industry and the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him will not be forgotten. — Michael Kessler, Aurora World Inc. Larry was so much more than a business connection. He was always willing to answer a question, share his insights about the industry, or point me toward the right person to contact. I remember meeting Larry in person for the first time when I exhibited at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg. That was the beginning of what would become a lifelong friendship. And that is what Larry was to so many of us who were fortunate enough to be touched by his life — a friend. He had a way of making you feel valued, listened to and genuinely cared about. — Kenneth M. Kriegel, JackRussell & Company Larry was such a genuine and nice person. He understood and loved the wholesale and souvenir industry and his loss will be felt by many. His straight talk, great sense of humor and genuine honesty were always appreciated. Larry was such a good guy he almost had me routing for Philly sports teams! — Don Lehman, Spoontiques I first met Larry in the early 2000s when the company I still work for (Geddes) was breaking into the gift and souvenir market. We really had a lot in common. We would share a lot together. He was always someone I could bounce ideas off; he was always very positive, very supportive and funny as hell! — Matt Manno, Geddes Retail Team I've known Larry for many years and he’s such a kind soul who always treated me like a son, always looking out for me. Provided guidance and support when I needed it, and always kind. He will be missed in many ways by many people, and he will always be in my heart and mind. — Michael Murgidi, Kalan
www.sgnmag.com
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: LARRY WHITE
There are people we meet through business who remain acquaintances. There are colleagues we respect, competitors we admire, and people whose paths cross ours for a time. And then, every once in a while, there is someone who becomes much more than any of those things. You were that person for me. But what I valued most wasn’t just what you knew. It was having you as a friend. Larry, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for the wisdom you shared and for the impact you made on so many people along the way. You will truly be missed. — Cynthia Powers-Ezell, Signs4Fun Larry had a big influence on both my business and my personal life. What started as a business relationship became a real friendship. For the last eight years, he called me every Friday — you could almost set your watch to it. That was Larry. He checked in. He remembered what was going on with your family, he offered advice and he was always looking for ways to help people. If someone in the industry needed a job or an opportunity, Larry would make the connection, and when he vouched for someone, you listened. He genuinely cared about the people in his life, and I’m really going to miss those Friday calls. — Todd Reisman, AmuseMints Larry had a personality that was impossible not to love. His passion for the industry, his wonderful sense of humor, and his long-standing connection to my family created a bond that meant so much to me. I will miss our chats, both on the phone and in person at the shows. Larry was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed. — Coral Reynolds, Fiesta Toy In an industry built on products and trends, Larry White understood that the true core of our business was people. Larry was the first person I spoke to when I entered this world, and he didn’t just provide guidance — he offered a roadmap. Beyond his professional role, Larry was, quite simply, one of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. You set a standard of professionalism and kindness that I have carried with me every day since that first call in 2008. — Tony Ronci, Souvenir Avanti
www.sgnmag.com
Larry was a true gentleman. Always with a smile and a kind word. He will be missed. — Peter J. Seresky, The Wayne Carver Family of Companies No doubt that Larry was a living legend in the print industry that helped the souvenir and gift industry for recreation and tourism. — Mark Sobelman, Fairway Manufacturing He was a treasure. Anyone that had the pleasure of working with him was given a gift. He was a gift to the industry, and he knew so many people. My goodness, he was like a walking Rolodex. — Karen Sotomura, Joseph K & Co. Larry will forever be missed as he was one of a kind. I will cherish our long conversations that I gained industry knowledge from. RIP. — Sanjay Srinivasan, Global World I knew Larry for almost three decades. While we often competed for the same clients we always enjoyed friendly and real conversation. Larry was one of the hardest working salespeople in the business. I’d see Larry once or twice a year hustling and rushing down the aisles of the trade shows, always with a cheerful disposition and smile. — Martin Stevens, Forum Publishing Co. Larry was a great friend and mentor to me. He was always so kind and heartwarming when we spoke. We connected as friends through the years and even though we were not doing business together he still made sure to text or call and to see how everything was going. Thank you for the advice and especially for our friendship. — Jack Tebele, Popularity Products Larry was always wonderful to work with. He made our lives easy, which is just what a great salesman should do. It’s hard to imagine that he’s gone with his larger than life personality. He’ll be sorely missed. — PJ Trovato, Kurt S. Adler
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 31
FRESH IDEAS
Bear tracks
Bring some bear necessities to your store with these grizzly gifts.
1 2 3 4
5 6
7
9 8
1. GP Originals: Bear-shaped magnet, faire.com/direct/gporiginals; 2. Urban Charm: Mama bear bronze keychain, www.urbancharminspires.com; 3. Zoologee: 18-inch Bubba black bear, www.zoologee.com; 4. Millwood Art: Black Bear Pizza in Bed wall art print, www.millwoodartwholesale.com; 5. Capsmith: Helen, Georgia, sunset icon bear cap, www.capsmith.com; 6. The Cottonseed Marketplace: Bear and tree suncatcher ornament, cottonseedmarketplace.faire.com; 7. Grasshopper’s Mermaid: Unisex bamboo Aztec bear shirt, www.grasshoppersmermaid.com; 8. Charles Products Inc.: Embossed name-drop mug, www.charlesproducts.com; 9. A.T. Storrs: Northern Lights bear earrings, www.atstorrs.com. 32 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
FRESH IDEAS
State pride
Highlight the place customers call home with these state-themed gifts. 1 2
3
4 5
6
7
9
1. Anju Jewelry: Minnesota with Moose silver adjustable cuff bracelet, www.anjujewelry.com; 2. Demdaco: Kansas state wine tumbler, www.demdacoretailers.com; 3. Wildwood Landing LLC: Texas Story Begins bodysuit, www.wildwoodlanding.com; 4. Stickers Northwest: Wyoming Landscape Scene sticker, www.stickersnorthwest.com; 5. Stuffed States: Washington Stuffed State plush, stuffedstatesusa.faire.com; 6. Zootility: New York state bottle opener card, www.zootility.com; 7. Xplorer Maps: UPF 50+ Alaska Map Ultralight Sunshirt hoodie, www.xplorermaps.com; 8. Lantern Press: West Virginia Almost Heaven print; www.wholesale.lanternpress.com 9. Wet-it!: Pippa New Jersey Latte 15-ounce medium mug, www.wetcloths.com. 34 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
#2: Ivystone; #3, #6: Roadrunners LLC
8
FRESH IDEAS
Get personal
Make customers feel special with a wide selection of personalized gifts and souvenirs.
2 1 4 3
6 5
7 8
9 1. Artistic Impressions: Land of the Free bike plate, www.maiwholesale.com; 2. Scandical: Wooden surfboard sign, www.scandical.com; 3. Amusemints: Sailing Connecticut mint tin, www.amusemints.com; 4. Wheeler Manufacturing: Uniquely You necklace, www.wheelerjewelry.com; 5. Wayne Carver: Sparkle resin keychain, www.waynecarver.com; 6. Bucket Wonders: Mini Shinerz keychain, www.bucketwonders.com; 7. Blueyejewelry: Personalized block letter name bracelet, faire.com/direct/blueyejewelry; 8. Joseph K: Tropical Moose figurine, www.josephk.com; 9. LaserGifts: Bamboo pen, www.lasergifts.com. 36 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
FRESH IDEAS
Cabin calling
Rustic textures and cozy accents make these cabin-inspired finds feel right at home.
3
1 2 4
6
5
7
8
1. Zad: Cabin in the Wood Crescent enamel earrings, www.zadwholesalejewelry.com; 2. Quilling Card: Cozy Autumn Cabin card, www.quillingcard.com; 3. Nelson’s Gifts: “Cabin Sweet Cabin” mug, www.nelsongiftswholesale.com; 4. Sincere Surroundings: Fall Woodland Cabin wall decor, www.sinceresurroundings.com; 5. C&F Home: Ski Lodge indoor lumbar pillow, www.cnfei.com; 6. Cape Shore: Santa on Log Cabin light-up resin ornament, www.cape-shore.com; 7. Kurt S. Adler: Noble Gems Glass Log Cabin ornament, www.kurtadler.com; 8. Mountain Graphics: Cabin in the Woods sticker, www.mtgraphics.com; 9. Park Designs - Split P: Cabin Life decorative dishtowel, www.parkdesigns.net. 38 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
#2: Just Got 2 Have It!; #4: CMA; #5, #9: Ivystone
9
FRESH IDEAS
Fine wine
Raise a glass to wine-inspired gifts that pair perfectly with every celebration.
1 2
3
6
5
4
7 9
1. Art Studio Company: Bring Me Some Wine if You Can Read This knitted socks, www.artstudiocompany.com; 2. Pichincha: Acrylic Wine Glass Alcohol dangle earrings, www.pichinchagifts.com; 3. CoTa Global: Sparkling Rhinestone Charm wine glass, www.cotaglobal.com; 4. Macone Clay/Spooner Creek: Wine tag, www.maconeclay.com; 5. Uncommon Flame: Wine is my Favorite Color candle, faire.com/direct/uncommonflame; 6. Beacon Design: Winery ornament, www.beacondesign.com; 7. Pavilion Gift: Wine Down 14-inch-by-14-inch pillow, www.paviliongift.com; 8. American Brand Studio: Snout Mugs 11-ounce Red Wine Bottle mug, www.americanbrandstudio.com; 9. Sawdust City LLC: It’s Wine-Thirty sign, www.sawdustcitywholesale.com. 40 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
#7, #8: CMA
8
FRESH IDEAS
Jurassic picks
Add some prehistoric adventure to your shelves with these dinosaur-themed gifts. 3
2
1 4
6
5
7
9
1. Giffa USA: Donny 5-inch Fantasy Dinosaur, www.giffausa.com; 2. The Wilusz Way Wood Designs: Brontosaurus layered wood art, www.thewiluszwaywooddesigns.com; 3. GeoCentral: Dino Skeleton mini dig kit, www.geocentral.com; 4. Nature Planet: Dinosaur eco-friendly recycled notebook, www.natureplanet.com; 5. Paradies/Kid-U-Not: Youth Boys Palette Glow T-Rex, www.paradiesandcompany.com/kid-u-not; 6. Little Critterz: T-Rex Pendant porcelain jewelry, www.littlecritterz.com; 7. Plushology by RGU: 8.5-inch Color Me Plush T-Rex Dinosaur, www.saltypawscollars.com; 8. Madd Capp: I am Stegosaurus 100-piece puzzle, www.maddcappgames.com; 9. A to Z Towels: Dinosaur Adventure T-Rex beach towel, www.atoztowels.com. 42 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
#1: Just Got 2 Have It!; #4: CMA
8
ATTRACTION ACTION
BY T O M M Y B R O W N
UPCYCLE YOUR NEXT STORE REFRESH
E
very destination retailer needs to renovate their retail space from time to time to provide customers with a fresh look. Sometimes retailers will hire big design firms for an upgrade, or they might add state-of-the-art fixtures for their new look. But a store refresh doesn’t always require expensive new fixtures. Destination retailers can refresh their stores simply by upcycling fixtures, which is better for the environment and often more affordable in the long run. When planning a store renovation, finding ways to incorporate upcycled fixtures and materials could help save both natural resources and money in the process.
OUT WITH THE OLD Take stock of your store’s current fixtures. If you plan on replacing any of them, consider selling or donating
Destination retailers can refresh their stores simply by upcycling fixtures, which is better for the environment and often more affordable in the long run. any that are in decent shape. Remember to remove your branding from the fixtures before selling or donating them. Try to avoid taking them to the landfill if possible. If fixtures are damaged beyond repair, break them down into their recyclable components and take them to the appropriate recycler. You may even make money off the metal or electrical components by recycling these materials.
TRY PRE-OWNED FIXTURES One way to reimagine your location is to reverse design it. In this case, you would buy pre-owned fixtures first and plan your location around your fixture purchases. Measure all fixtures before buying them to ensure they will fit comfortably. Be sure to shop at your local thrift stores for new propping packages, risers and window display items. Then decide if you like the fixtures as they are or if you want to modify them. Think of the color palette you want in your store as well as how these fixtures could be altered to match that vision. FROM FLOORS TO WALLS Wall space is your next line of design. Consider whether your store’s walls can be repaired and painted to change the store’s look or whether you need a new wall system for merchandising. The most important part of wall merchandising is having the right system in place for your shop. Even if this costs you a little more money, investing in the proper wall merchandising system is well worth it. Be sure to work your walls into the overall store design to complement your fixtures. When trying to do an upcycled renovation, there will still be some expenses with lighting, flooring, sound systems and hardware. But by upcycling and recycling more than half of the remodel, you could significantly reduce costs. Elevate your store by making upcycled design a part of your retail culture and experience. 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.
46 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
SAVVY SHOPKEEPING
BY K AT H Y C R U Z
CHECK YOUR OPERATIONAL EXPOSURES
C
ustomer questions and shopping behaviors can reveal useful operational clues for souvenir retailers, especially during peak season. Once peak tourism season ends, retailers finally have a chance to decide what to do with those observations. By September and early October, the pace of business may slow down at your store just enough for you and your team to step back and evaluate your business more clearly. After months of having a packed store, constant restocking, crowded aisles and long days with nonstop problem-solving, many retailers can take stock of what peak season might have exposed operationally.
PERFORM AN OFFSEASON ANALYSIS Busy seasons tend to stress test a retail business. Some product categories may have performed far better than expected while others quietly created unnecessary work,
Peak season often reveals more about a store than retailers realize while they are living through it. clutter or inventory headaches. Certain displays may have consistently attracted customers while other sections of the store were repeatedly overlooked. Even operational frustrations like checkout bottlenecks, overcrowded aisles, constant replenishment issues or customer service gaps often become easier to identify once the rush slows down.
This season can create an opportunity to make practical adjustments while the lessons from peak season are still fresh. Some retailers may realize they need clearer locally made signage, while others may need to focus more on providing more depth in proven categories. Retailers can also use this period to simplify sections of the store that may be difficult to navigate during busy periods.
REGROUP BEFORE THE HOLIDAY RUSH For many souvenir retailers, autumn also becomes an important reset season before holiday traffic begins. Summer often requires stores to operate in survival mode, moving quickly from one busy day to the next. But September and October can give retailers space to reorganize displays, refine systems, review inventory decisions, improve staffing flow and prepare more intentionally for the final months of the year. ADDRESS PAIN POINTS One of the most valuable things that peak season can reveal is not necessarily what sold the most, but what created unnecessary friction. Sometimes the systems that seem manageable during slower periods become much harder to sustain once customer traffic increases. Every tourist market behaves differently, but peak season often reveals more about a store than retailers realize while they are living through it. The stores that grow stronger over time are often the ones willing to study what the busy season exposed and make thoughtful adjustments before the next one arrives. 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.
48 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
TREND TALK
BY M E L O DY C A B A N
GET IN ON THE PLUSH RUSH
S
tore shelves are getting a major comfort upgrade, and shoppers of all ages are in line. Once tucked away in the back of the children’s department, plush products have broken out of the toy box to become a powerhouse lifestyle category. From viral bag charms and desk companions to premium fandom drops, soft goods are delivering hard dollars for gift shops, resort stores and specialty retailers alike. If your current inventory treats stuffed animals as a toddler-only afterthought, it’s time to rethink the fluff.
BIG BUSINESS OF PLUSH Widespread interest in plush isn’t just a phase; it’s a commercial shift. According to Fortune Business Insights, the
Plush has evolved from an impulse novelty into a powerhouse revenue driver. global stuffed animal and plush toys market is valued at over $15 billion this year and is projected to expand to over $28 billion by 2034. The buyer profile for plush has completely transformed, helping to drive this growth. Adults now represent a massive slice of total plush sales, while plush has become much more multifaceted than ever before.
PLUSH FANS Destination retailers need to understand the diverse buyers filling their shopping bags with plush. Some people
interested in this category include: • Trend chasers: Heavily influenced by social media, these shoppers pick up microsized plush, clip-on bag charms and quirky designs as daily fashion accessories. • Kidults and collectors: Driven by nostalgia and pop-culture fandom, adult buyers spend big on licensed characters, limited-edition runs and high-end plush built for personal displays. • Self-care and wellness: Looking for screen-free comfort, these shoppers gravitate toward weighted, textured and sensory plush designed for anxiety relief and comfort. • Eco-conscious buyers: Today’s buyers actively hunt for eco-friendly fills and organic cottons with clear safety credentials on the tag for plush toys.
SUCCEED WITH STUFFIES Smart merchandising and experiential strategy are everything with plush. Don’t cluster every plush in a deep toy bin where they get lost. Instead, integrate plush directly into high-traffic lifestyle displays to reframe them as essential accessories rather than simple toys. Placing plush contextually across your store helps shoppers visualize how these items fit into their daily lives, driving multi-item purchases. Today’s consumers aren’t just buying toys; they’re buying comfort, connection and character. Plush has evolved from an impulse novelty into a powerhouse revenue driver. Elevate your plush assortment beyond the toy aisle and watch it deliver some joyful sales. 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.
50 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: GIFTS
Check out the September/October Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties advertisers that will be exhibiting at IGES November 3-7 and at Smoky Mountain Gift Show November 4-7! Don’t miss your chance to discover unique finds and best-sellers in person — stop by their booths and see what’s new!*
SMOKY MOUNTAIN GIFT SHOW
Booth information is current as of press date.
ADVERTISER..............................................PAGE....................BOOTH # A-B Emblem........................................................... 126........................1728, 1730 American Backcountry.......................................89..................................3003 American Gift Corp........................................... 107.................................... 202 Art Studio Co. .........................................................41................................... 1010 Artistic Impressions....................................... 110-111...................................3414 Better Magnets......................................................47...................................1823 Bucket Wonders.................................................... 37..................................... 717 Capsmith Inc. ..........................................................71....................................402 Charles Products Inc............................................ 33.....................................912 Cruz Accessories................................................. 145....................................1218 Desperate Enterprises......................................... 73.....................................816 Dutch American Import Co............................... 5....................................607 Eagle Emblems...................................................... 129....................................1017 Fiesta Toy..................................................................97...................................1402 Grasshopper’s Mermaid....................................125...................................4213 Impulse Souvenirs................................................179.....................................210 LaserGifts................................................................180.................................... 702 Lipco Group............................................................ 161...................................... 511 McGovern & Co.....................................................22................................... 3315 Mountain Graphics..............................................127..................................3202 MV Sport/The Game..........................................92....................................1314 Paradies and Company.....................................100...... Greenbrier Room Parris Manufacturing............................................99..................................... 213 R.S. Covenant Inc.................................................147....................................1301 Silver Streak.......................................................... 10-11...................................1302 Smith-Southwestern...........................................121....................................220 Souvenir Source...................................................2, 7.....................................601 Spoontiques.............................................................19....................................1617 Stickers Northwest...............................................12.................................... 1721 Upper Deck Ltd. ...................................................151................................... 1723 Urban Charm.......................................................... 119.................................. 1807 Village Originals......................................................79.....................................1118 Wayne Carver.......................................................3, 9.................................... 502 Wheeler Manufacturing....................................143.......................1002, 1006 Wild West Shirt Co.......................................44-45..................................3203 Wildthings................................................................103................................... 3215 Wind River................................................................113.................................. 3108 Xplorer Maps...........................................................35.................................3006 Zizo USA Inc...........................................................163.....................................801
www.sgnmag.com 52 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2024
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2025 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES www.sgnmag.com MAGAZINE 52
IGES
ADVERTISER..............................................PAGE....................BOOTH # 1 Brilliant Gift...........................................................49.................................. 6401 A.T. Storrs Ltd. .........................................................15..................................6225 Amish Kraft Co.......................................................77................................. 6565 Animals Forever.....................................................157................................. 6429 Call For The Wild.................................................. 86................................. 8003 Cape Shore...............................................................39.................................. 6041 CoTa Global..............................................................81...................................6144 Creature Comforts.............................................. 101................................. 6024 Exist .............................................................................93..................................6305 Exotic Sea Images................................................ 164..................................8302 Hatley / Little Blue House................................85..................................6552 Jackson Pacific.........................................................141.................................. 6233 Kerusso........................................................................91..................................6336 Liberty Graphics...........................................83, 109.................................. 6149 Little Critterz..........................................................123................................. 6429 Lone Rock Clothing.............................................94.....................6208, 6209 Mitchell Proffitt.....................................................95.................................6808 Nelson’s.................................................................... 105...................................2140 Pennybandz.............................................................131................................. 8304 Pichincha................................................................. 146....................... 6037, 6137 Rabbit Studios.......................................................139.................................. 2016 SS Handcrafted Art..............................................78...................................6541 Storm Striker Art by Justin Patten............... 159..................................... c13 The Postcard Factory/ PCF Souvenirs....... 120.................................. 6014 The Wilusz Way Wood Designs....................135..................................6745 Whistle Creek..........................................................21..................................2423 Zoologee..................................................................155............. 2305, 6315, c53
*
COVER STORY: THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
A SMOKY MOUNTAIN MAINSTAY THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE CONTINUES TO REINVENT ITSELF WHILE GIVING GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES ONE MORE REASON TO STOP IN PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE.
T
he call came at 3:58 a.m. The Pigeon Forge Fire Department was on the line — and Three Bears General Store was on fire. Owner Fran Delozier still tells the story in disbelief. Just minutes after making the September 2008 call, she and her family stood along the parkway that stretches into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
watching the family business burn. Firefighters from three departments battled the blaze while one question consumed everyone at the scene: What about the bears? “My concern was the bears and my staff,” Delozier says of the resident black bears in the encounter, where the store offers education while preserving wildlife. “The bears are part of our family.” The original 7,000-square-foot store was destroyed. Less than a year later, it reopened on a grander scale as a 40,000-square-foot shopping and entertainment destination that has become a landmark in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Looking back, Delozier calls the fire “a blessing in disguise,” though a devastating one. She’s grateful that casualties amounted to infrastructure and merchandise. Some souvenir stores are places to shop. At Three Bears General Store, Owner Fran Delozier (pictured right) fills the store with plenty of bear plush, bear decor and more. Photos: Don Fields
66 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
COVER STORY: THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE
www.sgnmag.com
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 67
COVER STORY: THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE
Many shirts come with the destination name drop. Others bear the store name or support events.
Three Bears General Store is much more than a store. For nearly five decades, the family-owned business has become a tradition for generations of travelers. Visitors come to feed the live black bears, pose with the iconic bear statue and browse thousands of souvenirs. They can watch fudge being made, shop the Christmas store and leave with bags full of memories. Many even know Three Bears as “the Jesus Saves store,” thanks to the marquee sign that’s become almost as recognizable as the business itself. It’s a fitting landmark for a store that’s experienced its own remarkable revival, Delozier points out.
“We’ve always said we’re a destination and a one-stop shop. We have multigenerational families who come back year after year.” — FRAN DELOZIER “We’ve always said we’re a destination and a one-stop shop,” she says. “We have multigenerational families who come back year after year.”
FAR-REACHING RETAIL Walk through the front doors and it’s easy to understand why families stay awhile. The store combines retail with entertainment. Guests can visit the live bear habitat, enjoy old-time photos, browse toys and apparel, 68 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
sample Amish jams and dip mixes, cool off with homemade fudge or ice cream, and shop for Christmas ornaments all year round. “Our philosophy has always been that there’s something here for everyone,” Delozier says. “Everybody can find something. If grandpa wants to look at pocketknives, mom wants Christmas ornaments, the kids want candy or stuffed animals and dad wants T-shirts, it’s all here.” That broad appeal has become one of the store’s biggest strengths. “When everybody finds something they want, it’s a better experience,” she relates. With more than 100,000 products throughout the store, buying is an art and a constant learning process. Delozier spends time at markets looking for products that reflect current trends while staying true to what visitors expect from a Smoky Mountain destination. She also leans heavily on the people closest to the customer. “I listen to my employees,” she says. “They’re the ones talking to customers every day. They’ll tell me what people are asking for.” Just as important is knowing when it’s time to move on. That willingness to evolve has shaped everything from merchandise categories to new attractions throughout the store. “We’re always looking for the next thing,” she says. “You have www.sgnmag.com
COVER STORY: THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE
Kids can pick out name-drop bear plush from the store, while adults collect bear-themed decor.
to keep changing because your customers are changing.”
GENERAL STORE VARIETY Ask Delozier where the shop tour begins, and she immediately starts mapping the customer journey. Visitors entering Three Bears General Store are greeted by toys, drinkware from brands like Swig and BrüMate, along with Siesta Cups, and aisles dedicated to one of the store’s signature themes: black bears. Polyresin figurines, Wayne Carver carvings and bear-themed gifts immediately establish a sense of place. From there, the store naturally flows into a specialty foods department stocked with hot sauces, jams, jellies, soup mixes and dessert
experience going with hand-dipped ice cream, gelato, milkshakes, root beer floats, shaved ice and trend-forward treats like ice cream nachos and, soon, dirty sodas. “We’re always looking at what’s trending,” she says. Around the next corner, there are souvenir mugs, tumblers, magnets and shot glasses, which share space with home decor, figurines and themed collections that change with the seasons. Bigfoot has become one of the store’s biggest
“We want to give people a reason to slow down, discover something new and make memories with their families.” — FRAN DELOZIER mixes. Sampling is part of the experience. Team members prepare dips, soups and seasonal ciders while sharing recipes and product suggestions with customers. “They can recommend recipes for the customers who come in,” Delozier says. Fresh fudge is made throughout the day in full view of shoppers, while longtime confectioner Lonnie — who has spent decades at Three Bears — prepares caramel from scratch. The ice cream shop keeps the Locally made jellies and jams come in a wide variety of flavors at Three Bears General Store. 70 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
draws, earning dedicated displays in both hard goods and apparel. Jeep merchandise expands each fall during popular Jeep events. “We try to see what’s coming into the city and showcase it,” Delozier says. That same philosophy shapes apparel. The sportsman department features brands including Local Boy and Dr. Squatch, while Evergreen Flags & Decor celebrate everything from spring gardens and patriotic holidays to football season. A new line, Lulu Mac, is moving fast in the women’s apparel section, while Simply Southern is a staple along with name-drop by Baypointe Apparel that crosses departments. Upstairs, Pandora has become one of the store’s strongest categories, supported by five certified Pandora specialists and complemented www.sgnmag.com
COVER STORY: THREE BEARS GENERAL STORE
by jewelry from Barry-Owen Co. and Pura Vida. Waterproof jewelry has emerged as one of the latest customer requests. “The biggest thing now is waterproof jewelry,” Delozier says. The toy department follows the same formula of balancing timeless favorites with what’s trending. Ty remains one of the store’s top vendors because it continually refreshes its assortment with the latest licensed characters, while Nature Planet and NeeDoh by Schylling help round out a plush department where black bears remain perennial bestsellers. Upstairs, families discover even more reasons to linger. Visitors can feed the store’s live black bears, explore an expansive plush department, browse Warmies, puppets and toys, pose for old-time photos or wander through a year-round Christmas shop filled with personalized ornaments, Department 56 villages, Willow Tree figurines, Disney collectibles, Coca-Cola memorabilia, John Deere gifts and seasonal decor.
BEARS EVERYWHERE
The live bear habitat may be what first catches visitors’ attention, but at Three Bears General Store, it also helps shape the entire retail experience. Bears appear throughout the store in ways that reinforce the destination and encourage shoppers to take a piece of the experience home. Here are some ways the destination extends the bear experience into retail. • A recognizable mascot. Bears are woven throughout the store, from signage and decor to apparel, plush toys and souvenirs, creating a consistent brand identity. • Memories become merchandise. After visiting the habitat, guests naturally gravitate toward bear-themed gifts, helping extend the experience beyond the attraction itself. • Something for every age. Plush bears, children’s books, home decor, apparel, ornaments and collectibles ensure every member of the family can find a bear-themed keepsake. • Create photo opportunities. The iconic bear statue outside the store has become a must-stop selfie spot, creating another memorable moment that reinforces the brand. • Keep the story going. The bears aren’t simply an attraction — they’re part of the shopping journey from the moment guests arrive until they leave with a reminder of their visit.
72 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Souvenir signs feature wildlife and animals native to the Great Smoky Mountains.
“We want to give people a reason to slow down, discover something new and make memories with their families,” says Deloizer.
WHAT’S NEXT? The fire may have created an opportunity to build a larger store, but Delozier says the real growth has come from refusing to become comfortable. As Three Bears evolves, tradition is stitched into this place like a well-worn quilt. Many visitors who first discovered Three Bears as children now return with families of their own. “We’re part of their vacation,” she says. “We’re part of their tradition.” Those traditions have helped make Three Bears one of the most recognizable retail destinations in Pigeon Forge. And the store’s legacy is moving forward with Delozier’s own family — her sons, Daniel and Alex, and now a 2-year-old grandson “who runs the office,” she quips. “We are fortunate to have the next generation coming in, and it keeps you forward in business,” Delozier says. Also, longtime staff including Misty Porter and Tina Sucato join a team of associates who are loyal to the business. Fresh perspectives and veteran insight help Delozier balance the general store’s past with what customers want today while anticipating the future. “I don’t ever want to be stagnant,” she says. “We’re always asking ourselves, ‘What’s next?’ Because if you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” SGN www.sgnmag.com
NEXT EXIT: BLUE WHYDAH WHALE PIRATE OF CATOOSA MUSEUM
Whale, e r e h t o hell ST O RY BY K
R IS TE N H A M
74 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
PS H IR E
The Blue Whale of Catoosa pairs Route 66 nostalgia with a colorful new visitor center and gift shop.
www.sgnmag.com
NEXT NEXT EXIT: EXIT: BLUE WHYDAH WHALE PIRATE OF CATOOSA MUSEUM
L
ong before selfies and social media, travelers were pulling off Route 66 to see an 80-foot blue whale rising from an Oklahoma pond. For more than 50 years, the Blue Whale of Catoosa has stopped travelers in their tracks. Built by zoologist Hugh Davis, the 20-foot-tall, 80-foot-long whale began as a playground project for his grandchildren. Today, it’s one of America’s most recognizable roadside attractions. Jennifer Buchanan, director of visitor services for Catoosa, says visitors arrive by the tour bus load to photograph the whale, feed turtles and soak in a history that stretches well beyond the famous landmark. The attraction entered a new era this spring with the May opening of a 4,000-square-foot visitor center and gift shop, funded in part by one of Oklahoma’s largest Route 66 grants. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls now share the Blue Whale’s story, while a compact retail space offers visitors a colorful keepsake. Buchanan believes the renewed interest in Route 66 and attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa is only just beginning. “We don’t expect this to be the big year,” she says. “We expect this to be the beginning year.”
Q A
What makes the story behind the Blue Whale of Catoosa so enduring?
It’s the people behind it. Hugh and Zelda Davis lived fascinating lives. They traveled the world collecting animals, doing conservation work and educating people. Hugh spent more than 38 years with the Tulsa Zoo, and together they operated an animal park here with everything from alligators to baby lions and bears. Zelda was this larger-than-life personality. She wore turquoise jewelry up to her elbows, had bright red hair and would pump gas for travelers on Route 66 with a macaw on her shoulder. Then Hugh retired and got bored. He wanted to build something for his grandkids to swim out to in the pond. He spent two years hand-mixing cement in five-gallon buckets and applying it over a welded frame. The day it was completed happened to be their wedding anniversary. He told Zelda, “I’ll give you something no woman has.” He certainly did. Julie Buchanan (left) shows off a wall of Blue Whale magnets. The store is full of other souvenir ornaments, mugs and more. Photos: Hanna Taylor www.sgnmag.com
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 75
NEXT EXIT: BLUE WHALE OF CATOOSA
Many souvenirs combine the Route 66 and Blue Whale themes at the visitor center store.
Q A
What has the Route 66 centennial been like for the new visitor center?
There has been tremendous excitement. We’ve been seeing tour buses, motorcycle groups and car cruises every day. On busy weekends, especially when there are organized cruises, we’ve seen anywhere from 7,000 to 12,000 visitors come through. Route 66 has always been iconic, but now people are rediscovering it. We really believe this is just the beginning.
Q A
How did you approach creating the new gift shop?
I visited as many gift shops as I could and researched others online. What I found was that many Route 66 shops looked very similar. They might have different names on the
“Route 66 has always been iconic, but now people are rediscovering it. We really believe this is just the beginning.” — JENNIFER BUCHANAN products, but they were often carrying the same merchandise. We wanted to do something different. The Blue Whale is already whimsical, so we leaned into that. We developed our first official logo, created our own color palette and partnered with Anne Bogie of a&b Identity to produce quality merchandise. I knew I could count 76 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
on her for guidance and that we could partner and come up with some unique looks.
Q A
What are visitors taking home most from your new gift shop?
Stickers are huge, especially because travelers are putting them on tumblers and coolers. Hats, apparel and T-shirts are always top sellers. We also carry magnets, postcards, ornaments, lapel pins, air fresheners and stainless tumblers. One surprise has been a heathered sage green T-shirt featuring our Blue Whale logo. Everybody loves it — young visitors, older visitors, men and women. Our Richardson 112 hats have also been very popular, particularly in camouflage styles. And because we’re on Route 66, people love collecting magnets, patches and ornaments from every stop along the way.
Q A
Tell us about Blue Whale Blue. Did you create a color just for the store?
We actually created our own color. It’s somewhere between Carolina blue and turquoise, and we use it throughout the store. The full logo contains 12 or 13 Pantone colors, but the whale itself is this bright, distinctive blue that has become part of our identity. As for T-shirts, we intentionally avoided the grays, blacks and whites that we saw elsewhere. www.sgnmag.com
NEXT EXIT: BLUE WHALE OF CATOOSA with rubber bands to stock in cubbies instead of folding them. Visitors can immediately see the color and size, and the shirts stay neat even when tour buses arrive. Unexpectedly, travelers also love that they’re “travel ready.” They can toss them in a purse or suitcase without worrying about wrinkles. We’ve also grouped products by color and placed impulse items like stickers, lapel pins and patches near the register. When space is limited, every square foot has to work a little harder.
One of the store’s displays props up a bear in a name-drop shirt on top of cubbies full of rolled up tees.
Instead, we embraced turquoise, coral, yellow, pink, ice blue and the popular sage green.
Q A
What goes into merchandising at the visitor center store?
Our shop is only about 400 square feet, and one of the best decisions we made was rolling our T-shirts tightly and securing them
78 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Q A
What does the Blue Whale mean to Catoosa today?
It means a lot. This place has been part of people’s lives for generations. At the end of the day, our shop isn’t the biggest part of the experience. It’s not the big star. The Blue Whale is. Our job is to tell that story, celebrate the history and give people one more reason to stop along Route 66. SGN
www.sgnmag.com
SOUVENIR FOCUS: AQUARIUMS
E APPEAL AQUATIC Aquarium and marine rescue center gift shop customers are drawn to memorable plush, custom creations and local finds they can take home. STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
very year, thousands of people visit The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, which is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. The center primarily rescues sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters along the California coastline and invites visitors to see its work in action. The Marine Mammal Center gift shop is small — just 500 square feet — but Retail and Marketing Operations Manager Michelle Honath packs in a lot to make the store a fun and memorable stop before guests leave the center. The store features a wall of souvenir T-shirts and caps, some relevant plush baskets
The Marine Mammal Center gift shop gets creative by putting seal plush in a “seal-barrow.” Customers can also find relevant gifts. Photos above: Gina Risso
80 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
SOUVENIR FOCUS: AQUARIUMS
and books. The store also has a bit of a boutique feel with carefully curated gifts available. “It’s not all souvenirs,” she explains. “We have some things, even if there’s a name drop on it, it might look a little more elevated than what you might find in a typical souvenir shop.” Case in point: Customers can purchase high-end soap from The Grecian Soap Co. that specifically promotes one of the center’s marine mammals on the packaging. Splashy displays also promote sales at aquarium and marine rescue center gift shops. Guests took notice when the “The gift shop was designed Mote Marine Laboas an extension of the first ratory & Aquarium floor, which is all about the sea. debuted the Mote Color schemes all match what Science Education we have on the first floor — we Aquarium (SEA) in have wavy designs throughout.” Sarasota, Florida, last year, along with a — SANDI FINEFIELD, MOTE SCIENCE EDUCATION AQUARIUM brand-new gift shop. “The gift shop was designed as an extension of the first floor, which is all about the sea,” says Store Director Sandi Finefield. “Color schemes all match what we have on the first floor — we have wavy designs throughout.” Finefield says she and the team at Event Network helped come up with the merchandisT-shirts from ing and product selection for the store last year. Mang Apparel are bestsellers In addition to traditional souvenir T-shirts and at Mote SEA mugs, the store also promotes local names and in Sarasota, Florida. brands to give guests a unique experience. And
82 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Guests can find totes, picture frames, and other gifts at The Marine Mammal Center. Photo: Gina Risso
Finefield says creating a memorable experience is her main objective. “My biggest goal is for us to give an experience — guests come for an experience,” she says. “They do not know our store is run by Event Network; we’re an extension of the aquarium. I want to surpass their experience from the aquarium to the gift shop.”
SWIMMING WITH STUFFIES Plush tends to be a top performer for many aquarium stores — these soft sellers easily remind people of the animals they saw during their visit. In Riverhead, New York, the City Treasures gift shop at Long Island Aquarium has no problem selling plush. Operations Manager and Buyer Connie Pellechia says plush is the store’s bestselling souvenir. “We carry a ton of plush in all sizes, shapes and prices,” she says. Since guests adore the aquarium’s African penguin exhibit, penguin plush is one of the more popular picks at the City Treasures gift shop. Pellechia says the axolotl trend has also not died down for her store. Seal plush is a fan favorite at The Marine Mammal Center store. Honath says guests smile at the “seal-barrow” display full of seal plushies. “It’s fun, and it’s similar to what we actually use for moving and weighing seals, but we have plush in it,” she explains. But the store’s No. 1 seller is the Adopt-A-Seal rescue crate, where guests can take home a seal plush in a small cardboard crate. “We partnered with Call For The Wild on www.sgnmag.com
SOUVENIR FOCUS: AQUARIUMS
Oregon Coast Aquarium puts plush on an island and uses mannequins to showcase trending styles.
that,” says Honath. “They developed the plush, and we created a custom cardboard crate that says ‘Adopt-A-Seal’ on it and our logo. It’s a really cute way for kids to feel like they’re taking an animal home.” Honath adds that the give-back nature of Adopt-A-Seal kits appeals to many customers. “People feel they make a bigger difference by symbolically adopting an animal. People connect with that story,” she says.
Picture books, toys and relevant plush appeal to kids visiting the Long Island Aquarium.
LOCAL LOVE Promoting local artists and vendors can also be a big sell at aquarium and rescue center stores. The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, features a whole room dedicated to higher end souvenirs made by local artists and vendors. Store Director Alexis Stewart says apparel with graphics from local artist Duncan Berry are top sellers for the Oregon Coast Aquarium store. “Because of the cooler temperatures on the coast, the Duncan Berry hoodie is the No. 1
thing we sell,” Stewart says. When customers suggested the store try selling T-shirts with designs by Salty Raven, another local artist, Stewart pitched the idea to Event Network’s purchasing team. The Salty Raven jellyfish T-shirts are now bestsellers at the store. Since Mote SEA tends to attract locals, highlighting local makers is also a selling point for that gift shop. Finefield says the store features displays supporting popular local brands such as Emerson and Friends apparel from Clearwater, Florida, as well as Florida-based Mang Apparel that offers sun protection shirts and plants a mangrove tree for every shirt sold. Honath adds that she promotes some local vendors and some smaller vendors through special diversity, equity and inclusion spotlights in her store. Several times a year, the store displays DEI merchandise for various groups, from Black History month to Pride month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. “It’s important to celebrate different voices,” she shares. “We want to have these voices in the store all year long.”
EMBRACING TRENDS Aquarium and marine rescue center stores regularly rotate their product mix to reflect changing trends. Stewart says the Oregon Coast Aquarium store gets new products in monthly during peak season. She has noticed customers seem drawn to nostalgic products these days. “We’ve all seen trends leaning toward late ’90s vibes,” she says. Instead of plain keychains, Stewart says 84 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
SOUVENIR FOCUS
TRY THIS
The Marine Mammal Center gift shop hosts vendor events to promote diversity, equity and inclusion several times a year. The store hosts Waves of Black Joy Market in February in honor of Black History Month and the Bloom and Belonging Market in May in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. guests love keychains that feature aquatic-themed charms. Softie keychains from Nature Planet are fun favorites this year at The Marine Mammal Center gift shop. Honath adds that a vintage logoed T-shirt is also quite popular at the store. “We call it the decade tee since it celebrates the first decade we were open,” she explains of the popular T-shirt design. Surprise is another element customers love at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, with many customers buying mystery dumpling toys and blind boxes. Stewart says the blind boxes feature different 3D-printed fidget toys inside. “We find that kids love to purchase two of these to see what they will get,” she explains. “I can never keep them stocked. They incentivize people to buy more until they get what they want.”
FINDING KEEPERS To keep up with new trends, many aquarium and marine rescue center retailers find it helpful to attend industry trade shows for inspiration. Pellechia says she typically attends IGES and the Smoky Mountain Gift Show to source new products. 86 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
SOUVENIR FOCUS: AQUARIUMS
“I deal with a multitude of vendors and attend buying shows to keep up with the hottest trends and meet potential new vendors,” she shares. “These buying shows are very important because you can also negotiate terms and get show specials, such as free shipping.” Honath says trade shows are a great place to ask vendors about custom product ideas. “The No. 1 thing I ask vendors at trade shows is, ‘Can you make this custom for me?’” she says. “Most of them are happy to have the business and realize if they can make something unique that sells well, you’ll come back and reorder.” When Honath learned about popular Turkish towels from Shaka Love, she asked the company about creating custom towels for her store. “I was able to work with them to design what we wanted. Now, they’re one of our bestsellers,” she says. Creating customized pieces that tell the story of The Marine Mammal Center often win the
www.sgnmag.com
hearts of guests and help them remember their experiences. “We try to make a big branding statement when you walk in,” she says. “People who shop with us want to give back and want to make a difference and know they aren’t just buying something — they’re supporting our mission. It’s rewarding.” SGN
STAND OUT
To stand out, try to carry souvenirs that might not be found at other attractions nearby. Alexis Stewart, store director at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, says souvenir ornaments consistently sell in her gift shop since few stores in the area carry them. “Surprisingly, we are one of the only gift shops that carries ornaments in our area,” she explains. “So we easily see people coming out with two to three ornaments.” Customers enjoy animal-themed ornaments, featuring otters, red crabs and puffins. Stewart places ornaments in popular spots, including the queue line and by the hoodie wall.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 87
MERCHANDISING: AMUSEMENT PARK APPAREL
FASHIONABLE Amusement park and water park retailers find strategic ways to merchandise apparel and related accessories in their stores.
W
Kalahari Resorts tells stories with its apparel displays, pairing similar themes together to promote add-on sales in its stores.
FUN
STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
hen visitors to Kalahari Resorts peruse merchandise in its stores, they will typically find folded hoodies up in front on display tables and mannequins scattered about promoting the latest styles. A couple of the many stores within each location also feature swimwear and neatly showcase both men’s and women’s styles on slatwall racks. Kalahari Resorts operates large indoor water parks in
Round Rock, Texas; Sandusky, Ohio; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. While many people come to Kalahari Resorts to swim, they also leave plenty of time for dining and shopping. Each Kalahari Resort destination has seven stores for customers to shop, and apparel is a top category in many of these stores, according to Corporate Retail Director Nikki Coyle. Water park resort guests are the primary customers, but Coyle says others stop by just to purchase a hoodie, flip flops or swimwear.
88 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
MERCHANDISING: AMUSEMENT PARK APPAREL
“We’re kind of like an indoor outlet mall,” she says. “Even if you’re not staying on property, you can still come to have a great meal and shop.” Apparel can be a strong category for amusement parks and water parks like Kalahari Re-
“Even if it’s 90 degrees out, people still want that sweatshirt.” — NIKKI COYLE, KALAHARI RESORTS sorts, but the key is knowing the top styles and merchandising them in a way that entices buys.
FROM BRIGHT TO EARTHY Across all four Kalahari Resorts locations, hoodies are a No. 1 apparel seller — even in the scorching hot summer season. “Even if it’s 90 degrees out, people still want that sweatshirt,” says Coyle. Amusement park and water park visitors at attractions across the country enjoy collecting hoodies with park or ride name drops to commemorate their visits. Chris Swanson, director of HAPI marketing, music, museums and gift shop at Arnolds Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa, says crew sweatshirts and hoodies are the biggest apparel sellers in the amusement park store. MV Sport is among the store’s top apparel suppliers offering several different options. “We have mainly crew sweatshirts and hoodies along with T-shirts from infant size to 5XL,” he says. “We have a new T-shirt design with our logo on the pocket that was a big hit this year.” Many water and amusement park customers are also drawn to tie-dye T-shirts and hoodies. Coyle says this has been the case for as long as she can remember. “I’ve tried to walk away from the tie-dye tees, but every time, people ask what’s going on,” says Coyle. “Tie-dye is still a No. 1 destination apparel garment people still go to. I think it has a lot to do with amusement, thinking A classic wooden canoe holds trendy sweatshirts and tees at Arnolds Park.
90 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Playful shark plush and netting help shark-themed tees stand out in this display at Kalahari Resorts.
about fun, loud colors.” “Tie-dye doesn’t die,” agrees Nancy Gorman, retail operations manager at Waldameer Park & Water World in Erie, Pennsylvania. “The more traditional tie-dye and multicolored pastels are most popular.”
SHOPPING BY STYLE When setting up their apparel sections, many amusement park and water park retailers say they have more success with placing similar colors and similar styles together rather than by size or material type. “We try to carry mainly unisex clothing,” says Swanson. “Organization is more about the design than the type of T-shirt.” In both Waldameer’s main amusement park store and water park shop, apparel is grouped by color and design as well. “I used to group things by size, but I’ve learned it’s better to keep like colors together,” Gorman says. “Browns go together, blues go together to make it easier for people to find what they want.” Coyle notes that brighter colors can help to win over more sales with kids’ apparel — and placing these vibrant tees and sweatshirts in the store window can bring entire families into the store to shop. www.sgnmag.com
MERCHANDISING
Name-drop T-shirts, crew neck sweaters and sweatshirts hang neatly along slat wall in Waldameer’s gift shop.
“When it comes to kids, the only way I merchandise is just to ensure that the brighter pops of color show up in the window displays,” she says. “Typically, the kid is going to say, ‘Oh, I want that sweatshirt. I love that bright purple.’ That brings them into the store.”
NEATNESS SELLS Strategic apparel presentations can go a long way in encouraging amusement park and water park customers to buy a new ride tee or sweatshirt. At Waldameer’s two gift
“I used to group things by size, but I’ve learned it’s better to keep like colors together. Browns go together, blues go together to make it easier for people to find what they want.” — NANCY GORMAN, WALDAMEER PARK & WATER WORLD shops, Gorman leans on slat wall hooks and hangers to showcase all the T-shirts, sweatshirts and swimwear. “Everything is on hangers — nothing is folded on display,” she says. But in Waldameer’s storerooms, all apparel comes in folded neatly. Gorman says she likes to keep extra apparel inventory folded so these extra T-shirts and sweatshirts don’t accidentally get stretched out on hangers before they’re on the sales floor. Coyle says she displays T-shirts and sweatshirts in a variety of ways at Kalahari Resorts stores. Some T-shirts are neatly folded up on display tables. “We use folding boards to make sure they’re crisp,” she notes. Swimwear is often hung on slat wall in the back of the store. Other T-shirts are on spinners with plexiglass cub92 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
MERCHANDISING: AMUSEMENT PARK APPAREL
bies that show the design with tees neatly folded in little cubbies. Coyle adds that hoodies tend to only work well on hangers. If a EASY ADD ONS hoodie design is on To boost sales, Kalahari Resorts the back, Coyle says places some easy add-on items she turns the hoodies next to apparel. Corporate Retail backward to display in Director Nikki Coyle says hats are the store. always a great add-on item to “Hoodies look place near casual apparel. better hanging than folded,” she says. “We can give it more character and dimension when it’s hanging.”
ENCOURAGE APPAREL SALES Using fun fixtures or creative displays for apparel can help amusement park and water park retailers encourage more sales in this category. Swanson says a big wooden boat filled with sweatshirts is an eye catcher for customers as they walk into the store.
94 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
“That’s often the first place they look in our store,” he describes. Since Waldameer is a seasonal business only open May through Labor Day, Gorman keeps a sales rack in her store to ensure old T-shirt and sweatshirt styles move. “The sales rack in the gift shop always does great,” she adds. Placing caps near T-shirts or sunglasses near swimwear is a smart strategy at Kalahari Resorts’ stores. Coyle shares that storytelling with the apparel collections has also proven to be a successful strategy for Kalahari Resorts’ stores. “I always say to my team when they’re merchandising to make it clean and simple for the guest,” she says. “You want to tell them a story. If they come in and see a sweatshirt that matches a T-shirt, it gives them the opportunity to add on. If we keep it clean and show that everything matches, it makes everything an easier find for the guests.” SGN
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: KIDS
REFRESH THE FUN
Toys and games can be a popular category for museum stores, and these retailers are responding to the latest trends and play patterns. STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
T
he Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, is a popular science and nature museum located right on the waterfront in town, but Retail Manager Olivia Burritt says the destination also acts a bit like a local children’s museum. Kids regularly engage in dozens of hands-on activities at the museum, from a magnetic ball wall to climbing areas for little ones. “We rotate through some different STEM and science activities to get kids really engaged with learning related to exhibits on the floor,” she describes. With these young visitors in mind, the Echo’s bright and colorful gift shop is overflowing with fun finds like dinosaur plush, sensory toys, building kits, educational board books and more. “With more of an emphasis on children’s toys, I call our gift shop part toy store,” says Burritt. “There really aren’t a lot of toy stores in the area, so I like to be able to fill that void.” Even with rising inflation, parents and grandparents alike are eager to spend money on kids these days, especially when it comes to toys, games and other items that engage play. According to the Toy Trends Briefing at Toy Fair in February, 77% of parents reported that they would rather reduce their spending elsewhere before eliminating toys for their kids in their budgets, up slightly from 69% in 2024. Kids will always be drawn to the toy and game category, but The Toy Association noted that some patterns of play and popular toys are changing. Many museum retailers like Echo have also recognized these trends and are embracing toys, games and accessories that appeal to today’s kids.
96 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
A green triceratops fixture holds fun toys for kids to peruse at the Echo Leahy Center gift shop. Shelves also hold popular STEM kits for kids to take home. www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: KIDS
STEM toys and kits win over parents and kids at Nevada Discovery Museum’s gift shop.
SQUISHY SURPRISES Small toys that squish and surprise are trending for many destination retailers this year. Burritt keeps a large selection of squish and fidget toys available from brands like ToySmith and the ever-popular NeeDoh. “Kids currently are obsessed with squishy things — it’s all the rage!” she shares. “I keep a lot of squishy, fidget and other toys I think kids are more interested in on our display centerpiece.” Rachel Howard, museum coordinator for the Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum in Reno, Nevada, is often asked about the museum store’s stash of squish toys. “We get asked the most right now about NeeDoh (and other squishies)!” she comments.
98 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Blind boxes filled with squish toys can be even more popular than a standalone squish toy. They are a top seller at the Frost Science Museum gift shop in Miami. Magda Meza, senior director of membership and retail strategy at Frost Science, says these boxes are regularly moving in her store. “If I had to sum up today’s trends in one word, it would be ‘surprise,’” she says. “Squishies, blind boxes and surprise collectibles are incredibly popular because kids love the excitement of not knowing what they’ll get.”
PLUSH PICKS Plush is a staple with kids, and museum retailers find that relevant plushies resonate with kids and parents alike. Wild Republic plush snakes always catch customers’ eyes at the Nevada Discovery Museum for their bright patterns and textures. Howard says she’s also a big fan of Douglas for their
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: KIDS
variety of plush and Nature Planet for their cute Paleozoic stuffies. Aerospace-themed plushies stand out at Seattle’s Museum of Flight gift shop. Manager of Retail Strategy Mary Christensen says kids and parents enjoy adorable Celestial Buddies plush characters that personify celestial objects in the solar system. Soft Stuff Creations’ line of airplane plush also appeal to kids. And since Snoopy has been a mascot for NASA since the Apollo program, Christensen says the store features a variety of Snoopy toys and plush from Aurora. “So many people are hooking their small plush onto backpacks and purses,” ChrisFUN FACT tensen says. “They’re a great way to be According to The expressive in a way that’s not just a T-shirt Toy Association, or jewelry.” 78% of parents want more toys that help LAUGHING AND LEARNING kids develop skills Lately, STEM-focused toys have been a like creativity and problem-solving. hit, too. Museum retailers have noticed
100 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Dino toys and plush are on the center display table at the Frost Science store.
that parents love buying STEM toys and kits for their kids, especially if they’re screen free. Burritt stocks a whole wall with science kits at Echo’s store, which is a win with the parents. “Parents are always looking for things that keep kids off screen time,” she says. Echo carries a variety of Melissa and Doug
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: KIDS
The cute and cuddly Celestial Buddies plush toys are always a hit at the Museum of Flight store.
toys to appeal to younger kids. For older kids, the store has several Smithsonian-branded kits focused on rocks and gemstones or volcanos. Burritt says she has also started to carry a new kit she found at Toy Fair from Thames and Kosmos that invites kids to build a pinball machine or robotic arm. Screen-free toys are also popular at the Museum of Flight. Christensen says Hot Wings are always great sellers for her store. “They have a huge selection of aircraft and added play value with a section of runway to build your own airport as you collect the planes,” she says. Families are also looking for toys and games they can play with their kids. “STEM games, brain teasers and fast-paced family games
102 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
continue to be favorites because they combine learning with laughter,” says Meza.
TIPS FOR TOYS Museum retailers say that it’s important to make sure their stores are inviting to families and that their toys are strategically merchandised. Christensen says having a more open store layout encourages families to walk around and shop the Museum of Flight store more easily. To keep kids occupied and test out some toys, Burritt says she always has some toy demo stations in the store. “If you have capacity in your store, include spaces that kids can play in with demo items,” she says. “If I have a new item and I’m not sure how it’s going to do, I order demo items and have one open so kids can play and explore. I really don’t think there’s a downside to demos aside from finding the space for it. Always make those when you can.” SGN
www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: CAMP 33 GIFT SHOP
CAMP 33 GIFT SHOP Tahquamenon Falls, MI OWNER: Barrett Ludlow BESTSELLERS: Name-drop apparel, plush and impulse souvenirs RETAIL TIP: Focus name-drop products on what makes you unique. n a Harmo otos: Gin h P . 3 3 t Camp dition a mily tra fa a n o carries Ludlow Barrett r e n w O
STORY BY K RIST E N HA M PSHIRE
Legacy at the falls
B
At Camp 33 Gift Shop, generations of family stewardship, destination-inspired retail and Upper Peninsula hospitality come together in a remote spot by Tahquamenon Falls.
efore there was a road to Tahquamenon Falls, there was a vision. In the 1940s, logger Jack Barrett owned the land surrounding what would become one of Michigan’s most treasured natural attractions. At the time, reaching the Upper Falls meant traveling by boat or horseback through the forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He believed more people should be able to experience the falls without sacrificing the wilderness that made them so remarkable. So, he and his wife, Mimi, donated 158 of his 160 acres to the state of Michigan with one stipulation: the road and parking area would end before the falls, preserving the final stretch as a walk through the woods.
The remaining two acres became Camp 33, which eventually became the name of the store. “He had 32 logging camps in the area, so he built a replica that served the public as a gift shop with souvenirs and concessions,” says third generation owner, Barrett Ludlow, who runs Camp 33 with his sister, Lark. Today, roughly 650,000 visitors make their way to Tahquamenon Falls State Park each year. Many continue beyond the trailhead to Camp 33, where an expansive post-and-beam gift shop, brewery and pub carry on the Barrett family’s legacy. “The pride in the family tradition is what keeps me going,” says Ludlow. This sense of stewardship has shaped the destination for generations.
104 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: CAMP 33 GIFT SHOP
“The pride in the family tradition is what keeps me going.” — BARRETT LUDLOW
At Camp 33, name-drop T-shirts hang neatly off slat wall, while some relevant decor lines shelves.
THE FALLS, IN FOCUS Unlike many Upper Peninsula retailers that celebrate the region broadly, Camp 33 specifically celebrates the falls and the park. Ludlow stays true to this name drop across categories, including apparel, which represents roughly 45% of annual sales. Sweatshirts, T-shirts and fleece featuring Tahquamenon Falls anchor the assortment, giving visitors something directly connected to where they’ve just spent the day. Lakeshirts supplies much of the premium apparel, a partnership Ludlow has relied on for years. Blue 84 has become another important vendor, carrying an added family connection — Ludlow’s son represents the line. Prairie Mountain and Salt Creek round out the apparel mix, with Sherry Manufacturing value-priced shirts displayed on rolling racks outside the store. The combination gives shoppers choices whether they’re looking for an embroidered hoodie they’ll wear for years or a budget-friendly T-shirt to remember the trip. “I sell those for $20 or two for $30,” Ludlow says of the lower-priced shirts. “People think that’s the best deal they’ve got going.” Balance matters when your customer Customers can take home a picturesque mug of Tahquamenon Falls.
106 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
base includes everyone from hikers and campers to international travelers, retirees touring the Upper Peninsula and families.
A VARIETY SHOW While apparel may dominate sales, it doesn’t define the Camp 33 shop experience. Plush moose, bears, wolves, owls and eagles are tucked into Camp 33’s massive timber beams as though they’ve wandered in from the surrounding forest. Aurora plush is merchandised overhead, drawing families deeper into the store. Stuffed animal motifs are true to the falls’ nature, all indigenous to the region. Visitors stocking up on keepsakes also grab locally produced maple syrup, jams and pantry items. Montana-based Huckleberry People supplies name-dropped candy bars and sweets that travel well, while upstairs, artwork by regional artists, wildlife prints and handcrafted gifts offer something more substantial than the typical vacation souvenir. ALWAYS EVOLVING The core categories may not have changed much over the past 37 years, but the way visitors shop certainly has. For decades, postcards were practically a requirement at a destination like Tahquamenon Falls. “I used to sell a roll of film every day,” Ludlow quips. “That’s gone.” www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: CAMP 33 GIFT SHOP
Everything from coasters to plush ties to wildlife seen at Tahquamenon Falls and in the Upper Peninsula.
Camp 33 still carries a selection of postcards by Penrod Hiawatha. While shoppers may send fewer postcards home than they once did, they still want an affordable reminder of the trip. Stickers are the latest collectible impulse buy. Visitors peel through racks featuring Tahquame-
consistency rather than chasing every trend. More than 20 floor displays showcase personalized merchandise from Wayne Carver, Artistic Impressions and Swibco, giving visitors an opportunity to find keychains, bracelets and jewelry bearing their names. White Mountain
“There are a lot of memories here for a lot of people, and I’m happy we’re able to provide a great experience for them after visiting the falls.” — BARRETT LUDLOW non Falls, the Upper Peninsula, Paradise, Michigan, wildlife and one character that’s become an unexpected retail celebrity: Bigfoot. Ludlow carries eight Bigfoot T-shirt designs along with coordinating stickers, leaning into the playful folklore that has become part of Northwoods culture. Drinkware, shot glasses, magnets, keychains and postcards remain staples supplied by longtime partners including American Gift Corp. and Cape Shore. Sometimes the next bestseller arrives with no warning. Ludlow laughs, recalling a salesman who introduced him to dumpling squishies. “I didn’t know what they were,” he admits, wondering why a dumpling squishy would have a cult following. Still, he ordered a modest assortment for the kids. But Camp 33’s merchandising philosophy remains rooted in Relevant stuffies overlook shelves of name-drop shirts.
108 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Puzzles featuring scenes of Tahquamenon Falls continue performing well with families, while Mother Moose ornaments commemorate visits with ceramic keepsakes designed specifically for the destination.
CARRYING ON THE VISION For Ludlow, Camp 33 has never been measured by transaction totals. It’s all about the people. That gratitude extends to the people on the Camp 33 team. “We’ve been blessed with some really great employees,” he says. The destination continues evolving as well. Today, many visitors settle onto the expansive deck overlooking the property after hiking the falls, enjoying handcrafted beer and a meal at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub before wandering next door to shop. The brewery has become an attraction in its own right, complementing the retail experience. “You know, people get engaged here, get married here,” he relates. “They’ve been here as kids and come back 50 years later. There are a lot of memories here for a lot of people, and I’m happy we’re able to provide a great experience for them after visiting the falls.” SGN www.sgnmag.com
BUSINESS: CASH FLOW
3 SIMPLE TWEAKS FOR CASH FLOW IMPROVEMENT Keep your business afloat with these simple strategies for improving cash flow.
t’s no secret that 2026 has come with its share of surprises and challenges. So many retailers, and businesses in general, are trying to navigate tax increases, neighborhood changes, inflation, reduced traffic, and many other obstacles that seem to diminish cash flow. Now, more than ever, finding the best tools and techniques to maximize cash flow has to be a priority. Thankfully, small adjustments can have an enormous impact on a business. These tweaks are easy to implement, and if done properly, will bring about tremendous change. More importantly, these tweaks are the way to ensure your retail business has good cash flow in this or any economy. You don’t just do this once; you can revisit these strategies from time.
TWEAK #1: ADJUSTING YOUR SELLING COST. Most retail businesses operate on some form of base plus commission. This is an area that I find to be implemented poorly in many businesses. Many stores pay commissions on the first dollar sold, but this should not be the case. Salespeople should be required to hit a goal. Too often, I have noticed that commissions are not planned in such 112 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
a way as to keep the cost of sales in line. Let’s tweak that and see the results. First, a definition. “Selling cost” is defined as the percentage of your sales that go to pay for your salespeople. The formula for your selling cost is Total Cost of Sales (which includes salaries plus commission) divided by Total Sales (without tax). As an example, if you have an employee whose payroll cost for last month is $1,700 and that employee sells $12,500, then the selling cost for that employee is $1,700/$12,500 = 13.6%. Now, what if you put in a commission plan that keeps the sales at a good percentage, such as 9%? Try this — take the hourly wage for your employee and divide it by ORIGINAL SITUATION
IMPROVED SITUATION
$750,000
$750,000
Fixed Expenses
$172,500
$172,500
Variable Expenses
$142,500
$127,500
Profit before COGS
$435,000
$450,000
Revenue
IMPROVEMENT
$15,000
www.sgnmag.com
© ADOBE STOCK | SAHRAYA
I
STO RY BY DAN J AB LON S
BUSINESS: CASH FLOW
0.09. That number is the employee’s hourly goal. For example, if you have an employee who is paid $10 per hour, divide $10 by 0.09 and you would get $111.00. That is what that employee has to sell each hour. Now take that hourly goal and multiply it by the number of hours that person works in a week. If the employee works 30 hours, the goal is $3,330. As soon as they hit that goal in the week, you can pay them 9% of all sales above the $3,330. This gives your employees more incentive to sell, helps them earn great commissions and keeps your selling cost low.
We did that in a store where annual sales were $750,000. With this approach, we lowered their selling cost by 2%, resulting in an extra $15,000 in cash to the bottom line.
$15,000
TWEAK #2 – LOWERING YOUR PURCHASES. We took a store and found ways to lower their inventory purchases by 2%. Look at the results in the chart on this page. Yes, it’s another $15,000 improvement. This was not done by hacking 2% off of all orders unilaterally. It was done by determining which classes are “signature” classes for the store and which ones are carrying more inventory than they should. This was done systematically, using all the tools of open-to-buy planning. Our overall goal was to cut purchases by 2%, but we had to figure out precisely how and where. If you aren’t using an open-to-buy plan to do this, look into getting one to lower your inventory purchases.
114 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
Revenue
ORIGINAL SITUATION
IMPROVED SITUATION
$750,000
$750,000
Purchases (%)
55%
53%
Purchases ($)
$412,500
$397,500
Gross Profit
$337,500
$352,500
IMPROVEMENT
BUSINESS: CASH FLOW
Revenue
ORIGINAL SITUATION
IMPROVED SITUATION
$750,000
$750,000
Markdown (%)
21%
19%
Markdown ($)
$157,500
$142,500
Gross Profit (%)
45.50%
46.50%
Gross Profit
$341,250
$348,750
IMPROVEMENT
$7,500
TWEAK #3 – ADJUSTING MARKDOWNS. Let me start this section by saying that there is no such thing as a “perfect buyer” and my retail customers have often heard me say that buying is the toughest job in the store. Having said that, there are some strategies we can use to reduce or limit the markdowns. First, most independent retailers do not have a solid markdown strategy. Goods need to be given a sufficient time on the floor to sell, but after that they need to be identified as slow movers. Markdowns are usually caused by the following: receipt of late goods, overbuying, inadequate department structure, bad forecasting, bad buying, overly broad assortment, bad performance on the sales floor and not reacting to early poor sellers. We can develop strategies and measurements to reduce or control all of these. For example, if vendors ship late, we either get free shipping, markdown money, or we return the goods. Here’s the tweak for this one — let’s lower the markdowns by 2%. You can see the results. CONCLUSION By implementing all three tweaks, we get the following increase in cash: • Lowered selling cost by 2%= $15,000 • Lowered purchases by 2% = $15,000 • Lowered markdowns by 2% = $7,500 We produced $37,500 on a $750,000 business. And it didn’t come from a crazy new marketing idea. It came from watching the numbers, not only based upon what happened but what we expected to happen and working with the buyers, the vendors and the store managers. What if this was applied to your store? It’s truly worth a shot. SGN Through Retail Smart Guys, Dan Jablons helps independent retailers in 18 countries create great cash flow through planning. He can be reached at dan@retailsmartguys.com. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 115
CASE STUDY: TITANIC POP-UP STORE
ALL HANDS ON DECK The Great Lakes Science Center and its partners create a dedicated retail operation for TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition.
W
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
hen TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition opened at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland this spring, guests stepped into one of history’s most recognizable stories through recovered artifacts, immersive technology and life-size recreations of spaces aboard the Ship of Dreams. But behind the scenes, another large-scale operation was unfolding: the creation of a fully dedicated retail environment designed to extend the visitor experience long after guests left the galleries. “There are a lot of moving parts,” says Amanda DeSena, store director at Great Lakes Science Center. “There
are exhibits, construction, retail, curators, security — all the things. Cross-collaboration and coordination have been key to manage the compression of time when a lot of major events are happening at the science center.” The blockbuster exhibition, running May 21, 2026, to Jan. 18, 2027, marks the third time in the science center’s 30-year history that it has hosted a Titanic exhibition. This iteration includes more than 200 authentic recovered artifacts, immersive galleries, a new virtual reality experience and a dedicated Titanic retail store built directly into the exhibition exit experience. For museum leadership, retail was never viewed as an afterthought. It’s every bit a part of the iconic experience. “When we bring in exhibits, we look at all of the
116 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: TITANIC POP-UP STORE
revenue streams through retail, audio tours and other experiences,” says Amanda Taunt, vice president of operations at Great Lakes Science Center. “Retail is a significant portion.”
Puzzles, apparel and plush are among the many specialty Titanic-themed merchandise.
BUILDING A SECOND STORE The Titanic exhibition occupies roughly 13,000 square feet inside the Science Center’s traveling exhibition space. Within that footprint, con-
dual retail operations under one roof. Operationally, Taunt says the project required close coordination between the Science Center, experiential exhibition company (EM Group) and retail partner Event Network. “They work with our buyers to look at what is available and tailor those items for retail that we know will do well based on what we see typically in the museum and what we’ve seen in other locations,” she says.
CURATING THE STORY The merchandise mix was designed to mirror the emotional and educational arc of the exhibition. Guests move through galleries exploring the construction of Titanic, recreated passenger spaces, the boiler room, the iceberg collision and memorial areas before exiting directly into retail. A forced exit through the dedicated retail space is intentional. “There’s definitely science behind the forced exit through the shop, and you can typically convert that into a sale,” DeSena says. The product assortment includes souvenirs, plush, apparel, books and exhibit-specific col-
“There’s definitely science behind the forced exit through the shop, and you can typically convert that into a sale.” — AMANDA DESENA, STORE DIRECTOR struction crews transformed part of the gallery into an enclosed retail environment that functions as a standalone store. The temporary space required walls, fixtures, cabinetry and flexible merchandising elements that could support changing inventory and guest flow throughout the exhibition’s run. “They are making one traveling exhibit hall into multiple rooms,” DeSena explains, relating that the shop measures 841 square feet. It’s a significant temporary footprint designed specifically for exhibition traffic. Fixtures throughout the space were built for flexibility, including movable wall systems, tables and display cabinets mounted on wheels to allow adjustments as needed. At the same time, Great Lakes Science Center continued operating its permanent 2,200-squarefoot Science Store upstairs, effectively managing 118 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
lectibles designed to appeal to multiple generations of visitors. Some of the most distinctive products tie directly to artifacts and spaces featured inside the exhibition. “One of the things I was really excited to see
Many souvenirs in the shop are artifact replicas or items that capture the essence of the experience. www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: TITANIC POP-UP STORE
Many of the items inside the shop were designed specifically for the exhibit.
is some of the dishware — recreations of dishes that were used in the first-class dining room and in third class,” says Taunt. Exhibit-exclusive merchandise also plays an important role in the retail strategy. That exclusivity helps transform the store into an extension of the experience rather than simply a traditional museum exit shop. “You can only get these gifts when you are in this specific exhibit,” Taunt says.
TIMING THE VOYAGE Executing the project required an intense installation timeline complicated by overlapping seasonal activity at the Science Center. “This is literally justin-time,” DeSena says.
120 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
“We knew it will drive a lot of anticipation and attendance, and we want to make sure everything is done exactly right.” As trucks carrying exhibit infrastructure and merchandise arrived at the loading dock in May, just a couple of weeks before the VIP grand opening, retail teams simultaneously prepared systems, staffing and inventory management processes behind the scenes. DeSena estimated roughly 4,000 individual merchandise pieces were received, entered into the museum’s software systems and labeled before opening the shop. At the same time, the science center was balancing community programming surrounding USS Cleveland and staffing preparation heading into the summer tourism season. Specialized handling protocols added another layer of coordination. According to DeSena, only designated RMS Titanic personnel were permitted to handle
www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: TITANIC POP-UP STORE
certain incoming pallets tied to the exhibition. Truck drivers could open trailers, but unloading and documentation procedures remained tightly controlled for security and insurance purposes. “It really is like running a whole other operation,” Taunt says.
EXTENDING THE EXPERIENCE Before the opening, anticipation surrounding the exhibition was shaping expectations for retail performance. “I’ve always known people were into Titanic,” DeSena says. “But the amount of stuff they are buying in the store is just mind-blowing.” DeSena and Event Network, which operates The Science Store, worked alongside other Titanic exhibit destinations that had already opened and closed the show and shop. Specifically, she connected with a store director at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which opened its Titanic exhibition two months prior.
www.sgnmag.com
Customers can purchase their own “Heart of the Ocean” necklace made popular by the movie, Titanic.
The Oregon museum store staff was surprised at the amount of merchandise sold during the exhibition and suggested stocking up. That level of demand reflects Titanic’s cultural fascination more than a century after the ship’s maiden voyage. The store represents something more personal: a final chance to take a part of the story home. DeSena says, “Visitors will not find this merchandise anywhere else, which makes the retail experience even more valuable.” SGN
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 121
PRODUCT TREND: STICKERS, PINS AND PATCHES
STORY BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
Stickers, pins and patches give travelers an easy, affordable way to show where they’ve been — and a little bit about who they are.
B
efore Gloria Chupp was selling Ohio Statehouse lapel pins and astronaut stickers, she was selling all kinds of bling. The manager of the Statehouse Museum Shop in Columbus, Ohio, previously worked as a lead at a Saks Fifth Avenue shop. Today, her customers at the Statehouse Museum Shop range from fourth graders on school trips and state legis-
lators to tourists from around the world. Some big names come through the door, too. On her second day on the job, the prime minister of Ireland walked through the door. Different shoppers. Different budgets. One thing many have in common: They want a little something that says, “I was here.” Stickers at the Statehouse Museum Shop feature Columbus landmarks, the Ohio Statehouse and the state itself. Chupp says an Ohioans in Space collection taps into the state’s astronaut connections, while lapel pins depict the Statehouse, Ohio flag, state seal, gavels and scales of justice. Girl Scout troops pick up patches to mark their visit. Small, affordable and easy to pack, stickers, pins and patches are giving destination retailers plenty of ways to Guests to the Ohio Statehouse Museum Shop can find collectible pins as well as patches from the Ohioans in Space collection (above) and state-shaped stickers. Photos: Matt Reese
122 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: STICKERS, PINS AND PATCHES
turn a place, experience or even favorite animal into a souvenir that travels.
Some beachy sticker designs from Stickers Northwest give a water bottle more character.
STICK WITH THE STORY Wholesalers are feeling retailers’ enthusiasm for the category. Arden Darnell, sales manager for Tacoma, Washington-based Stickers Northwest, says the company’s classic 3¼-inch die-cut vinyl sticker remains the company’s bestseller. But in January, it introduced Mini Trios, collections of three stickers each slightly larger than a quarter. The smaller format quickly caught on, and the company now offers 75 collections. Rose Schneider, president of Colorado-based The Grasshopper’s Mermaid, is seeing the same appetite for smaller sizes. “Mini stickers have been really popular this year,” she says.
124 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Schneider started the company in 2017 with two sticker designs and a binder of artwork she carried from store to store. Today, the company offers thousands of designs to customers including cruise accounts, zoos, aquariums, and state and national parks. Despite a crowded market, stickers maintain a fundamental advantage: They’re an inexpensive, emotional purchase. A child with $5 to spend in a museum shop can buy one. Adults can toss a couple into their purchase without thinking too hard about the price. “Stickers are the modern-day postcard,” Schneider says. “They show where you’ve been.”
MAKE IT THEIRS Adding a place name can make that little purchase even more powerful. At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s gift shop, Heather Hendricks, retail operations manager, sees that firsthand. Both the Cleveland skyline
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: STICKERS, PINS AND PATCHES
and Cleveland-script stickers are popular with tourists, while animal designs give visitors another way to remember what they saw. The zoo’s red pandas lead animal merchandise sales, followed by snow leopards, elephants, giraffes, gorillas and tigers. And babies? “Stickers are Those are hard to resist. the modern-day That specificity extends to merpostcard. They chandising. A large pin spinner greets show where shoppers near the front of the store, while you’ve been.” pins are also worked into feature tables — Rose Schneider, telling the stories of particular animals, The Grasshopper’s often alongside coordinating magnets Mermaid and keychains. Stickers get prominent treatment, too. The zoo recently added a second spinner, and water bottles displayed nearby help shoppers picture where those stickers might land. Event-specific designs take personalization another step. Stickers commemorating experiences such as the Asian Lantern Festival and
126 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Native wildlife and tribal themes are popular on stickers at The Mill at Ward Cove in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Wild Winter Lights give guests a souvenir of not only where they went but what they did there.
GO HYPERLOCAL Sometimes the more specific the souvenir, the better the story. At The Mill at Ward Cove, a 60,000-squarefoot retail operation seven miles north of down-
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: STICKERS, PINS AND PATCHES
town Ketchikan, Alaska, Director of Retail Richard Brensinger sees travelers collecting pieces of Alaska that can go wherever they go next. Stickers have a substantial presence at major checkout areas. Pins and patches turn bears, whales, hiking boots and mountain goats into portable pieces of Alaska. Then there’s the banana slug. The creatures are common in the rainforest surrounding Ketchikan and have a quirky local following that includes banana slug races. Visitors who have researched the area someName-drop designs sell on stickers at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
128 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
times arrive already looking for them. The Mill at Ward Cove carries banana slugs on stickers, patches and more. “They are cool and hip this year,” Brensinger says.
KNOW WHAT TRAVELS Broader cultural interests can work, too. At Stickers Northwest, 18 of the company’s top 20 designs are not tied to a specific region. Pets are particularly strong, with multiple cat and dog designs among the bestsellers. Outdoor critters have staying power, while Darnell says the houseplant craze of several years ago has cooled. The company watches viral trends but doesn’t recommend chasing every fleeting craze. A raccoon, possum and skunk design bearing the message “Respect the Locals,” for example, can sell across markets without relying on an internet moment. Schneider takes a similarly tailored approach, working with retailers rather than
www.sgnmag.com
PRODUCT TREND: STICKERS, PINS AND PATCHES
assuming the same assortment will perform everywhere. For a zoo or aquarium, that could mean a new animal, exhibit or baby. A mountain shop might lean into regional wildlife and scenery. The goal is giving shoppers something that feels connected to the experience they just had. “We don’t see the same stickers from store to store,” she says.
COLLECT THE EXPERIENCE Stickers may command plenty of attention, but pins and patches bring their own collecting traditions. At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, pins outperform keychains, Hendricks says. Zoo volunteers collect them on their lanyards, while visitors add them to hats and other gear.
www.sgnmag.com
Patches have become more niche, but certain audiences remain loyal. The zoo’s annual Girl Scout Day is its strongest day for patch sales. Chupp sees the same behavior at the Statehouse Museum Shop, where visiting scout troops collect patches as markers of the places they’ve explored. For The Mill at Ward Cove, pins land on hats and patches on luggage. Brensinger’s own suitcase is covered in stickers from his travels. “It’s like a badge of honor,” he says. SGN
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has red panda pins and safari animal patches.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 129
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM
LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM Draper, UT STORE DIRECTOR: Isac Manns BESTSELLERS: Plush and 3D-printed toys RETAIL TIP: Give young shoppers a value section.
Store
on ce Nels otos: Ali h P . e n tim ave a fu guests h re u s s e k anns ma r Isac M Directo
STORY BY K RIST E N HA M PSHIRE
A whole world in store
A
At Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, a gift shop filled with plush, playful finds and souvenirs from across the animal kingdom gives guests one more place to explore. n aquarium in the Utah desert is unexpected enough. Then there’s the 165-foot-tall structure rising outside. Visible from the highway, EECO — short for Ecosystem Exploration Craft & Observatory — spent its former life traveling the world as the stage for U2’s 360° Tour. Today, the repurposed 200-ton steel structure towers over the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah. “People come in and are curious about the stage,” says Isac Manns, store director for the aquarium’s Event Network-operated gift shop. “Guests will drive by and say, ‘What’s that?’ and turn around and come in.” What they discover is a world-class aquarium in a
landlocked state, home to more than 5,600 animals representing more than 600 species. The store has two entrances and occupies a prominent spot near the aquarium’s main atrium. Some visitors browse as soon as they arrive, while others save their shopping for the end. At the center of it all is what the retail team calls “plush island,” a large display filled with cubbies and animals representing species found throughout the aquarium. Throughout the shop, Manns and his team focus on a product selection and merchandising strategy that connects guests’ favorite encounters to what’s in store. But there’s a winner across age groups: “Plush is definitely our biggest category,” says Manns.
130 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM
Displays in the aquarium store feature some otter-themed tees as well as a wide selection of drinkware.
PICK YOUR FAVORITE Penguins are perennial stars, helped along by an encounter that allows guests to go behind the scenes and feed them. Manns makes sure the store gives the popular birds plenty of attention. “We always try to highlight penguins as much as we can in the shop,” he says, pointing to plush, magnets, apparel and other merchandise. Otters are another favorite — and the assortment evolves as the aquarium does. For example, a recently opened learning center nearly doubled the facility’s size and includes a cloud forest within its expanded Expedition Asia experience. The retail team responded with a display near the front of the store featuring animals represented in the exhibit. Swaddle babies by Rhode Island Novelty span the animal kingdom and include the destination’s favorites. “You can take them out of their little swings to hold them,” he describes. Other popular finds include diver dolls that “swim” in the bath and a battery-operated “penguin dash” toy. WHAT’S IN THE BOX? Lately, some of the biggest excitement comes from products that combine toys with an element of surprise. Blind boxes have found an eager audience at the aquarium.
132 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
B&B Sweets mystery boxes include small plush, figurines and pins, with shoppers choosing a package without knowing exactly which design is tucked inside. The mystery is part of the fun, and the aquarium has taken it a step further with a trading program. Guests who collect duplicate figurines can trade with other visitors. Three-dimensional printed toys are also moving quickly, as are squishy and sensory products. Manns points to “dumpling” squish toys — round, wide-eyed characters that have captured young shoppers’ attention.
BIG FUN, SMALLER BUDGETS There is another audience Manns knows well: field-trip shoppers. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s educational programs reach students throughout Utah. For some children, a stop in the gift shop is an important part of the day. Their budgets vary. A mannequin wears a souvenir T-shirt, cap and slippers while hugging a hammerhead shark plush for sale.
www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM
Slat wall and shelves neatly house relevant shirts and monkey plushies. In another section, mannequins showcase new apparel styles to try beside a new book.
“You get to know a lot of people. We just make every day fun.” — ISAC MANNS
“There will be kids who spend $40 to $60,” Manns says. “Others walk in with $10 or $20 and every intention of making it count.” The store makes the decision easier with a dedicated $15-and-under area positioned near the checkout queue. The assortment includes 3D-printed fidgets, mini squeeze toys, light-up products and other small souvenirs. Candy, keychains and magnets offer additional options. Organizing merchandise around what a customer can spend can be just as useful as grouping it by category, Manns points out. The store’s more traditional souvenir assortment delivers plenty of options, too. Name-drop sweatshirts, shot glasses and keychains join postcards, stickers, magnets, pencils and other easy-to-pack mementos. The jewelry category extends from mood rings and bracelets to penguin necklaces. Fahlo bracelets, which connect Guests can find otters, penguins, parrots and more on the store’s popular plush island. 134 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
customers with wildlife through animal-tracking experiences, are also part of the mix.
MORE TO EXPLORE For all the fun packed into the store, the aquarium’s environmental mission is top of mind. At checkout, guests can round up their purchases to support the institution and its animal care endeavors. Single-use shopping bags are another no-go. Instead, reusable bags made from recycled plastic bottles are available for purchase. Even store displays are approached with sustainability in mind. “When we do displays on the floor, they are from recycled materials,” says Manns. Along with sustainability, staying relevant for the season is a purchasing priority. Retail at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium changes with the calendar. Summer brings vacation traffic, including visitors from surrounding states and well beyond Utah. Along with helping visitors make the most of their time at the aquarium, store associates become ambassadors for the region. It’s all part of making the store more than the last stop on the way out. “You get to know a lot of people,” Manns says. “We just make every day fun.” SGN www.sgnmag.com
BUSINESS: TRADE SHOWS
STORY BY MELISSA STEADMAN
THE BOOTH AND BEYOND:
H
Those things are key to growing their business. Yet many retailers arrive with only a general idea of what to look for. If brands build their business by planning for a return on investment, then retailers can do it, too.
136 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
Retailers can get a real return from their trade show travels if they know how to go after it and tackle the trade show like it counts.
ere’s a little trade show secret for retailers: exhibitors attend with a serious plan. Long before the banners are put up, the products are packed, or the travel is booked, exhibitors have defined what they want their success to look like. They know their sales goals, which buyers they want to meet, which products they want to showcase, and what return they hope to get on their investment.
TRADE SHOW PROMISES Trade shows are designed to bring buyers and brands together in one place. For brands, it means exposure to new buyers and opportunities they might not otherwise have a chance to
© ADOBE STOCK | NATALIYA
real ROI from trade shows
BUSINESS: TRADE SHOWS
PRE-ATTENDING CHECKLIST P Determine what products and services your shop needs P Set a realistic budget for the show P Review online exhibitor profiles and catalogs P Prioritize booth visits with a list or map P Secure what you need first P Be open to unexpected discoveries P Take notes immediately P Follow up on orders and timelines the week after you get home P Follow up with new industry contacts to keep the connection going
WHAT ROI REALLY MEANS Most people think of a return on their investment (ROI) as a sales term, but your “return” can take more than one form, measured in different ways. For brands, this is an easy metric to measure: the number of orders placed, badges scanned, or valuable insights gained, such as product feedback. They count industry connections and new relationships with service providers. Even though they look stuck at a booth, many start making connections during setup itself, looking at other booth designs and meeting with potential collaborators. For retailers, the metrics are a little different 138 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
but also are not all about the sales. You might be looking for: • new products • new vendors • show specials • industry trends • connections with fellow retailers However, there is another big difference between retailers and brands in measuring the success of a trade show: Timing. Brands measure much of their success from the show through orders they write at the show and within weeks after the show. Retailers, however, usually do not know the true ROI of a show until months later, when those new products are on the shelf and they eventually see the results in their sales data.
RETAILER ROI STARTS EARLY Your journey for ROI begins before you even leave home. Planning ahead will make all the difference. How to choose a show: Trade shows usually list and promote their exhibitors well before the show. Look for your own current vendors, highlighted newcomers, range of categories you need support for and how organized it appears. Your choice should support your buying strategy. Before attending: There is a good chance you are looking for something besides merchandising inspiration if you are looking to attend a show. Know what you need for the upcoming buying season, such as your budget for the show and product gaps you need to fill. www.sgnmag.com
© ADOBE STOCK | NATALIYA
reach. For retailers, it means access to products, founders, show pricing specials, and inspiration that would be difficult to pull together under one roof otherwise. There are often informal networking events and industry education sessions that serve both sides of the booth. In theory, it’s a winwin. In reality, there are Trade shows are one rows of booths, bright of the few places where lights and displays, and buyers, brands, founders hundreds if not thousands of products all in and industry partners gather under one roof for one place. Every day you attend can be completea symbiotic exchange. ly overwhelming. The best attendees do their homework and learn to balance intention with openness. (They also wear comfy shoes and carry snacks — those count as strategy, too!)
BUSINESS: TRADE SHOWS
RISKS OF GOING UNPREPARED Arriving around all the energy, there is an obvious uptick in both excitement and a potential for anxiety. Not only can you get overwhelmed walking past the booths at the show, and annoyed that you did not do the work beforehand, ROI could easily turn into “Regret Over Inventory” when you return home and do not meet your goals. Mistakes might include: • Wasting time and money on a show that is not a good fit for your store • Missing show specials • Spending too much time in the wrong booths • Buying products that do not fit what you need • Skipping the opportunity to build relationships with current and future vendors • Returning home with inspiration but not the orders you needed to place At that point, it will not be about just being tired from the trip, it will be about having missed opportunities for future revenue.
PLAN YOUR BEST SHOW Show organizers work hard to bring the right exhibitors and buyers together for every show. However, factors like weather, travel delays, and economic conditions do not always cooperate and can have a big impact on the perception of a show’s success. So you focus on what you can control. Make a plan that fits your company’s needs, with flexibility to be open to the shiny new items and inspiration displayed. The goal isn’t to see everything. The goal is to find what fits. Trade shows are one of the few places where buyers, brands, founders, and industry partners gather under one roof for a symbiotic exchange. They can be energizing, overwhelming, educational and profitable — all at the same time. However, the businesses that get the greatest ROI are not always the ones who attend the most shows; they are the ones who choose the right shows and have a plan that — when executed — can absolutely seed their future. SGN Melissa Steadman is a strategic growth advisor and founder of Moonbridge Consulting. She helps retailers and founder-led brands make smarter decisions about growth, operations, and revenue so they can build stronger, more profitable businesses. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 139
MERCHANDISING: JEWELRY AT ZOOS
From trackable bracelets to sea turtle charms and mood rings, zoo gift shops are getting customers herding toward their jewelry sections. STORY BY K R ISTEN HAM PSHIR E
ADORNED BY
The trendy Fahlo animal-tracking bracelets are up front at the Point Defiance Zoo store.
ewelry might not take up much real estate in a zoo gift shop, but don’t underestimate what a little bling can do. At the Saint Louis Zoo, Retail and Visual Manager Tommy Brown estimates jewelry occupies just 8 square feet of selling space at its flagship shop. Yet based on the revenue it generates per square foot, the category is highly productive. “From this perspective, it makes the most money of anything we really have in the zoo,” says Brown.
140 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
While jewelry might not command the volume of other souvenir staples, retailers say the category is consistent, versatile and capable of reaching an unusually wide range of shoppers. At Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, Washington, Store Director Amy Campbell sees children buying mood rings with their own money, families selecting fun animal-themed pieces and guests with a conservation focus gravitating toward jewelry that supports a cause. “They can get an animal on it that reminds
www.sgnmag.com
© ADOBE STOCK | THAILAND SMILE
J
NATURE
MERCHANDISING: JEWELRY AT ZOOS
you of the zoo, but it’s also something that is lasting,” she says. The common denominator? Give customers plenty of reasons to wear their wild side.
BLING FOR ALL Brown says the Saint Louis Zoo’s jewelry customer can be 10 years old or 80. “Jewelry speaks to everyone, and it’s personal to an individual,” he says. The Saint Louis Zoo relies on rack programs from vendors including Barry-Owen Co. and Cool Jewels for fashion jewelry. Brown notes that those programs have dependable margins. The zoo layers in specialty jewelry from other makers along with conservation-focused products such as Fahlo “They can get an animal animal-tracking bracelets. on it that reminds you Price points generally of the zoo, but it’s also range from about $10 to something that is lasting.” $20 on the lower end and — AMY CAMPBELL, NORTHWEST $25 to $50 for higher-end merchandise. TREK WILDLIFE PARK At Northwest Trek, accessibility is especially important. “You want everyone to have an experience and come away with something,” Campbell says. “Having affordable souvenirs is a plus. Span the price range.” The strategy can also encourage a return pur-
Think like a grocery store
Making jewelry visible is one thing. Making it understandable and shoppable is another. Tommy Brown is retail and visual manager for the Saint Louis Zoo. He strongly recommends departmentalizing merchandise so customers can quickly grasp where to find what they want. “If you have necklaces, put them in the area that is for necklaces,” he says. “Don’t mix in rings and keychains. It makes it hard for the guest to understand.” Brown’s comparison: Think like a grocery store. Bread isn’t merchandised with fish, but tea and coffee make sense together. All products have logical adjacencies. Price should be just as obvious. Without a visible price, shoppers often assume an item costs more than they want to spend.
142 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Guests can peruse a spinning rack at the Saint Louis Zoo’s flagship store for a variety of nature- and animal-themed necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
chase. Campbell hears parents helping children choose between two items with a promise that perhaps they can get the other one next time. At Turtle Central Gift Shop located at the Bald Head Island Conservancy on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, Amy Dunmire, business manager of retail, considers price, trends and how well a line fits the shop’s coastal aesthetic when buying jewelry. Current lines include Pura Vida, Lotus and Luna, World Imports, Charming Shark and The Beach and Back. Lotus and Luna was such a strong seller this summer that Dunmire was down to about eight pieces after a full restock. The Beach and Back’s charm jewelry has also found a broad audience. Dunmire says, “Those have been really popular with the 20-somethings all the way up to grandparents.”
A STORY TO WEAR At a zoo, aquarium or conservation attraction, an animal pendant or bracelet can connect them to the zoo’s purpose. This is particularly evident with Fahlo bracelets at Northwest Trek and its sister facility, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The red wolf bracelet carries an even more direct local connection. Point Defiance has participated in red wolf recovery efforts since the 1970s, and www.sgnmag.com
MERCHANDISING: JEWELRY AT ZOOS
The Beach and Back created a line of sea turtle earrings, necklaces and bracelets just for the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
proceeds from the bracelet benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE American Red Wolf program. “It ties into what we are doing and what the guests are helping with by even coming to the zoo,” Campbell says. Turtle Central has an equally strong opportunity to connect merchandise with mission. The gift shop serves as both the welcome and exit point for visitors to the Bald Head Island Conservancy, whose work includes an internationally recognized Sea Turtle Protection Program. The Beach and Back created a Bald Head Island collection featuring sea turtle earrings, necklaces and bracelets, with proceeds supporting the conservancy’s sea turtle protection work and other initiatives. Each piece sold also funds the collection and recycling of a half-pound of ocean-bound plastic. Turtle Central keeps this jewelry collection together, along with a card explaining the giveback story. Cutout sea turtle earrings and neck-
“Messaging and storytelling is very important in jewelry because it’s personal.” — TOMMY BROWN, ST. LOUIS ZOO laces, along with coin pieces, have been among the strongest performers. At Saint Louis Zoo, Brown considers vignettes and themes essential when merchandise has a mission attached to it. If a jewelry line supports wildlife conservation, a community or another cause, Brown advises retailers to say so at the display. “Messag144 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
ing and storytelling is very important in jewelry because it’s personal,” he says.
SHOW OFF THE SPARKLE Of course, even jewelry with a great story has to get noticed. For Brown, that starts with making every square foot work hard. “You really want to maximize your floor space,” he says. “Always think of spinner racks.” A spinner provides four merchandising surfaces while occupying relatively little floor space. Brown designs his own fixtures and has them manufactured by KC Fixtures. A newer double-spinner design offers more selling surface along with storage underneath. Extra storage comes in handy when jewelry is turning three to five times annually. Walls can also work, and Brown is adamant about one merchandising essential: light it up. “Lighting is your most important thing in jewelry,” he says. He recommends bright LED lighting, combining floods to wash the area in light with spots directed at pieces that sparkle. At the Saint Louis Zoo gift shop, higher-end rings from local, woman-owned R.S. Covenant are presented in display cases and illuminated to bring out the shine. Lower-priced fashion jewelry can be packed more tightly onto a spinner. Walls provide less selling capacity per square foot, he www.sgnmag.com
MERCHANDISING: JEWELRY AT ZOOS
notes, but allow retailers to direct lighting more precisely. At Turtle Central, most jewelry occupies an area that flows into body care, accessories and women’s apparel, creating natural adjacencies as customers shop. But Dunmire is willing to break the category apart for demographic’s sake. Case in point: Charming Shark jewelry geared toward high school- and college-age shoppers was moved into the kids’ section. The result was immediate. “Once we moved it there, it flew off the spinner,” she says.
IT’S PERSONAL Perhaps jewelry’s greatest advantage is that it can outlast the day that inspired the purchase. Campbell sees it during field-trip season when one child buys a necklace and suddenly friends want matching ones. She remembers buying mood jewelry herself when she was younger.
146 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Brown sees the same emotional connection play out across generations. Mothers and daughters spot pieces they could wear together. Teenage boys approach the register with rings for girlfriends — sometimes discovering they have no idea what ring size they need. Brown and his team help them figure it out, and those interactions are part of what makes jewelry different from many other souvenirs. “Jewelry is very personal, and it means something when you give it to someone,” Brown says. A ring bought during a childhood zoo trip might still be tucked into a jewelry box more than a decade later. This staying power is difficult to measure by square footage alone. And it might be jewelry’s brightest selling point. As Brown says, “We create those memories so they can take a piece of that memory home from the gift shop.” SGN
www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: SKY PIRATES OF MERMAID BAY
Fun is key to merchandising at the Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay. Soft plush and trendy toys win over the kids who come in (left) and the award-winning Kraken display wows all guests (above).
Something more in store The Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay gift shop in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers guests more than traditional retail with vibrant displays and live mermaids and pirates showing off what’s in store. STORY BY MEGAN SMALLEY
B
ears, cabins and mountains might be the most popular themes in the Smoky Mountains, but Top Concepts likes to offer guests a detour away from these traditional motifs at its five attractions in and around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. There’s Crave Golf Club with its candy-themed mini golf courses and escape rooms as well as the Toy Box Mini Golf with ginormous toys surrounding the golf course. The company also runs Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud supper club and the new Slick City Action Park in town. Top Concepts debuted Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay in December 2023 as its newest golf adventure park, complete with two 18-hole mini golf courses. “It’s more than your simple mini golf,” says Marcus Watson, vice president of marketing at Top Concepts. “When you walk in, everything you do is themed to pirates and mermaids.” Guests can choose to try an indoor course that is decorated with mesmerizing underwater caves, coral reef canyons and some live-action mermaids greeting them for photo ops. Outside on the roof, guests can tackle a pirate-themed course shaped like an airborne ship with pirates wandering around for a meet-and-greet. As visitors
148 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: SKY PIRATES OF MERMAID BAY
Pucker Powder candy is a favorite with guests, along with a wall of bulk candy.
finish their round of mini golf, the concessions and gift shop area keeps the pirate and mermaid themes going. “Everything we sell is geared toward the tropical, pirate or ocean animal themes,” says Watson. “If you go to the Smoky Mountains, the last thing you expect is a tropical-oriented attraction. But that stands out for us in a positive way.” Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay received USA Today’s Best Mini Golf award in both 2025 and 2026. Watson credits the destination’s success in part to the consistency of its theme from the at-
“If you go to the Smoky Mountains, the last thing you expect is a tropical-oriented attraction. But that stands out for us in a positive way.” — MARCUS WATSON traction to merchandise and concessions. Pirates and mermaids can be found everywhere. “At all our attractions, we like to offer as many ancillary options as possible for guests,” he says. “We try to take a very traditional activity that everyone enjoys like mini golf and add layers to it to make it a full experience.”
VIBRANT VISUALS As soon as guests walk into Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay, they spot a giant fiberglass kraken that 150 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
spans from floor to ceiling along the side of a boulder in the middle of the gift shop. Souvenir gems, rocks and T-shirts are perched along the side of the boulder, with a bucket of novelty toy swords and wands at the bottom of the display. The attraction won a Brass Ring Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) this year for its memorable Kraken merchandise display. “It’s just a really cool visual capture that gets the attention of guests as they come in,” says Watson. “At that display, we cycle out various types of merchandise we sell.” He adds that this focal point helps to set the tone for the mini golf experience. “The idea from the beginning, even in our conceptual phase, was to have a centerpiece right there as soon as you walk in that grabs the guest’s eye to mark the experience,” he says. Eye-catching displays continue throughout the store and entire entertainment center. In the gift shop, Watson points out that there’s a colorful candy wall for guests to collect bulk candy. Another wall of the store is neatly lined with oceanic plush. A live mermaid often sits behind the kraken display, showing off some fun plushies and squish toys to guests. “We try to have a mermaid staffed there for the whole operating day,” Watson adds. “So not www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: SKY PIRATES OF MERMAID BAY
The boulder behind the Kraken display stores treasures for guests to take home.
only do guests see the kraken display plus gems and rocks, there’s a live person talking to them in character to try to brighten their day.”
NICHE NOVELTIES With a focus on serving families with kids, novelty toys perform well in the Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay gift shop. Top Concepts Director of Merchandising Holly Sturdivant says Award-winning design squish toys are the In 2026, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay won a Brass Ring Award from the International current bestseller for Association of Amusement Parks and that gift shop. Attractions (IAAPA) for Best Individual “Right now, anyVisual Merchandise Display. The memothing that’s squishy rable kraken centerpiece in the gift shop — squishy banana, helped give this attraction retailer the squishy butter, gold for this award. NeeDoh — those have been crazy this year,” she says. “It’s been a full-time endeavor to keep those in stock at all of our properties.” While some squishies might be found on display around the kraken, Sturdivant says most can be found up by the queue line on a modular shelf. “That’s where we put the hottest items we have and impulse stuff,” she says. Sturdivant says she recently found the Fahlo brand at a trade show and started adding some of their bracelets, which have done well for the store this year.
“A lot of what we have is novelties and merchandise geared more to younger kids, but we also like to have something for everybody,” Sturdivant adds. Some unisex T-shirts with fun pirate and mermaid slogans appeal to older kids, teens and adults coming in after their round of mini golf. Novelty candy is also a hit at the store for customers who want a sweet treat on their way out. Sturdivant says she carries some classic candies, but also some edgier options like Fuego Skittles for people who want to take a risk. “One of my team members came up to me and asked if we could try them out,” she recalls. Her philosophy with retail is simple: Try everything at least once. As a buyer for four attractions in Pigeon Forge, Sturdivant will try a product at a store and if it’s a success, she may deploy it at other attractions if it makes sense. But, she notes, she also makes sure each of her stores has items unique to the destination. “Between my four stores, I go to great length to make sure there are several items that only that store has,” she says. “We have a park hopper pass where you can go to all our mini golfs and play as many times as you want. So I want those people to have a different retail experience at every place they go.”
CARING FOR COMMUNITY With several attractions in the Pigeon Forge area, Sturdivant adds that Top Concepts’ owners are just as passionate about helping their Smoky Mountain community as they are about developing attractions and retail experiences.
Some sea-themed T-shirts and plush are perched on boulders in the gift shop.
152 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
CASE STUDY: SKY PIRATES OF MERMAID BAY
When Hurricane Helene hit in 2024, Sturdivant recalls Top Concepts’ owners encouraging all employees to volunteer to help with relief efforts in a neighborhood that was impacted only 30 miles away from Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay. “We unloaded planes and made dinners for the whole community that they could drive by and pick up,” she says. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay has regularly hosted charity drives and events that support community organizations, such as a Pirates, Putts & Pups event that supported the Sevier County Humane Society. And when Slick City Action Park opened as a new attraction this year, the company donated $20,000 to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. “Every quarter, we pick a different charity that’s near and dear to our hearts and we raise money for them at that time,” says Sturdivant. “Our owners are the full picture — they don’t just say it, they do it.”
www.sgnmag.com
This give-back mentality extends to team members as well. Sturdivant says she always invites her team members to pitch new ideas for the store. She also regularly plans a contest for store managers to find new products for the stores. “Each manager finds a product that we do not carry at any of our stores. Then we have a contest to see which product sells the most,” says Sturdivant. “It just gets them in the game and makes them feel like, ‘I’m part of this team and am participating.’” Connecting with guests is also something that Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay is all about — staff interacts with guests and sometimes hands out a free gemstone souvenir to a lucky kid. “We want the whole family to come here, take pictures and make lasting memories so every time they think of Pigeon Forge, they remember Sky Pirates,” she says. “That’s what we want them to remember: family time, spending quality time with us.” SGN
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 153
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER
GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER Folsom, LA RETAIL MANAGER: Karen Popich BESTSELLERS: Capybara and giraffe items RETAIL TIP: Keep displays low and sightlines open. y Pierre s: Hayle to o h P . s orie ake mem guests m g in lp e enjoys h Popich r Karen e g a n a Retail M
STORY BY K RIST E N HA M PSHIRE
Wild about retail
A
At Global Wildlife Center, the adventure doesn’t end when guests step off the safari wagon. The gift shop is the last stop for excitement and taking home tangible memories. giraffe might lean in for a snack. A bison could wander up alongside the wagon while on tour. Llamas, Watusi cattle and alpacas roam across the Louisiana countryside while guests feed, touch and learn about the animals along the way. This is a typical day at Global Wildlife Center, a 900acre free-roaming wildlife preserve in Folsom, Louisiana, that is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals. Visitors can explore the property on covered safari wagons or get closer to the animals aboard private Pinzgauer all-terrain excursions. There are capybara encounters complete with belly scratches, animal painting
experiences and a walkabout that puts visitors right in the kangaroos’ habitat. Photo ops are abundant. So are opportunities to extend the adventure at the gift shop. “We are the last excitement before people leave,” says Karen Popich, retail operations manager. “We make sure we have plenty of souvenirs that help our visitors hang on to those memories they made with the animals.” That could mean a plush version of a favorite animal, a magnet or keychain — or even a painting created by a giraffe during a hands-on meet-and-greet. For Popich, who joined Global Wildlife Center after a career in corporate retail, the shop is “a breath of fresh air” and more than a place to pick up a souvenir. “I can look out the windows and see these beautiful
154 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER
Giraffes are a favorite animal in the Global Wildlife Center gift shop and can be found on keychains and plush.
giraffes passing or deer running and you get recentered,” she relates. “It’s incredible. And our staff is here for the love of the animals, and for the love of guest services and helping visitors make those core memories.”
EYES WIDE OPEN Field trips, summer camps and family vacations bring plenty of young shoppers to Global Wildlife Center, so children are front and center in the shop’s product mix. “When that child walks in, “When that child walks in, I I want them excited. I want want them excited,” Popich their eyes to be big with says. “I want their eyes to be wonder.” — Karen Popich big with wonder.” Plush occupies a large section near the front of the shop, with sizes ranging from tiny 3-inch animals to 4-foot-tall showstoppers. The sweet spot is about 12 inches, Popich says. The assortment naturally includes animals guests encounter at the preserve, but some of the
One of the store’s fixtures is shaped like a tractor, full of fun toys and souvenirs geared toward the kids. 156 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
biggest sellers are creatures they won’t necessarily see roaming the grounds. Popich says plush are sourced from a few vendors and primarily from Zoologee. The shop also has a book nook geared toward the smaller set, where farm animal stuffies like chickens, pigs and cows are combined with books and baby gifts. “These souvenirs appeal to a younger child than the 9- or 10-year-old visitor,” says Popich. But one of the categories Popich is most excited about is 3D-printed merchandise, much of it produced locally. “It is an incredible category that is barely scratching the surface of what it can do,” she says of the mini animal replicas with wiggly parts that make a fast impulse purchase. Then there are squishies, NeeDoh products, slime and just about anything else customers can squeeze, stretch, poke or feel. “Anything that is sensory based … anything that feels crazy is a huge win,” Popich says. “If it’s rubber and spiky, those are wonderful impulse items.”
CAPYBARA CRAZE When it comes to fast-moving merchandise, one animal currently has an undeniable advantage. “If it’s a capybara, someone is going to pick it up and buy it,” Popich says. The preserve’s capybara encounter allows guests to feed the animals, interact with them and create a souvenir canvas with a little help from capybara feet. There are walking capybara toys reminiscent of the old-school puppy on a leash, an inflatable capybara that resembles a body pillow, slime and other novelty products. The appeal fits neatly www.sgnmag.com
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER
Capybara are also favorites in the gift shop. Guests can find capybara stickers, plush, toy figurines and more.
“If it’s a capybara, someone is going to pick it up and buy it.” — KAREN POPICH
into a larger trend Popich sees among younger shoppers: items that are tactile, playful and easy to grab. The shop gives those impulse products equally playful displays. One fixture is shaped like a tractor. Another resembles a zebra-striped safari Jeep. Pockets throughout the vehicles hold small items at kid-friendly heights. NeeDoh products have their own branded fixture. Traditional inexpensive souvenirs are still important, too, particularly during field trip season. Pencils and pencil cases give young visitors an accessible way to bring something home. Back to sensory, Dope Slimes are a go-to for students and summer campers. As for merchandising, the strategy is simple: Make products easy to see and simple to explore.
SOUVENIRS WITH A STORY Kids might be the shop’s primary customer, but Popich is expanding the assortment to give their parents more reasons to browse. “As much as I love the kids — and we will always be kid-first — we want to get more items that will get the excitement from the parents,” she says. That includes traditional souvenirs along with jewelry, car oil diffusers and drinkware. 158 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Insulated cups feature an etched giraffe scene created by a local artist. The shop’s 35th anniversary T-shirt was designed by a local artist and printed by local company Inkwell Press. Apparel is another category Popich is beginning to expand. The classic logo T-shirt remains a dependable favorite, but newer pieces tell more specific stories about the preserve. One centers on Kameel, a giraffe born at Global Wildlife Center 34 years ago and believed to be the second-oldest giraffe in North America. The shirt was created around World Giraffe Day, with proceeds supporting giraffe care at the preserve and conservation work in Africa. For Popich, these products are a reminder that retail sales support something much bigger. “I came in with the mindset of every dollar I can help make in this gift shop is going toward something good,” she says. Popich continues to look for ways to broaden the store’s adult assortment while preserving the kid-first energy that makes it a natural ending to a day at Global Wildlife Center. For Popich, it is a far cry from traditional corporate retail. And a connection to the animals and chance to help families make lasting memories is a natural part of the shop’s culture. She points to the center’s owner, Maci Matherne, and Executive Director Christina Cooper, as passionate guides that drive the spirit of the park and store. “While visitors are here, they feel like they are at home,” Popich says. SGN www.sgnmag.com
BUSINESS: ONLINE SALES
STORY BY ERIC S. YOUNGSTROM
T
WAYS TO GROW ONLINE SALES
ourists visit your store to bring home a piece of their trip — whether it’s a handcrafted ornament, a T-shirt featuring their favorite destination or a locally inspired candle. But what happens when they leave and realize they want to buy something else? Or when a friend asks where they got a unique home decor piece because they want one for themselves? A strong online store ensures that visitors can continue shopping long after their trip ends. Whether you run a souvenir shop, museum store or any other kind of attrac160 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
tion store, here are six ways to grow your online presence and turn one-time visitors into repeat customers.
1
Make your website feel like an extension of your destination. Your store is tied to a location — and your website should reflect that. A generic online shop won’t capture the magic of your region, whereas a thoughtfully designed website might just do the trick. Connect people to your destination by using imagery that reflects your location on your website. Zoo stores should try to feature wild themes, while a history musewww.sgnmag.com
© ADOBE STOCK
6
DESTINATION RETAILERS CAN CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS LONG AFTER THEY LEAVE WITH A STRONG ONLINE STORE AND SOME STRATEGIC MARKETING EFFORTS.
BUSINESS: ONLINE SALES
um shop might want to offer a more patriotic vibe online. Beyond imagery, write product descriptions
“Make mobile shopping seamless for people by ensuring that your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate on mobile devices.” — Eric S. Youngstrom that tell stories. Instead of just listing “Handmade Pottery Mug,” offer a more colorful description, such as, “A handcrafted ceramic mug made by local artisans in Cape Cod, inspired by the rocky shores.” You may also want to include a “Best Sellers from [Your City]” section on your website to showcase your most popular regional gifts. By creating a sense of place on your website, you invite visitors to shop online and stay connected to their experience long after their trip.
162 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
2
Optimize for mobile shopping. Most tourists won’t be sitting at a desktop computer browsing your store — they’ll be using their phones, whether from a hotel room, an airport or even while still exploring your area. Make mobile shopping seamless for people by ensuring that your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate on mobile devices. Make store hours, address and shipping details clearly visible on your homepage as well. Also, highlight if you have “ship to home” options so tourists can buy now and have their gifts and souvenirs delivered home later. This capability is helpful for travelers who may prefer shipping their purchases rather than carrying them home.
3
Offer custom souvenirs online. Many tourists want something special, whether it’s an ornament with their family name or a custom T-shirt to commemorate a trip. If you
www.sgnmag.com
BUSINESS: ONLINE SALES
offer personalization in-store, it’s a good idea to extend that service online. Feature a “Personalized Gifts” section on your website to make it easy for customers to find. Offer monogramming or name engraving on select products, like ornaments, keychains or jewelry. Some retailers might also want to include a “Create Your Own” option where customers can customize T-shirts, mugs or home decor with their favorite destination photos or sayings.
4
Promote online reorders. Some products are meant to be used and repurchased. If you sell consumable items like locally made jams, scented candles or regional coffee blends, remind customers to reorder online before they run out. To encourage repeat orders, send reminder emails to customers one month after purchase. In your emails, try saying something like, “Running low on your favorite Maine blueberry jam?
164 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Order more before it’s gone!” Include discount codes on receipts or packaging to encourage future online purchases.
5
Use social media and email to connect with travelers. A tourist might only visit your store once, but that doesn’t mean they can’t shop with you again. Social media and email marketing are powerful tools to keep your brand top of mind long after a customer has returned home. To stay connected, encourage shoppers to follow you on Instagram or Facebook for travel inspiration and new product updates. Since Facebook and Google allow you to advertise to people who recently visited your area, you might want to try placing geo-targeted ads to reach past visitors. You could also offer incentive programs for customers who sign up to your email list, such as “10% off your first online order.”
www.sgnmag.com
BUSINESS: ONLINE SALES
6
Simplify online checkout and shipping. Many tourists hesitate to buy large items because they don’t want to carry them home. Make it easy for people to purchase products online so product size and packability is less of a concern. To simplify online checkout for tourists, offer a “Buy Now, Ship Later” option so customers can place an order while traveling and receive the product once they return home. Also, display shipping costs upfront to avoid any surprises at checkout. For seamless transactions on mobile devices, be flexible and accept multiple payment options, such as Apple Pay and PayPal. Retailers that cater to international tourists also benefit from offering currency conversion tools or global shipping options.
FINAL THOUGHTS Having a strong online presence ensures cus-
www.sgnmag.com
tomers can continue shopping long after their trip ends. There are so many ways to improve your store’s online presence, from designing
“To encourage repeat orders, send reminder emails to customers one month after purchase. ” — Eric S. Youngstrom a more relevant website to offering simplified online checkout processes or more custom souvenir options online. By optimizing your website, offering personalized consumable gifts and using digital marketing to stay connected, you can turn one-time shoppers into lifelong customers — no matter where they live. SGN Eric S. Youngstrom is founder and CEO of Austin, Texas-based Onramp Funds, a funding provider that supports the growth of e-commerce businesses.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE 165
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
SEPT. 18-19 The Northern Michigan Show Gaylord, Michigan www.silverliningshows.com
NOV. 1-3 Trendz Show Palm Beach, Florida www.trendzshow.com
SEPT. 25-27 GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
NOV. 3-5 IGES – Sevierville Sevierville, Tennessee www.iges.us
OCTOBER
NOV. 7-9 Fall Cash & Carry at Americasmart Atlanta www.atlantamarket.com
OCT. 4-7 Minneapolis Mart Minnetonka, Minnesota www.mplsmart.com OCT. 5-6 Seattle Fall Buying Event Seattle www.seattlemart.com
Nov. 4-7 IGES – Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge, Tennessee www.iges.us
Nov. 4-7 Smoky Mountain Gift Show Gatlinburg, Tennessee www.smokymtngiftshow.com
DECEMBER
OCT. 6-9 Atlanta Apparel Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com
DEC. 4-6 GTS Greensboro Expo Greensboro, North Carolina www.gtshows.com
OCT. 12-14 CMC LA Market Week Los Angeles www.californiamarketcenter.com
JANUARY
OCT. 16-19 JIS Miami Beach, Florida www.jisshow.com OCT. 17-21 High Point Market High Point, North Carolina www.highpointmarket.org OCT. 18-19 Northstar Fashion Exhibitors St. Paul, Minnesota www.northstarfashion.com
Dec. 6-9 Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show Myrtle Beach, South Carolina www.grandstrandgiftshow.com
NOV. 15-17 Ocean City Gift Show Ocean City, Maryland www.oceancitygiftshow.com
OCT. 20-23 Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com OCT. 21-23 Panama City Beach Gift Show Panama City, Florida www.pinnacle-shows.com
166 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
JAN. 6-8, 2027 Surf Expo Orlando, Florida www.surfexpo.com JAN. 6-12, 2027 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas www.dallasmarketcenter.com JAN. 12-17, 2027 Atlanta Market Atlanta www.atlantamarket.com JAN. 24-28, 2027 Las Vegas Market Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com JAN. 31 - FEB. 2, 2027 NY NOW New York www.nynow.com
© ADOBE STOCK
Oct. 6-9 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show Las Vegas www.lvsouvenirshow.com
SEPTEMBER
www.sgnmag.com
TRADE SHOW NEWS
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show to host educational sessions The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show will offer educational sessions covering data, product
development, team building and sustainable store design during its Oct. 6-9 show in Las Vegas. Sessions will take place at the Connection Corner, Booth #4100. “How to Use Your Data in Your Decision-Making Process,” taking place Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon, will explore how retailers can use
business data to make smarter decisions about inventory, merchandising, marketing, staffing and purchasing. Kristin Ely, executive editor of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and Seaside Retailer, will moderate a panel featuring Daniel Shoemaker of Feel Good Solutions; Angela Dalby of Charles Products Inc.; Kelly Jones of Great Escapes RV Resorts; and Nick Vieno of Cumberland Farms. “Building a High-Performing Team,” scheduled for Oct. 6 from 2-3 p.m., will offer strategies for hiring, developing and retaining employees while creating a culture that encourages engagement and productivity. Speakers include Shannon Sparks of Paradies; Mary Nickelson of Mall of America; Brad Smithling of Biltmore House; and Tommy Brown of the Saint Louis Zoo. “Creating Products with Purpose: Aligning Development to
Values-Driven Demand,” scheduled for Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon, will explore how retailers and product developers can respond to consumer interest in merchandise tied to sustainability, local makers, charitable causes, cultural authenticity and responsible sourcing. Ely will moderate the discussion featuring Melissa Lew of Melissa Lew; Brown; Courtney Todd of Spirit Jersey; and Teresa Inman of Smith-Western. “Design Upcycling — Make the Scene with Green!,” scheduled for Oct. 7 from 2-3 p.m., will look at upcycling techniques for retailers. Brown will share ideas for using upcycling, repurposed fixtures, thrifted finds and unexpected materials to create engaging merchandising displays while reducing costs and supporting sustainability goals. More information is available at www.lvsouvenirshow.com.
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market draws fresh wave of buyers Dallas Market Center closed out its June Total Home & Gift Market, held June 24-30 alongside KidsWorld and The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, with a strong rise in new buyers. New company registrations rose 14.5% year over year, with registrations for Total Home & Gift Market up 15.9% year over year as retailers and interior designers came to the show for the first time. “Retail has shown remarkable resilience, and the businesses that are thriving are the ones staying connected to trends, to vendors and each other,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “This June market told an encouraging story. Buyers came back, and just as many came to Dallas for the first time.” Exhibitors across the marketplace also noticed new interest from buyers across the show. “We are constantly opening new accounts here,” said Tart by Taylor’s Brooke Kennedy.
168 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
The June show marked a period of showroom growth for Dallas Market Center, with more than 100 brands moving into the first and second floors of the Interior Home + Design Center and new and expanded showrooms opening across the World Trade Center and Trade Mart. In the Trade Mart, B’s Knees Fragrance Co. (TM 1339) and Shine Decor (TM 1309) were new, while Roman Inc. (TM 1418), NextGen (TM 1038, 2040) and Roadrunners (TM 1743, 1521) all expanded. Elite Accessories (TM 1034) reloacted and expanded. Dallas Market Center will host its next Total Home & Gift Market and The Temps Jan. 6-12, 2027.
www.sgnmag.com
TRADE SHOW NEWS
Las Vegas Market wraps up with strong buyer turnout
The Summer 2026 edition of Las Vegas Market wrapped up July 26-30 at World Market Center Las Vegas with preliminary numbers showing buying accounts up 7% year over year across all categories. Anchored by an expanded lineup of new and renewed showrooms, the debut of the First Finds temporary exhibitors and a full slate of educational programming and networking events, the Summer 2026 event reinforced the show’s role as a destination for cross-category sourcing for the West Coast. Buyers explored an expanded roster of permanent showrooms this market, including new brands such as FoamTex USA, Forward Home Collection, Kitchen2Table, Luxe B Co., PJ Harlow and Qidong Vision, alongside a wave of expansions and renewals across Gift, Furniture and Home Decor. First Finds showcased emerging brands to give buyers fresh product discoveries. Las Vegas Market also partnered with the City of Las Vegas on a Market in the Alley pop-up, featuring a group of 10 locally based makers, including Alissi, Art of Sze Jones, At the Root, Daria’s Soap, Gem Jaxx Art, Glass Reshaped, House of Geb, Mist Art Studio, Recycled Propaganda and Vivero Jewelry. “We were thrilled with our first Las Vegas Market experience — it exceeded our expectations,” said Mackenzie Hancock of Oh My Mahjong. The next Las Vegas Market takes place Sunday, Jan. 24 – Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027. To learn more and register, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com.
Shoppe Object sets new attendance records
Shoppe Object’s Summer Edition Aug. 2-4 at the Starrett-Lehigh Building set two records: its highest-ever attendance and largest exhibitor roster, underscoring the impact of its intentional growth strategy. Buyers, interior designers and members of the media visited with over 900 exhibitors, with international brands making up 55% of all exhibitors. Building upon consistent market growth since its inception, the latest Shoppe Object drew an increase in traffic of almost 10% year over year. “I walked this edition feeling a real sense of pride and gratitude for the many people who have given so much of themselves to make it far more than what we set out to,” said Jesse James, founder and presdent of the Shoppe Object series. The scale and layout of the show are designed to help brands share their visual identities while providing an ideal environment for attendees to uncover something new and unexpected. Shoppe Object New York will return to the Starrett-Lehigh Building for its Winter Edition Feb. 7-9, 2027. 170 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Attendance up for summer edition of NY NOW
NY NOW concluded its first edition under the leadership of Rockview Management Group, and show organizers reported that buyer attendance increased 5% year over year. Buyers came to the show from 49 states and 40 countries. The show also featured 460 exhibitors, including more than 70 that exhibited for the first time or returned after a hiatus. “The energy, excitement and positive feedback from both buyers and exhibitors was overwhelming, and we are so grateful to the industry for supporting our vision of transformation,” said Dorothy Belshaw, CEO of NY NOW. The Summer edition of NY NOW offered buyers many brands across major categories. New exhibitors included Dr. Squatch, Weleda, cuddle+kind, Capri Blue, Printfresh, Pura, Beatriz Ball, Lauren Newton Jewelry, Kimberly Hodges Art & Design. Building on the momentum of the Summer show, NY NOW will return to the Javits Center Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2027, with a refreshed market experience.
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.
3
1 2
4 5 6
9 7
8
1. Smith-Southwestern: Embossed 18-ounce mug with Texas floral carving design, www.smith-southwestern.com; 2. Creature Comforts: Alaska barrel black bear plush, www.parkdalenovelty.com; 3. Avery Lane Gifts: Route 66 Life Is a Highway coaster, www.averylanegifts.com; 4. Wild Republic: Cuddlekins mini hedgehog stuffed animal, www.wildrepublic.com; 5. Sassy Talkin’: Camping-themed lip balm tin, sassytalkin.faire.com; 6. Peking Handicraft: Buffalo hook pillow, www.pkhc.com; 7. b. dazzle, inc.: Serengeti Scramble Squares puzzle, www.scramblesquares.com; 8. Steelberry: 3D-cast printed ornament, www.steelberry.com; 9. Animals Forever: Olympic National Park snow globe, www.littlecritterz.com.
Have a product to feature? Send a high-resolution image and description to: katie@breakwallpublishing.com.
172 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
LAST LOOK
Completed on Oct. 28, 1965, the
Every year, millions of people visit America’s largest national monument,
Gateway Arch measures 630 feet
the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The National Park Service reports that
Visitors come to the Gateway
nearly 2.2 million people stopped by the iconic landmark in 2025. Since the
Arch National Park to experience
early 1980s, Jefferson National Parks Association has managed the land-
a range of activities, including
mark’s popular Arch Store.
both the Gateway Arch and the
Top-selling souvenirs in the Arch Store are the usual contenders, includ-
historic Old Courthouse. Visitors
ing custom apparel, magnets, stickers, ornaments and drinkware. The store
can ride to the top of the Arch in a tram capsule that fits five people. The iconic landmark’s Arch
also features many self-published books about the Arch. Rick Trigg, director of retail at Jefferson National Parks Association, says
Store is known for its custom sou-
replicas of the Arch, made of various materials, are also popular sellers and
venirs tied to the Arch and Old
provide the opportunity to grow revenue year after year.
Courthouse.
“We have been very successful in including the likeness of the Arch and Old Courthouse on a wide range of products that have proven very popular,” he says. “As with any great tourist attraction in the United States, we do our best to share our story through all product categories that visitors expect to take home with them.” SGN
174 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
PHOTOS: JEFFERSON NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION
tall and 630 feet wide at the base.
AD INDEX
1 Brilliant Gift – www.1brilliantgift.com..................................................49 A-B Emblem – www.abemblem.com..................................................... 126 A.T. Storrs Ltd. – www.atstorrs.com.........................................................15 American Backcountry – wholesale.americanbackcountry.com..............................................89 American Gift Corp. – www.agiftcorp.com....................................... 107 Amish Craft – www.amishcraft.com........................................................77 Animals Forever – www.animalsforever.net........................................157 Art Studio Co. – www.artstudiocompany.com...................................41 Artistic Impressions – www.maiwholesale.com......................... 110-111 Avery Lane Gifts – www.averylanegifts.com..................................... 149 b. dazzle inc. – www.scramblesquares.com..........................................25 Beacon Design – www.beacondesign.com............................................17 Better Magnets – www.bettermagnets.com.......................................47 Bucket Wonders – www.bucketwonders.com................................... 37 Call For The Wild – www.forwild.org..................................................... 86 Cape Shore – www.cape-shore.com........................................................39 Capsmith Inc. – www.capsmith.com........................................................71 Charles Products Inc. – www.charlesproducts.com........................ 33 CoTa Global – www.cotaglobal.com........................................................81 Creature Comforts – www.parkdalenovelty.com............................ 101 Cruz Accessories – www.cruzaccessories.com................................. 145 Desperate Enterprises – www.desperate.com................................... 73 Discount Plush – www.discountplush.com......................................... 98 Dutch American Import Co. – www.dutcham.com.......................... 5 Eagle Emblems – www.eeincusa.com.................................................... 129 Entosense – www.wholesaleedibleinsects.com..................................87 Exist – www.existcatalog.com.....................................................................93 Exotic Sea Images – www.exoticseaimages.com............................. 164 Fiesta Toy – www.fiestatoy.com.................................................................97 Gallery 35 – www.gallery35me.com.........................................................115 Glass Graphics – www.glassgraphics.com..............................................13 GP Originals – gporiginals.faire.com................................................23, 162 Grasshopper’s Mermaid – www.grasshoppersmermaid.com....125 Hatley / Little Blue House – us.hatley.com.........................................85 IGES – www.iges.us..........................................................................................167 Impulse Souvenirs – www.impulsesouvenirs.com...........................179 Jackson Pacific – www.jacksonpacific.com...........................................141 Kerusso – wholesale.kerusso.com..............................................................91 Kurt S. Adler – www.kurtadler.com..........................................................21 Lakota Arts and Crafts – www.lakotaartsandcraftsenterprise.com.......................................162 LaserGifts – www.lasergifts.com..............................................................180 Liberty Graphics – www.lgtees.com..............................................83, 109 Lipco Group – www.lipco.biz..................................................................... 161 Little Critterz – www.littlecritterz.com................................................123 Lone Rock Clothing – www.lonerockclothing.com.........................94 Macone Clay / Spooner Creek – www.maconeclay.com............137 McGovern & Co. – www.mcgovernoutdoorandcompany.com....................................22 Mei Wah – www.meiwah.com....................................................................124 Mitchell Proffitt – www.mitchellproffitt.com....................................95 Mountain Graphics – www.mtgraphics.com......................................127 Mowbi Wholesale – www.mowbiwholesale.com.............................24 MV Sport/The Game – www.mvsport.com........................................92
Natural Selections International Inc. – www.naturalselectionsinc.com...........................................................153 Nelson’s – www.nelsongiftswholesale.com........................................ 105 North American Bancard – www.nynorth.com................................114 Panama City Beach Gift Show – www.panamacitybeachshow.com......................................................171 Paradies and Company – www.paradiesandcompany.com/kid-u-not.................................100 Parris Manufacturing – www.parristoys.com.....................................99 Pennybandz – www.pennybandzwholesale.com..............................131 Pichincha – www.pichinchagifts.com.................................................... 146 R.S. Covenant Inc. – www.rscovenant.com.........................................147 Rabbit Studios – www.billandtracirabbit.com...................................139 RetailBuzz 365 – www.retailbuzz365.com...........................................175 Sawdust City – www.sawdustcitywholesale.com..............................51 Seagull International Inc. – www.seagullintl.com............................115 Silver Streak – www.silverstreaks.com................................................ 10-11 Simply Southern – www.simplysouthernwholesale.com..............69 Skylark Printing – skylarkprinting.faire.com...................................... 128 Smith-Southwestern – www.smith-southwestern.com................121 Smoky Mountain Gift Show – www.smokymtngiftshow.com................................53 - 65, cover tip Souvenir Avanti Inc. – www.souveniravanti.com..............................117 Souvenir Source – www.souvenirsource.com...................................2, 7 Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties – www.sgnmag.com....................................................................128, 173, 177 Spoontiques – www.spoontiques.com...................................................19 SS Handcrafted Art – www.sshandart.com.........................................78 Stickers Northwest – www.stickersnorthwest.com.........................12 Storm Striker Art by Justin Patten – www.stormstrikerartbyjustinpatten.com...................................... 159 Surf Expo – www.surfexpo.com.............................................................. 169 Tangico – www.tangicousa.com................................................................133 The Cottonseed Marketplace – www.cottonseedmarketplace.faire.com........................................ 86 The Postcard Factory/ PCF Souvenirs www.pcfsouvenirs.com.......................................................................... 120 The RGU Group – www.thergugroup.com............................................ 43 The Wilusz Way Wood Designs – www.thewiluszwaywooddesigns.com.............................................135 Tom Borg Consulting – www.tomborgconsulting.com................ 165 Upper Deck Ltd. – www.upperdeckltd.com........................................151 Urban Charm – www.urbancharmbeads.com.................................... 119 Village Originals – www.villageoriginals.com......................................79 Wayne Carver – www.waynecarver.com..............................................3, 9 Wheeler Manufacturing – www.wheelerjewelry.com...................143 Whistle Creek – www.whistlecreek.com...............................................20 Wikki Stix – www.wikkistix.com.............................................................. 102 Wild West Shirt Co. – www.wildwestshirts.com........................44-45 Wildthings – www.wildthingstshirts.com.............................................103 Wind River – www.windriverchimes.com..............................................113 Xplorer Maps – www.xplorermaps.com................................................35 Zizo USA Inc. – www.zizousa.com...........................................................163 Zoologee – www.zoologee.com...............................................................155
176 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
SUNSHINE AWARD
Stepping up for the community STO RY BY M E GA N S MALLEY
S
ince 1926, Webster’s Community Pharmacy has lived up to its name by serving its community in Altadena, California. Alongside the full-service prescription pharmacy, owners Michael and Meredith Miller run a gift shop complete with namedrop apparel, greeting cards, jewelry, books, retro toys, candy, personal care items and home accents. When the Eaton Fire spread throughout Southern California in January 2025, many Altadena businesses were destroyed or damaged. Meredith Miller estimates 90% of her regular customer base lost their homes. Although the Webster’s building survived the fire, all inventory was lost due to smoke damage. Vendor support and grants have helped Webster’s Community Pharmacy return to normal. Miller
SUNSHINE
AWARD Winner: Webster’s Community Pharmacy Location: Altadena, CA Owner: Meredith Miller
Webster’s Community Pharmacy Owner Meredith Miller stocks her Altadena, California, store with locally made gifts and name-drop merchandise for her customers.
LENDING A HAND
After Webster’s finished cleaning and reopened in February 2025, the store stepped up to help its community. Webster’s set up a donation station in the store so that people in need could come and take whatever they needed.
“We’re here, though, and we’ll do the best we can to help the community. It just feels like that’s what’s natural to do.” — MEREDITH MILLER says the store received grants to help offset costs from replenishing after the fire. But Webster’s Community Pharmacy didn’t just receive support — the longtime retailer found unique ways to give support to others in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. SPONSORED BY:
Webster’s also stepped up to provide several public services to Altadena. The town’s main post office also burned down, so Webster’s began serving as a village post office for the community. “We knew we had to do whatever we could to help,” says Miller.
MAKING ALTADENA STRONG
Several years ago, Webster’s Community Pharmacy launched its Beautiful Altadena 91001 collection of custom products, which has grown in popularity since the fire. “After the fire, people were wanting Altadena anything,” she shares. “They wanted to show the world we were going to make it.” Life may not be quite back to normal for Altadena, but Miller says she’s been happy to see the growth in community pride over the past year and a half. “I think it’s just a long process for everyone to rebuild,” Miller says. “We’re here, though, and we’ll do the best we can to help the community. It just feels like that’s what’s natural to do.” 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.
178 SOUVENIRS, GIFTS & NOVELTIES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
www.sgnmag.com
AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PUBLICATION FOR THE SOUVENIR & RESORT GIFT INDUSTRY | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026