[BCMA] Advice sought for improving Museum gift shop

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Consider items related to your museum's mandate. If you become the sole source or one of a few sources on local history etc. then that can help draw visitors to you. Ask your visitors what they want. For example many tourists, especially from Europe would like to buy authentic NW Coast native art. Vancouver Museum (by whatever name they are using this year) and Royal BC Museum have both been very successful with this. Local history books - watch out that you do not tie up too much money in stock.  If publishing a local history book consider print on demand rather than thousands of copies.

Do look at local shops and what they are stocking. Consider partnerships with them rather than going into subsidized competition against them. 

Local craftspeople want sales venues. Perhaps you could sell on commission so that you provide space but do not have to tie up money in stock. A trick is to maintain quality and good relations with artists. How to say no to junk or things that do not sell - perhaps have a group of artists adjudicate but beware of cliques forming.

Colin

Sent from my iPhone

Colin MacGregor Stevens, CD
Richmond,
British Columbia,
CANADA



> On Oct 12, 2013, at 5:10 PM, "Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv." <bcma at lists.vvv.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> The Whistler Museum is looking to upgrade and expand its gift shop and we are hoping to gain some advice from someone who is involved in the running of a successful gift shop in a small to mid-sized museum. 
> 
> The Museum has a small gift shop at the moment, but the take-up is not as strong as we would like it to be. All offers of advice would be most gratefully received!
> 
> If you think you can help please contact me off-list with your phone number.
> 
> Many thanks,
> 
> Sarah Drewery
> curator at whistlermuseum.org
> 
> -- 
> 
> Sarah Drewery
> Executive Director
> Whistler Museum and Archives Society 
> 4333 Main St. Whistler B.C. V0N 1B4
> Museum: (604) 932-2019  Fax: (604) 932-2077
> www.whistlermuseum.org
> Direct: (604) 902-5190
> 
> Please note my days of work are Saturday-Wednesday
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