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It’s already August, which means many of you are probably right in the middle of summer trade show travels. Last year was the first chance I’ve had to attend the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), and I couldn’t believe how much I saw and how much I learned (most notably, to wear tennis shoes the second day).
Trade shows are great chances not only to see new products and new companies, but to put faces to the names behind those often impersonal phone calls and e-mails. The new connections you can make are as endless as the aisles of products, and even though it’s a lot of work, those couple days on the show floor can help set the tone for the upcoming retail months.
Another thing about traveling is that it gives you the chance to see things from the other side — as a tourist, as a shopper, as a retail customer. Pay attention to the service you receive throughout your trip, from the hotel desk clerk to the cashier at the airport gift shop, and it can help you in your own store. |
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Michael Higdon
Retail Manager
National Building Museum
What makes your store unique?
In general, museum stores are unique from mainstream retailers because of a museum shop’s relationship to a museum’s mission. The National Building Museum’s Shop is unique because of the museum’s focus on the building arts. The Museum Shop is not just a place where you can learn about architecture and design, but also a place that is entertaining and enriches an individuals mind and creativity. Given that architecture and design is a very broad subject, and due to the impact of the building arts on everyday life, the Shop carries many educational products on architecture and design along with products that are fun and/or whimsical. The museum’s focus on “green” has given us an opportunity to add another layer of products to our mix, which are made from recycled, reused or abundant resources.
What is your background?
I attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and hold a bachelor's degree with a double major in psychology and social work, and a minor in finance and administration. With the exception of few years right out of college, I have been in retail forever. I began my career in retail at Williams-Sonoma and the New York store D.F. Sanders. I eventually spent nine years working in the hotel business, running hotel gift shops for the concessionaire W.H. Smith. I was the training manager for the Mid-Atlantic District of W. H. Smith which encompassed 21 one units from Baltimore to Norfolk. For the past 10 years, I have worked in museums. I was previously with the Parks and History Association, the United States Capitol Historical Society and Hillwood Museum Gardens and Estate before coming to the National Building Museum.
What is the most popular product you sell?
There is no simple answer to this question as one might expect because you can define “popular” in a number of ways such as by units sold or sales dollars. We are similar to most museums that attract a high volume of visitors: we sell a lot of postcards, pencils and magnets at our museum, but our Museum Shop has a national reputation for being one of the best bookstores in the country that focuses on architecture and design. We sell a lot of books; our members are very loyal and dedicated to learning and increasing their knowledge on the built environment, but we also sell a lot of home décor. It really is a mix of things.
What trade shows do you attend?
I attend the New York International Gift Fair and the Museum Store Association Expo annually, but I also augment them with trips to the International Housewares Show, the Contemporary Furniture Show and the National Stationery Show. I believe it is important to keep trying and exploring as many markets as I can.
What are the least and most expensive products you sell?
A 75-cent pencil is the least expensive product and the “Ecolo” by Enzo Mari for Alessi is the most expensive product. It is a $1,700 limited edition by Enzo Mari where he used recycled plastic bottles to create a unique set of vases. It is really quite an interesting item by Mari. His work is incredible.
What advice do you have for other retailers?
Listen to your customers; they will tell you what you they want. And enjoy what you do. |
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What do you do when an
item isn’t selling?
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New Ownership of Boston Gift Show Announced
GLM, a dmg world media business, has announced the acquisition of the Boston Gift Show by Urban Expositions, effective immediately.
New Opening, Closing Days for Smoky Mountain Gift Show
The 43rd Annual Smoky Mountain Gift Show will be held Nov. 7-11 in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Buyers Make Use of NYIGF Online Catalog Gallery
Taking advantage of a new Internet planning tool, more than 2,500 qualified leads have been generated from the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) Online Catalog Gallery in advance of the Summer 2008 market.
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The Power of the Wind
Build a working wind turbine to harness power out of thin air. Assemble a turbine, conduct experiments and generate mechanical power.
Thames & Kosmos
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Feel the Magic
Medicine stones are one of the hottest jewelry lines in the industry. A.T. Storrs presents original designs hand-crafted from natural semi-precious stones and shells.
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Another Big Idea
From WTBI, Inc., Placesmats are full-color, two-sided heavy laminated placemats with your designs on both sides of the mat.
WTBI, Inc.
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Plush Blanket Babies
New Blanket Babies from Fiesta are 11-inch plush animals with soft, fringed blankets included. Each features a design element on its blanket.
Fiesta
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TEXT-ONLY ADS ARE AVAILABLE!
Call Gavin Cribbs to find out how you can advertise your product or business in this special text-only ad area! 800-825-0900, ext. 109 |
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