Museums and More

Creature Comforts

It’s no news flash that the retail world is much different than it was 20, 15 or even two years ago. E-mail is replacing paper, your computer and phone systems are outdated the day after you buy them and video games are more prolific than board games. Through it all, though, one thing remains the same — you can’t keep a good plush down. “Plush toys — always called ‘stuffed animals’ when I was a kid — satisfy the need for tactile sensation that is universal,” said Mark Gross, vice president of marketing and communications for Matter Group LLC. “You can’t cuddle with a video game, and plush toys provide a sense of security and companionship that is very real (and very important) to children. It’s not a coincidence that plush animals play a big role in providing therapy to kids in medical settings —…  » Read more

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International Spy Museum Store

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find authentic spy gear. If you travel to downtown Washington, D.C., within the Pennsylvania Quarter neighborhood, to the International Spy Museum, it will be mission accomplished. With 5,000 square feet devoted to a diverse selection of merchandise that mirrors the International Spy Museum’s presentation of espionage tradecraft and history, the Spy Museum Store is a one-stop shop for all things spy-related and a destination in itself. Featuring all things espionage for real spies, kid spies and everyone in between, the store has a unique selection of gadgets, gear, games, toys, accessories, tools-of-the-trade, books, DVDs and CDs with just the combination of imagination, style and, of course, intrigue. Visitors can also find unique designs inspired by the International Spy Museum’s popular exhibits, plus an exclusive selection of Museum logo merchandise for agents of all ages, tastes and…  » Read more

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Shop in the Garden

Walking into The Shop in the Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, I was awestruck at not only the size of the store itself and the sheer magnitude of products available, but also the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff. Housed in a 7,500-square-foot pavilion constructed of natural materials, it captures the sights, sounds, fragrances and textures of The New York Botanical Garden. The exterior combines New York state bluestone walls, airy stretches of open glass and a sweeping “gull-winged” roof, punctuated by skylights with a graceful design to give the space an open, expansive atmosphere. Inside, the colors and textures of the Garden are echoed by such rich textures as antique wood, natural-fiber rugs and other handmade materials. “Shop in the Garden is a unique garden-lifestyle store,” said Ellen Bruzelius, director of special projects for garden retail and business development. “It includes one of…  » Read more

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