Museums and More

Big Sky Country Sales

Do you walk into your store every day as if you are a customer and see through their eyes for a moment — are you drawn in? Are you interested in the merchandise? Do you feel welcomed and at ease? Sherry Jonckheere, retail sales supervisor and store manager at The Museum Store at Montana Historical Society in Helena, Mont., realizes that first reactions are important and that they’ll often determine if first-time visitors will come back as repeat customers. “Make sure you give a great first impression and keep your merchandise fun, fresh and varied,” Jonckheere said. “There’s not much that stays stagnant in our store, and although it can be challenging for staff to keep up with everything, it keeps our store fresh for the customers — repeat and first-timers — and keeps our days interesting and moving.” And moving is something that The Museum Store…  » Read more

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Debbahs Gift Shop

From the beauty of the coastline and forests to the quaint shops with local flavor, there’s a special mystique to Bar Harbor. Surrounded by Acadia National Park and nestled on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, the town has welcomed visitors for more than 100 years. And for more than 50 years, customers have ventured into what has become a landmark of sorts — Debbahs Gift Shop. Located in the center of Main Street, Debbahs has a rich history of offering the widest assortment of products at a variety of price points. It bills itself a one-stop gift and souvenir shop offering everything from plush, shot glasses, flip-flops and costume jewelry to sterling silver, key chains, magnets and mugs — with a history of success. “My grandfather opened Debbahs Gift Shop in the year 1953,” said Leon Debbah. “After he retired, my father took it…  » Read more

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Million Dollar Sales

When taking a trip to a state park, one might anticipate a bevy of wildlife, a wealth of foliage and a standard souvenir shop set somewhere among the mix. What one might not anticipate is a giant hippopotamus, one gift shop with manatee plush and custom-designed pajamas and another with a crystal chandelier illuminating a selection of Vera Bradley products. However, a trip to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa, Fla., provides visitors with all of that — and a whole lot more. Museum Store Manager Evelyn Astore said that its success has been based on keeping current with buying trends, offering quality products and pricing that product with perceived value in mind. Merchandise is selected to support The Florida Park Service mission “To provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring our natural and cultural resources” to Florida wildlife. While park attendance…  » Read more

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