museums&MORE Spring 2014

Gigi Loizzo

Gigi Loizzo
The 9/11 Memorial Museum
New York City

1. What makes your store unique?

The 9/11 Memorial is a sacred place that honors the lives lost to terrorist attacks. Therefore we have carefully curated these stores to be much more than stores. They are places where the stories of victims and survivors of the attacks can be told. We commemorate first responders, rescue and recovery workers, survivors and victims by providing informational, educational and thoughtful products for our visitors. Due to the sensitive nature of the Memorial, we have most items produced in-house exclusively for the Memorial.

2. What is your retail background?

I’ve spent many years in NYC cultural retail; from New York Public Library, NY Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Museum and the International Center of Photography.

3. What is the most popular product you sell?

Currently my top selling gift item is the Flag of Honor. The Flag of Honor contains the names of all those who perished in the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, United flights 175 and 93 and American flights 11 and 77.

We also have two Memorial publications that are very popular. The Stories They Tell” recounts the stories of those affected by the attacks through profiles of key artifacts in the 9/11 Museum’s exhibitions and collections. Written by Museum staff members, the book unfolds the curatorial decisions behind the presentation of these memorable artifacts. And “Place of Remembrance,” which honors the fallen and celebrates the spirit of hope as it tells the emotional story behind the creation of the National September 11 Memorial, from the tragic events of 9/11 through the rebuilding process. Like the Memorial, this official commemorative book from National Geographic is a lasting tribute to those lost in New York, Pennsylvania,and at the Pentagon. It lists the names of all the victims and where to find their inscriptions on the memorial itself.

4.What are your top three retail tips?

Be nice to your staff; educate them and appreciate them.

Know your product.

Always show additional generosity to your customers.