The Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust has put renewed emphasis on its retail operation.
Along with taking over the operation of its gift shop, located at the east end of Officers Row, from Seattle-based nonprofit Northwest Interpretive Assoc., Susan Holton was hired to manage the operation in May.
When she started, the gift shop – which dates back to the 1960s – consisted of one counter and the best seller was horehound candy sticks.
Now the shop is packed with clothing, Lewis-and-Clark-era replicas, local art and food products and a good selection of books – which are now the best seller.
Holton, who has a background in journalism and marketing, has turned the emphasis on local wares, and hopes to draw in not only tourists, but local folks looking for presents.
“A lot of people came here to buy Christmas gifts – including the mayor,” she said.
Merchandise has been popular for students traveling abroad, and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington bought Reserve calendars as gifts for its board members.
To emphasize gifting, plastic gift cards for Pearson Air Museum and the gift shop were recently printed.
In looking for local artisans to add regional flair to the merchandise, Holton had a great resource – the now-defunct indoor Vancouver Farmers Market. She phoned the office and asked for recommendations of folks who may be looking for a place to sell their goods.
Vancouver artist Kathleen Brown sells journals and purses made from Pendleton fabric, and local honey, jams and coffee are also for sale.
Holton’s approach has been that more is more: More products, more local, more significance.
In years past, trinkets like replica musket balls and buffalo dice were sold in metal cups tucked away on a counter. No more.
To draw attention to the items, Holton has them hanging on racks in individual packets, each with a card bearing the Reserve’s logo and explaining the item’s historical significance.
“Without understanding the history, these are just metal balls in a cup,” she said, gesturing to the musket balls.
Long-term, Holton plans on hosting more events and there has been talk of retail kiosks located across the Reserve.
“A number of people haven’t been here since a school field trip as a child,” she said. “It’s much different than they remember.”
Megan Patrick can be reached at mpatrick@vbjusa.com.
