We have been trying to come up with ideas for new merchandise, and I was just wondering what types of items sell good in your shop?

Greetings:
At the Essex Steam Train (Valley Railroad) some of the best sellers are railroad theme books for children.
I visited Steamtown last year and was impressed by the selection there. We expanded our offering and set up a dedicated area.
We also have a year round "Thomas" (TM) shop in our exhibit/museum building with "Thomas" (TM) videos running continously in a corner with chairs so kids (and their adults) can sit and relax.
Good luck!
J.David

We sell engineers hats, in standard form and also as a ball cap, various books, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and misc historic items. Our books are our biggest sellers especially around Christmas. We also sell cold bottled water and cranberry juice.

Later!
Mr. Ed

huckleberry,

the western Railway Museum isn't steam but we have a childrens corner with lots of Thomas the bank Engine toys and videos, Maybe even DVD now.

Lots of the arcadia books too.

There is a new book out on the Key System and from the Colorodo Railroad Museum a new history of the Western Pacific Railroad

Ted Miles

For our offering here in Altoona, go to www.railroadcity.com and click on "Gift Shop Express". We are one of the largest Thomas retailers in Central PA but are very proud of our gift shop offering otherwise as well.

Thanks

We do very well with railroad posters and railroad metal signs

The Hotel & Shops
Chama, New Mexico

May I make an observation? I went to a prominent eastern steam operation in April, and had a ball. My wife and I patronized the dinner train and got stung -royally- by being charged extremely high prices for two cups of soup and two mediocre turkey sandwiches, on top of a hefty fee to ride in the "dining" car. But, hey, I wanted to support this company and it's operations, so I forked over the cash. I went into the gift shop, fully intending to purchase a book, model, or something similar and was blown away by the premium prices. I recognize that gift shops provide a serious infusion of cash into museums, but wouldn't people purchase more if the prices didn't involve opening an artery? I did wind up purchasing a coaster with a RR logo on it, but I similarly felt disappointed with the immediate limitations based on my selections. I understand marketing involves know what will sell ahead of the season, but I honestly feel at tourist operations, lower prices in the gift shop make it possible for families to spend more on souveniers.

I would have to agree. I think alot of muesume need to go and walk around at other stores in there area. If they want to attact the $$ they have to sell at the same price or lower as there competitors. In today's world every one has to think as a business and not a as museum. What I mean by this is if you had thousands of customers who would come to your Thomas Store because you had the lowest thomas prices in town then in the end that makes the green so you can add on to your muesum or rebuild that next car. A good markerting firm really can make or break anyone in today's fast past world.

I would suggest investing in a cash registarer system that can track your biggest selling items. While this investment of 2K to 3k might seem steep at first it will pay alot over time because you'll see that book you order 3 years ago has never sold. Just my 2 cents on the matter.

Thanks!!

Steven H.

I've been cleaning out the junque in the exhibit gallery lately, and have put a good many of the HO scale cars we've been given over the years in the gift shop at bargain-basement prices. They're selling quite well.

Thanks for the ideas guys.... We are currently going through some changes, and need to find some new merchandise that sells relatively well.

THanks again..