museums&MORE Summer 2014
Industry Spotlight, Yvonne Miles, July 2014

Yvonne Miles of San Diego Zoo Global has 39 years of retail experience and is called "The Retail Scientist" by her curators.

Yvonne Miles

San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego

1. What makes your store unique?

We have a fabulous collection of products from all categories within our stores. Each store is themed to reflect its corresponding area or exhibit, with unique and hard to find products. Popular branded items are exclusive to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park stores and not available anywhere in the U.S.

2. What is your retail background?

I have 39 years of retail experience; my curators call me the Retail Scientist! From the sales floor to corporate director of San Diego Zoo Global, it has been a wild and adventurous ride.

3. What is the most popular product you sell?

From a product perspective, it is the plush 8-inch Panda with T-shirt, and a close second is our custom Koalfornia T-shirt, which is a spin-off from the California flag. On-site photo opportunities are also popular, as they capture our visitors’ special moments.

4. What are your top three retail tips?

Price to sell, product presentation, guest engagement!