Sallie Stutz
The Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn, New York

1. What makes your store unique?

First, we are a Museum store that has an established to offer one-of-a-kind cultural products that represent our collection. But more recently, as our exhibitions have featured more local artists, we offer a wide range of products designed and manufactured by local Brooklyn artists. The variety of new products has been amazing. For the eight year, we’re also featuring a Children’s Book Fair that only presents Brooklyn authors and illustrators — it is great fun for everyone in the neighborhood!

2. What is your retail background?

I have worked as the Vice Director for Merchandising for the Brooklyn Museum for 20 years. Previously, I worked at the New York Botanical Garden and South Street Seaport Museum. My initial retail training came from working at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.

3. What is the most popular product you sell?

All Brooklyn image or designed products sell extremely well along with our extensive catalogs that document our exhibitions programs.

4. What are your top three retail tips?

1. Stay true to your mission and focus on related educational products.

2. Look to develop beneficial partnerships in every way. For example, working with the American Fine Craft Fair was about building new audience while educating our visitors on quality American and Brooklyn made products.

3. Try something new, and don’t be shy about it. If you have a new idea — if you believe in it — then put the time and energy into it above your everyday duties or otherwise it just won’t happen or it won’t make any significant impact. We all are looking to expand our business — you really have to distinguish your store. Both the Children’s Book Fair and the American Fine Craft Fair have helped me accomplish that goal.