Gift Shop Plus Summer 2022

Tailor Made By Debbie Eisele

Namedrop and souvenir merchandise is still popular, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. Consumers are looking for products that reflect a brand, a city/town/state, specific location (longitude and latitude), or an image that resonates with an experience or personal passion.

Apparel, accessories, bath and body, jewelry, home décor, souvenirs, toys and games and other merchandise can all be customized and retailers can appeal to shoppers by offering a multitude of options.

“The products in the souvenir, resort and namedrop category help give visitors and vacationers to attractions and destinations a tangible reminder of the memories they have created. That is something that is timeless,” Lisa Glosson, vice president gift and souvenir for Clarion Events said. “Now with travel and tourism picking up to almost pre-pandemic levels, as many reports have shown, that demand has continued to increase!”

“This year we are seeing a surge in demand for products Made in America due to the challenges around shipping and supply chain issues. Other categories that have continued to emerge over the past couple of years are sustainable products, fair trade goods and products made by minority and women owned businesses,” Glosson emphasized.

Yet, connecting with others can provide an attractive lure — merchandise that provides a memory of an experience and a way to connect is an additional way to grab shoppers’ attention. For instance, games and puzzles can provide shoppers a reminder of a trip as well as time with friends and family, to enjoy an activity and reconnect.

“People want to gather again and we are seeing a big lift in all products that bring them to the communal table. From family game nights to wine cheese and trivia girls night, games and products that bring together two to five people are a sweet spot,” Trudi Barlow, Unemployed Philosophers Guild shared.

Clarion Events offers several markets across the country that offer selections in a wide-range of categories, and many of its events offer specialty selections. For instance, at the Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show and the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, buyers will find a selection of beach souvenirs and resort merchandise.

Glosson also shared that at its Smoky Mountain Gift show, buyers can peruse a large selection of products for lake, mountain or lodge resorts. For buyers interested in very specific cultural products, well-suited for national parks, museums and other similar destinations, Clarion has a pavilion dedicated to showcasing Native American merchandise.

Upcoming Clarion Events markets include: Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, Sep. 20-23, Las Vegas, Nevada; Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Ocean City, Maryland; Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Nov. 9-12, 2022, Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show, Dec. 4-7, 2022, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“Each show offers a tremendous selection of products from top names and newcomers in every category – including custom, apparel, toys, books, games, jewelry, Made in America, handcrafted, sustainable and more! For those looking to place orders for the 2023 tourist season, we recommend joining us at one of these events happening through the end of 2022.” Glosson shared.