Two minutes is all it takes to be considered one of the most legendary thoroughbred horses in the United States by winning the Kentucky Derby. The lead-up to the event is a head-turning extravaganza attended by some of the biggest names in Hollywood and around the globe. When it’s all over, the Kentucky Derby Museum Store is waiting to help visitors procure the perfect keepsake to commemorate the race, which is commonly referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
To mark one’s visit, Director of Retail Operations Kristina Gerard works behind the scenes with local vendors to “really showcase Louisville and what Louisville has to offer.”
“A lot of places don’t need to think like that because when people go shopping, they’re from that town so they just need to put it in their car and take it home,” she explains. “But for us the challenge is making sure not only are the products amazing, but that they can take it on the plane with them.”
Photos: Mickie Winters
Learning another language
And speaking of hats, Gerard says baseball caps are a bestseller, but they’re typically not what people think of when it comes to derby hats.“I actually work one-on-one with our hat vendors on designing hats,” Gerard explains. “So, when you come to us for a hat, no one will have the exact trim or the exact style that we carry here.”
Licensed to logo
The museum store certainly carries traditional souvenirs; however, any souvenirs affiliated with the Kentucky Derby must be licensed.Bourbon abounds
As long of a history as the Kentucky Derby has, bourbon has an equally impressive lineage, particularly in Kentucky, which is known for its distilleries. The derby museum gift shop gives a nod to the beverage with a wide-ranging selection of bourbon.“One thing we’ve worked really hard on is trying to find not only the bourbon everyone loves like the day-to-day brands, but the ones that maybe people aren’t aware of or new ones that are coming out,” Gerard notes. “There are other smaller distilleries out there that we’re trying to showcase and have fun with.”
Keep it simple
But most of the items that people desire from the gift shop don’t have hefty price tags.“A lot of places don’t need to think like that because when people go shopping, they’re from that town so they just need to put it in their car and take it home,” she explains. “But for us the challenge is making sure not only are the products amazing, but that they can take it on the plane with them.”