A few years ago, I went on a business trip to San Antonio for a couple of days and decided to squeeze in some sightseeing. My colleagues and I walked a few blocks from our hotel to The Alamo. If you’ve never been to San Antonio, The Alamo just happens to be right in the middle of that city surrounded by other more modern buildings that have been built up around it.
It was nothing less than remarkable to see in person, and you could easily put yourself in the shoes of the people who were there defending the Alamo. It is certainly a must-see spot for history buffs.
And as you will read in this issue’s cover story beginning on page 38, they are doing an outstanding job stocking the store with uniquely personal items that capture that profound piece of Texas history.
The rest of this issue is also filled with stories of gift shops across the country that are finding ways to bring the attraction they serve to life with the products inside their gift shops, including zoos and museums. There’s also Scottsdale Southwest, which has an appropriate mix of southwest and cowboy vibes for its location in the Phoenix suburb, featured on page 62. Some stores also capture memorable experiences like A to Z Mineral Shop’s eclectic mix of fossils and rocks, which you can read about on page 68.
The folks who own or operate these gems in their communities know what an important job they have in memorializing an experience. So do you. I hope by reading their stories you will be inspired and motivated to elevate your store’s aesthetics, offerings and customer service to give guests who visit your destination in 2025 their best experience yet. And if you do that, the sales will be sure to follow!
