How Smart Planning Boosted Visitor Centre Merchandise Sales in Scotland by 25%
The Challenge Facing Visitor Centres in Scotland
Choosing visitor centre merchandise for your shop isn’t always easy. There are big decisions to make about what to stock, how much to order, what designs will appeal and how to keep things fresh when visitor numbers can be unpredictable. It’s all too easy to end up with shelves full of products that don’t sell, or worse, to run out of the items that everyone wants…a missed opportunity.
Our clients found themselves in exactly this position. They wanted to boost sales and offer merchandise that really connected with their audience, but without tying up money in large upfront orders. That’s where we stepped in, to rethink their approach to visitor centre merchandise and maximise the opportunities for their business.
A Tailored Approach to Visitor Centre Merchandise in Scotland
Our managing director, Louise, has a sharp eye for what works, and is passionate about bringing her expertise to visitor centres. Drawing inspiration from around the word, she redesigned the centre’s merchandise, combining industry insight with inspiration drawn from local culture. For this project, she gave the centre’s offering a complete refresh. Instead of sticking with the usual, she combined proven bestsellers with local flair. Think tartan, the Saltire, thistles, Celtic designs and even the odd appearance from Nessie.
The result? A range of visitor centre merchandise that felt authentic to the location, appealed to the audience and stood out for all the right reasons.
Stock That Resonates With Visitors
The curated product range included:
- Hoodies and sweatshirts for comfort and warmth in the cooler Scottish climate
- T-shirts available in adult and children’s sizes for year-round appeal
- Hats and caps including cosy bobble hats, perfect for outdoor explorers
Each item was designed to be practical, stylish and tied to the wants and needs of the typical visitor to the centre.
Strong Sales, Even in a Downturn
The impact was immediate. Despite fewer visitor numbers compared to the previous 12-month period, sales increased by 25%. By focusing on visitor centre merchandise that customers actually wanted to buy, and two-day turnarounds for replenishments, the centre avoided wasted stock, long waits for restocks and maximised every opportunity.
Our quick-turnaround replenishment meant they were never out of their bestsellers, creating consistency for visitors and confidence for the centre’s team.
Fast Replenishment With a Local Partner
The client now enjoys the flexibility of a drop-shipping model but with all the benefits of working with a local, trusted supplier. Designs are stored on file, and restock requests go directly to our sales team. With a two-day turnaround, the centre is never left short of stock.
This balance of our expert industry guidance, tailored designs and reliable replenishment is what makes our approach stand out for in visitor centre merchandise.
Why This Model Works
Visitor centres often lack the time or expertise to predict which items will sell best. By partnering with us, they gain:
- Expert insight into garment trends
- Tailored products that reflect their location and audience
- Low upfront costs and reduced risk
- Reliable, fast replenishment
It’s a proven model that helps visitor centres grow their retail success without unnecessary risks.
Ready to Refresh Your Visitor Centre Merchandise?
If you’re running a visitor centre and want to boost your retail performance with stock that sells, we can help. With our tailored approach, we’ll design a merchandise range that captures the spirit of your location while keeping your shelves stocked and your visitors happy.
Get in touch today to explore how we can support your retail success.
