Session Overview
We would like to develop a gift shop, not only to increase revenue but more significantly to expand our mission. Meaning, that I would like to add more scholarly books, develop more branded merch (agh), and present local artisans. I am looking for someone with experience sourcing (e.g., where do museums buy their books?), and someone with a knowledge of best practices: how do we outline an all-new store? How much investment, how many hats or stickers or other, how do you estimate sales against traffic, what are best practices for store presentation, cash wrap, etc. What don't we know? I don't even know where to begin. I'd like a smart, well-rounded shop with books, art supplies, branded clothing, coffee mugs, and prints. I'd like to avoid an off-the-shelf Made in China solution.
Nonprofit Overview
Our current mission, which is in grave need of a rewrite, is
Rancho Camulos Museum is a 40-acre NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK situated within an 1800 acre working ranch. It is the best remaining example of a Spanish-Mexican rancho in its original rural environment and is noted for its literary significance as the setting for Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona. Rancho Camulos is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving and interpreting the diverse cultural heritage and agricultural history of Southern California from 1853 to 1943. Through restoration of its buildings and grounds, Rancho Camulos seeks to connect the past with the present by offering programs that will educate and enrich all audiences.
We are a museum, a cultural center, and a research library. Our true scope of impact would be mythmaking, nation building, Native American material culture, sacred architecture, climate change, agriculture, innovation, resilience, and cultural geography. And more, but this gives better context.