Christine Lee
Whenever my youngster sees the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo sign, well before we pull in, three questions arise like clockwork. His first question is, "Can I get a balloon?" Second is always, "Can I get a new zoo key?" and third, "Can we go to the gift shop?" The answer usually is, "Sure," because everything can be found at the gift shop, the balloon and zoo key, and even sunscreen if I forgot it at home.
The main gift shop is located at the zoo entrance and an additional one is in the RainForest. Most surprising is that the gift shops are managed by a third party vendor, called Event Network, which also runs other zoo gift shops in the nation. The reason this is so unexpected is because it is such a seamless operation. The zoo contracted with Event Networks about two years ago and the response was favorable. I have two friends who rave about the gift shops, one of whom shops specifically for kids' birthday gifts there.
According to Eric Flanigan, from Event Network, based in Columbus, they've done a complete re-haul of both zoo shops. A big theme of the gift shops is conservation, and they feature what they call "stories" about certain animals. For example, there is the Snow Leopard Trust, which gives a portion of the sales to snow leopards at the zoo. In fact a good percentage of Event Networks revenue goes back to the zoo, Flanigan said, and it's something he's proud of.
The top sellers at both gift shops are the plush animals and the zoo apparel for kids and adults. In the RainForest shop, there is an Amazon-type feel with lots of bugs, reptiles and orangutan products (one of the most popular exhibits) to choose from.
Flanigan said they’ve made it a point to become more value focused by offering items at all price points, including one dollar items, keeping kids on school trips in mind. They also offer a two-for-one deal on T-shirts and plush animals and believe it’s important to have the zoo logo on most items because customers appreciate that.
The most interesting news is the gift shop teamed with the conservation department at the zoo to offer a couple of new products this spring. The first will be “The Scoop on Poop” exhibit featuring recycled paper products, such as planners and stationery, made from animal waste. The other is the sale of 5-gallon pails of elephant waste compost to use in gardens and flower beds.
The gift shops' hours of operation are the same as the zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call (216) 661-7603.
WHAT'S THE SCOOP? The Vanity Lab, 24945 Detroit Road in Westlake, will have its second annual Festivus, 6-9 p.m. April 16. It will feature local artists' wares and benefit a not-for-profit pet shelter. Call (440) 835-4490 for more information.
Lee blogs, writes young adult fiction and creates hand-stamped jewelry. Join her at write-brained.com. Send e-mail to christinalee04@gmail.com.