Plimoth Plantation Plymouth, Massachusetts
The award-winning museum shop at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts serves thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, including local primary school children, families on vacation, seniors on elder hostel trips, college students, and guests visiting from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan. As more and more souvenir goods are made overseas, Plimoth Plantation recognizes that tourists want a real memento of the places they visit and not something made offshore. Ellie Donovan, Associate Director of Retail, says, “Customers expect that a museum whose mission concerns the earliest Colonial period in America will offer items produced in the US, preferably made locally.”
Plimoth Plantation offers a variety of locally made goods in their shops and some of the most popular items are New England or U.S. made. As always, foodstuffs are great sellers, but Museum goers also really want products that look and feel “authentic.” Native-made products like beadwork or traditional toys and games, soaps and candles are some of the most popular items in the PP shop. The staff at the Museum recognizes their role as a local business and how they can be a good business partner with local makers. Ellie Donovan explains it this way, “While most of our customers aren't from Plymouth or the surrounding communities we do represent this town and this region to a wide audience. We are always pleased to support local artists and craftspeople.”
Ellie and other Museum shop staff attend some of the big national trade shows but have found that NEPTS is their link to New England manufacturers. She says, “I found several great new lines for us at last year's show, and was able to see new product from existing vendors. The NEPTS means that I can shop a market that I can trust for quality, originality, authenticity, and service. I know I am buying from people who care about the New England region and our rich cultural heritage. A pride of place is reflected in the workmanship and creativity of NEPTS vendors. I know I can purchase quality items that I am proud to have in our museum shops. “
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