The Secret to Moving More Merch Without Changing What You Sell
Inventory tight? Budget frozen? Good news — you don’t need new products to increase sales. You just need your existing merchandise to work harder for you. Here’s how to unlock more movement, more margin, and more momentum right where you are.
You can increase gift shop sales without adding a single new item — all it takes is using what you already have more strategically. Whether your inventory is tight or your budget is frozen, these simple adjustments can boost sales fast.
1. Increase Gift Shop Sales by Changing the Story
You don’t need more items — you need better context. The same product can feel totally different when you frame it with emotion, relevance, or curiosity. A dinosaur pin becomes a “Field Trip Favorite.” A building magnet becomes a “Guest Pick” with a handwritten note. Small shifts change how guests see value.
What to try:
- Highlight “Most Gifted” or “Staff Favorites” with small shelf talkers.
- Re-theme product zones to match current exhibits, seasons, or events.
- Add quick signage that ties items to memories: “Perfect for field trip memories” or “Take a piece of the exhibit home.”
Guests aren’t buying the object — they’re buying the meaning behind it.
2. Bundle to Bump AOV
Bundling is one of the easiest ways to raise your average order value without raising prices. Take a few $6 items and offer them as a “3 for $15” set, or create a “Collector’s Pack” from three themed pieces. People love the feeling of getting more for less.
What to try:
- Mix-and-match sets: “Any 3 pins for $15” or “Pin + magnet + keychain bundle.”
- Seasonal “Buy One, Gift One” offers for holidays or special events.
- Build-your-own gift packs under a clear price ceiling like “Build a $20 souvenir pack.”
Guests don’t just love deals — they love choices.
3. Price Anchor Like a Pro
Sometimes your mid-tier item isn’t slow because of its price — it’s slow because it doesn’t have context. Put a $6 pin next to a $12 coin and a $25 boxed ornament. Suddenly, the pin looks like a no-brainer. Price anchoring helps guide the guest toward the choice you want.
What to try:
- Place a higher-priced “hero” item next to your mid-range pieces.
- Use simple display cards like “Best Value,” “Staff Favorite,” or “Premium Collectible.”
- Group products in good/better/best price ladders so the middle option feels safest.
Guests don’t judge price in isolation — they judge it in comparison.
4. Move Displays to Increase Gift Shop Sales
Stale displays kill momentum. Even high-performing products can flatline if they sit in the same spot too long. Move them. Raise them. Light them up. You’d be shocked how many sales come from simply changing the presentation.
What to try:
- Rotate key items into eye-level positions and endcaps.
- Flip front-and-back displays weekly so different products get the “front row.”
- Use mirrors or focused lighting to make small items feel more important.
Sometimes the product isn’t the problem — the placement is.
Want products that are built to move — and a partner who helps you move them?
FergusonAndrews creates high-margin custom metal merch that’s display-friendly, impulse-priced, and built for stories. We’ll help you design smarter and sell smarter.
