Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia

The Museum of Anthropology’s shop has played a dual role within the Museum – it has been an important source of revenue generation as well as providing educational souvenirs, materials and art for the visiting public and has expanded an appreciation of First People’s art through sales in its retail shop and wholesale operation. As part of an expansion plan, the Museum plans a new retail shop off the main lobby.

Lord Cultural Resources was commissioned to assess the optimal size and configuration of a new retail shop with financial projections. Our study included a review of current wholesale operations, including customer satisfaction, administrative, marketing and financial procedures and profitability. We made operational recommendations including the role the Internet could play in the Museum’s overall retail operation and the potential impact it could have on both the retail shop and wholesale operation.