Branded Merchandise in Your Camp Store, Part One: 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
As a group of outdoor enthusiasts who are obsessed with our jobs, we know a thing or two about creating successful camp stores that boost revenue and enhance guest experiences. Our passion for the outdoors isn't just professional—it's personal. My love for camping was inspired by our CEO when we embarked on a trip to Acadia with a rented travel trailer. After that, I bought a camper and travel the country every moment I get with my husband, four kids, and our dog, Nala. We've journeyed up and down the East Coast from our home in NY, staying at upwards of 20 campgrounds in a season.
We almost always commemorate our adventures with a branded momento from the campstore – tshirts, sweatshirts, mugs and more are all over our home, reminding us of the wonderful adventures we had. These experiences have given us a bit of an insight into what makes a campstore successful. Whether you’re running a small family campground, a large RV park, or the National Park Service, your camp store can be a powerful tool for increasing revenue and building brand loyalty.
I’ve seen campstores that really have it right – cool merchandise that, when you look at it, takes you back to the adventure. Alternatively I see a lot of campstores that are missing the mark with some that we couldn’t find a thing to purchase – what a missed opportunity to get your brand out there! Here are some key strategies and common pitfalls to avoid when setting up or revamping your camp store.
Branded Merchandise in Your Campstore: 4 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Overbranding
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen is overbranding merchandise with irrelevant information. For example, printing a logo with “Function Hall” or “RV Service” doesn’t create an appealing memory for guests. While these may be services you offer, those that are buying the merch are likely there on vacation. Who wants to walk around with “Function Hall” on their souvenir t-shirt? Not me!
Avoid this by: Keeping the focus on the experience, not the advertisement. Use subtle branding that complements the design rather than dominating it. Nobody wants to buy an advertisement for your business.
2. Selling Promotional Items as Merchandise
Another common failure is expecting guests to pay for promotional items, like a magnet with a website and phone number. People buy items to remember their experience, not as a way to remember your phone number or web address.
Avoid this by: Offering items that guests want to buy because they hold sentimental value or practical use. A beautiful design that resonates with their experience will sell better than a marketing tool.
3. Forgetting to include the reason your guests are staying with you
Are you near a national landmark or tourist area? Many campgrounds are. Co-branding with landmarks, historic sites and commonly visited destinations near your campground will urge your guests to buy co-branded items from YOU instead of the landmark gift shop. Your sticker will look great on the back of their camper..hint hint.
Avoid this by: including your location or the nearest popular destination on some of your pieces.
4. Priced too high
Do you want to make a profit or do you want your brand out there...or both? These are the questions we ask our clients to try and get the best products at the right price. If advertising is a strong factor in your merch goals, then we focus our efforts more on really cool items that everyone will walk around town with. If your goal is making a profit, then price is key, so that you can sell at a higher margin.
Partner with Us for Strategic Growth
At eXpo Branders, we’re not just suppliers; we’re your strategic growth partners. We’ll work with you to optimize your camp store, ensuring your promotional products match your brand and contribute to your bottom line. With our expertise, you can transform your camp store into a revenue-generating asset that enhances your guests’ experiences and keeps your brand walking around long after the campfire goes out!
Ready to take your camp store to the next level? Contact us today, and let’s make your campground the go-to destination for memorable merchandise!
