Museum Store Sunday Blog Series: Partnering With Purpose
This innovative series in celebration of Museum Store Sunday spotlights thoughtful partnerships between museum store buyers and artisan vendors. Read on to learn more about how to shop with purpose, from both wholesale and nonprofit retail perspectives.
Episode One – The Barnes Shop X Tote Jawn
How did you find Tote Jawn and what spoke to you about their work?
The Barnes Shop: I started noticing cool totes around the city that featured the names of Philadelphia neighborhoods. Some internet sleuthing led me to Tote Jawn, and I learned the founder, Lia, had an interest in sewing that comes from a rich family history, dating several generations back. She has perfected a utilitarian design that makes her totes comfortable to use and stylish to wear. In a world with many tote bags, hers stand out.
Why is their work a good fit for the Barnes Shop?
The Barnes Shop: I liked the opportunity to proudly represent my city or favorite destination while also choosing to be sustainable. Lia designedher totes as a replacement for single-use plastic grocery bags, and it has become the tote that I actually remember to bring with me when shopping. We get many requests for merchandise with the museum’s name/logo, and this felt like a creative way to support a local business and create an interesting product while satisfying a common customer request.
Describe you/your brand’s mission, in 50 words or less.
Lia: Among many things, Philadelphians are honest, gritty, and fashionable, so if I was going to outfit them with a tote they’d want and remember to carry, I had to translate that into a bag that matched their swag. The Tote Jawn mission is to revolutionize the way Philadelphians carry their essentials by offering stylish, durable, and eco-friendly tote bags. We are committed to reducing single-use plastic waste while celebrating the vibrant culture and unique spirit of Philly. Our totes blend practicality with local flair to create bags that are as versatile as the city itself. Tote Jawn seeks to make Philly greener, one tote at a time.
How has working with museum stores changed your practice?
Lia: As a minimalist who likes to concretize the abstract, my design maxim has always been, clean, minimal, modern. But working with vibrant, fluid, almost whimsical artists, and buyers like Tia, and seeing the positive responses to the purple and sequins bags we designed, my world has opened and expanded. This has also led to me accepting more custom orders that differ from the usual and inaugural Tote Jawn bags.
What advice would you give to other artists looking to begin production for wholesale?
Lia: I’m hesitant to offer advice because the advice I was given, was to “wait until you have a full line to pitch to stores” and I did the exact opposite. I pitched one product, the black and white ‘Philadelphia’ tote, and secured my first three wholesale accounts with just that bag. While it is prudent to ensure you have the inventory, systems, and terms in place to fulfill wholesale orders in a timely manner, my best advice is to start where you are and pitch. Send emails, visit brick and mortars, offer samples and/or consignment, oh and hire an accountant!
Is there a current project or product idea you’d like to share?
Lia: We are gearing up to introduce our first new products into the Tote Jawn family. This holiday season we’re launching a shmedium (small/medium) version of our totes for those who’d like to carry less, or who are vertically challenged, and for kids/tweens. We’re also finalizing samples of bottle bags for a reusable, practical, and stylish way to gift wine, oils, sparkling cider, etc.