Top 5 Museum Store Trends to Watch out for in 2025 by Melody Cabán, Melody Cabán Consulting

 

As we look ahead to 2025, the museum store landscape is evolving in exciting and innovative ways. From embracing technology to championing sustainability, museum retailers are uniquely positioned to merge commerce with culture. Here are five key trends that will shape the future of museum retail and tips on how to make the most of them.

1. Wellness and Self-Care: Creating Calm Amid the Chaos

In our increasingly fast-paced world, the demand for wellness and self-care products shows no sign of slowing down. McKinsey estimates the global wellness market is worth over $1.5 billion and has found wellness to be the top priority for 42% of respondents. Museum stores can tap into this trend while reflecting their mission and values.

How to Implement Wellness Products:

• Curate Thoughtful Merchandise: Select items that complement your museum’s identity. For instance, a botanical garden store could stock calming herbal teas or nature-inspired journals. Art museums might offer guided mindfulness books or art-inspired aromatherapy candles. Whatever you choose, make it distinctly you!
• Wellness Events: Collaborate with your museum to host activities like yoga sessions, meditation workshops, or “slow looking” tours where participants explore art with deliberate attention. These events can inspire new and old visitors alike while connecting them to your museum store wellness offerings.

2. Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Products: Shopping with Purpose

Sustainability continues to redefine retail, and museum stores are no exception. Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to ethical and eco-friendly options, with over 80% of Millennials and Gen Z consumers reporting that sustainability considerations were important to them. Add to that a recent PwC survey that shows consumers are willing to pay almost 10% more for sustainably produced or sourced goods. Museums have an opportunity to align their museum stores with their broader sustainability goals while attracting new generations of shoppers.

How to Embrace Eco-Friendly Retail:

• Source Sustainably: Stock products that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable materials. From recycled goods to innovative materials like cactus leather, there is something to fit your audience and mission.
• Look Within: Do not know where to start? First, look at your museum’s goals for sustainability. How can you enhance these through your museum store? Next, reach out to your current vendors and see what they are doing to be more sustainable.

3. Immersive Experiences Through Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) is reshaping the retail experience, allowing museum stores to create memorable and interactive moments for shoppers. AR can merge the physical and digital realms to engage visitors in novel ways. You may not have interacted with AR yet, but it has become a hot trend. According to Straits Research, the Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) headset market was valued at over $7 billion in 2024.

How to Harness AR in Your Store:

• Interactive Products: No need to be a tech whiz. Watch out for AR-enabled merchandise such as books, postcards, or toys that transform into dynamic experiences through a smartphone app. AR can make ordinary extraordinary by bringing art and history to life.
• Enhance Museum Experiences: AR is not just for products. You will see AR apps that complement your museum’s exhibits. These can include virtual scavenger hunts or immersive storytelling that deepens the visitor’s connection to an exhibit’s mission.

4. Blended Learning Educational Kits: Engaging the Next Generation

Gone are the days of basic educational kits. Blended learning kits combine digital tools, print resources, and hands-on activities, creating multi-faceted experiences that are both fun and educational. These kits are perfect for extending a museum’s educational mission beyond its walls, inspiring curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages.

How to Introduce Blended Learning Kits:

• Extending The Story: Offer educational kits inspired by your museum’s exhibits. For example, a history museum might sell kits that include coding tools paired with lessons on historical inventions, while an art museum might feature kits exploring painting techniques paired with online tutorials.
• DIY Displays: Curate displays combining books, tactile toys, and hands-on creativity to help visitors build their own learning journeys.
• Partner with Educators: Collaborate with your educational department to find kits that align with classes.

5. Personalized Products: Unique Keepsakes for Every Visitor

In an age of customization, museum stores can go beyond traditional souvenirs by offering personalized items and co-creation opportunities. Visitors love creating unique keepsakes that reflect their individuality and connect them to the museum experience.

How to Offer Customization:

• One-of-a-kind: Simple, yet impactful, options like customizable notebooks, phone cases, or hair accessories can spark creativity and engagement.
• On-Demand Personalization: Look out for vendors who can offer personalized items, like jewelry or art reproductions, shipped straight to your customers.
• Hands-On Workshops: You don’t need a 3D printer to create unique items. Host events where visitors can create their own products, such as painting ceramic mugs, crafting jewelry, or designing tote bags.

Wellness, sustainability, augmented reality, blended learning, and personalization offer new and exciting opportunities for museums to connect with their audiences. By embracing these approaches, museum stores can not only boost revenue but also deepen the visitor experience, making your museum store an essential part of the museum experience. Whether you are planning your store’s next big move or simply looking to stay ahead of the curve, these strategies can help you create a museum store that is ready to take on 2025 and beyond.

 

Melody Cabán
Museum Stores | Earned Revenue | Operations | Visitor Services
Woman-Owned | Latina-Owned
Melody Caban is a museum retail expert dedicated to helping museums put profit & purpose back into their museum stores. We believe that a successful museum store can both inspire visitors and support your institution’s financial health. It’s more than just a shop – it’s a powerful tool to engage your audience and further your mission. Learn more >> Melody Caban Consulting.