Tourvest Destination Retail’s recently revamped gift shop at Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium has ‘raised the standard in retail storytelling’, according to the retailer.

“They significantly upped their game when they transformed their old store into a modern ‘cutting edge’ retail concept, which is extremely attractive and inviting,” confirms Michael Farquhar, CEO, Two Oceans Aquarium.

“The new shop has transformed the feel in the foyer of the Aquarium and I have no doubt that it will be a hit with our visitors.”

The revamp was prompted by a number of developments, including the aquarium’s own recent refurbishments, as well as the successful renewal of Tourvest’s contract to operate the gift shop.

REFRESHING INSPIRATION

According to Tourvest Destination Retail’s Chief Executive Allison Graham, the gift shop’s ‘new and refreshing’ look is inspired by the ‘geometries and polished edges’ of a conch shell, adding some ‘magic to the aquarium experience’.

“In revamping the gift shop at the Two Ocean’s Aquarium, we wanted it to be a visual extension of the aquarium’s slogan – explore, experience, engage,” says Graham.

“Our commercial success has always been underpinned by our ability to capture the essence of a destination in a retail environment. Our target market is driven by the travelling consumers and when they enter one of our shops, they must be immediately reminded of the place they are visiting.”

In addition to the new look, Tourvest has stocked the store with fresh new merchandise that reflects the aquarium experience with a wide range of clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, books, stationery, and locally sourced arts and crafts.

LOCALLY SOURCED MERCHANDISE

“As with our other stores most of our product is sourced from local artists and crafters, which positively impacts on job-creation and poverty alleviation,” adds Graham.

The retailer is also supporting the aquarium’s ‘Green Your Footprint’ initiative, aimed at raising awareness of the danger plastic poses to marine life by including a number of reusable shoppers, bottles and mugs in its inventory.

Tourvest Destination Retail (member of the integrated tourism group Tourvest) has 60 other stores at key tourism hubs in Southern Africa, 16 in the Caribbean, two outlets at India’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, as well as a new outlet in Spain.