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viewsShop for a Cause
By annamullins, Monday, November 16, 2009
The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Gift Shop is not just your average gift shop.
Right now their average gift shop customer is a patient’s family member or someone stopping in after a hospital tour – people who want to bring a reminder of the miracle of St. Jude home with them. But the shop has something to offer everyone in the community, with a wide variety of merchandise at every price point. All the products have one thing in common, though: all proceeds go directly to the great work of the hospital. 100% of profits, after related expenses, benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We first just want people to know we are here, and that we don’t just sell helium balloons and teddy bears like any hospital gift shop,” explains Chris Potter, store manager.
And while you will probably find a huggable stuffed bear or a get well soon card, you will also come across a Juicy Couture robe, a classy Liz Claiborne bracelet and some Nike athletic attire. “You just don’t realize what’s offered in this gift shop if you’re not a regular on the hospital campus,” says Maggie Bragg, product development manager.
The gift shop began as a much smaller operation in the hospital Pavilion, but in 2005 they opened the doors to the independent, much expanded shop. “We’ve doubled the size,” says Assistant Manager Adair Rainey. “There is more room to focus on getting the brand out there and letting people in the area know we’re here.” Building brand awareness is essential in bringing in new funds for hospital research.
St. Jude has created exciting partnerships with many retail companies, as well, to help promote the work of the hospital and bring high quality products to gift shop patrons. “We offer a wide variety of products and brand names, all co-branded with St. Jude, in the shop. This has expanded our appeal to many different markets,” says Maggie.
Currently the shop is featuring such prominent brands as Donna Karen, Lucky Brand, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, all of the divisions of Liz Claiborne, Nike, Garb children’s apparel and more. These brand names are available at a significantly lower price here than at other retailers, and you also have the benefit of knowing you are shopping with a conscious. Get all of your holiday shopping done while sending much-needed funds to St. Jude! The store is truly a one stop shop; whether you’re looking for a toy, fine jewelry, home décor or corporate gifts, they’ve got you covered. “The brand partnerships have really escalated the value to the customer, providing a wonderful product at a wonderful value, all to support the hospital!” Maggie explains.
In addition to all the wonderful co-branded items, St. Jude also carries the basic, and very popular, “I Heart St. Jude” apparel and items. They also create very moving products from patient artwork, including holiday ornaments and accessories (available now).
Anyone is welcome to visit the gift shop, located at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm; visitors just need to tell the guard at the entry gate they are going to the gift shop. You can also conveniently shop from home using their online store where all of their products are available. Visit www.stjude.org/shop, or call toll free to make a purchase as 800.476.1539.
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