ST. LOUIS — A new gift shop featuring more than 100 local businesses officially opened Wednesday at the Missouri History Museum, which coincided with St. Louis City’s 260th birthday.
Sold on St. Louis offers T-shirts, apparel, mugs, glassware, history books on Missouri and St. Louis, greeting cards, magnets, soap, art, jewelry, and food such as ice cream, popcorn, trail mix, salad dressing, drinks, chocolate, and more.
The new shop is “all about celebrating St. Louis and celebrating St. Louis makers,” said Jody Sowell, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting took place where the St. Louis community and museum staff attended. They enjoyed live music by the Red and Black Brass Band and toasted the new shop with Fitz’s Root Beer.
St. Louis resident Deborah Mango said the new shop is impressive.
“They’ve got a little bit of everything in here,” she said.
Mango shopped for a specific card to send to her son who lives in Colorado Springs.
The card reads, “I love you more than I love provel,” and has a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza on the front.
“He loves him some Imo’s,” Mango said. “I plan on sending him some frozen Imo’s for his birthday in July and this card.”
Sowell said Sold on St. Louis helps amplify the museum’s message of introducing people to a St. Louis they have never met even if they are a native.
“Everything we do, whether it be tours, or programs, or exhibits, is all about introducing you to St. Louis, and now we have a gift shop that does that too,” he said.
Some local vendors featured are Big Heart Tea Company, Blissfully Popped, Firecracker Press, Fitz’s, From the Lou to You!, Golden Gems, Jillian Kaye Art, Arch Apparel, Salt + Smoke, Kakao Chocolate Company, Old Vienna, Clementine’s, Pure Perfection Candles and Ridge Trail Honey, and more.
The variety of items is great for out-of-own visitors or for gifts, according to Sowell.
“This is your one stop shop,” he said.
St. Louis area resident Sherlyn Maughs said the T-shirts are interesting and likes the food items, but the books on St. Louis’ history are what she shopped for on Wednesday.
“I’m trying to make connections between different neighborhoods and who lived there,” Maughs said, adding that she hopes to discover where famous people once resided in the area.
Missouri Historical Society Board of Trustees member Mary Heger said the new shop is wonderful.
“It’s great to see all of the energy and all of the talented people from St. Louis who can showcase their wares,” she said.
Building civic pride is important because it can bring a community closer together, according to Sowell.
“Something like a T-shirt that shares your pride is actually incredibly important to building that kind of connection and that pride that has real effects,” he said.
Vendors that have been exclusively online, such as Pure Perfection Candles and Ridge Trail Honey, now have a presence at the store.
“To get to see their stuff in a brick and mortar store has been pretty exciting,” Sowell said. “It’s been fun to watch them invite friends and family to shop to see their stuff.”
New items from vendors will come in regularly, he added.
“You’ll always find something to help you share that St. Louis pride,” Sowell said.
Missouri Historical Society members got an exclusive preview of Sold on St. Louis Feb. 13. Members also can receive a 10% discount on any item in the shop.
Store hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours for Thursday Nights at the Museum events.
The Missouri History Museum is located at 5700 Lindell Boulevard.