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t is a given that a zoo or aquarium gift shop will offer an array of apparel for guests to choose from, but what sizes and colors to stock is more of a science than one would think. It requires thoughtful planning on the part of the buyer to ensure that the right sizes are available and that a selection of attractive colors are on hand for the customers to purchase.

	Karen Bell, gift shop manager at the Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Fla., photographed with a T-shirt display. “Our best-selling sizes are adult large and extra large. In the Florida heat, people like to wear comfortable, loose-fitting garments to keep cool. Also, many people get their shirts a bit larger so they can be worn as beach cover-ups,” Bell said.

At the Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Fla., Gift Shop Manager Karen Bell considers the warm climate in Florida when purchasing items for the shop. “Our best-selling sizes are adult large and extra large. In the Florida heat, people like to wear comfortable, loose-fitting garments to keep cool. Also, many people get their shirts a bit larger so they can be worn as beach cover-ups,” Bell said. To keep up with demand, Bell tracks inventory using the QuickBooks Point of Sale system. “It is really simple,” said Bell. “With this system, I run a reminder list on a weekly basis and I can see which merchandise has reached its reorder point.”

With a simple walk through the 1,200-square-foot store, it is easy for Bell to see which colors are the most popular. “Just a glance at the merchandise can show me which colors are disappearing the fastest. Also, by working the floor and interacting with the customers, I learn from them which colors are in demand.”