I had the best time visiting the Crayola Store in Kansas City this weekend. The store is one of two of its type in the country. Visiting the store makes me truly wonder why they have not made more.
Inside the store are colorful activities to participate in and different Crayola Branded items to enjoy. It was fun to visit and I bought several coloring books and plan to return for more.
With the growing market of crafts and even a growing market of advanced coloring books for adults, now would be a great time to expand this retail division. In fact, a good partnership would be to combine the existing Hallmark stores—which I love with a Crayola section. We are all aware of the shrinking market for greeting cards. I wish it were not true, but to some degree, it will not be at the same level that it once was. Many of the Hallmark Stores I have visited have beefed up their gifts section to compensate. I propose that that the Hallmark Corporation test some “Crayola Hallmark Stores” particularly in smaller markets to compete on a local level with Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. Small towns typically do not have a big box craft store, but many have a local Hallmark. Adding a Crayola section—done well, would bring more people into the store and possibly renew the greeting card business at the same time. Another option for the Crayola Store would be to build small boutiques in larger malls around the country.
My visit to the Crayola Store was indeed fun. I enjoyed looking, buying, and thinking about future projects during my visit. I hope to go more times while I am here, but I also look forward to buying the different Crayola products, showcased at the store but also available at other stores.