Wing Luke Asian Museum Marketplace
The Wing Luke Asian Museum is the nation’s premier pan Asian American museum. When expanding to its new permanent home in the renovated East Kong Yick building in Seattle’s historic Chinatown/International District the museum required retail oriented project management for their new museum store collaborating closely with Olsen Kundig design practice, museum staff, and the local business and arts community.
Challenge
The country’s premier Asian American Museum was opening their new facility, located within a renovated historical building in Seattle’s International District, and wanted their new retail store to support their mission and earn revenue for vital museum programs.
Solution
Works Consulting managed the project to develop the Wing Luke Museum’s Marketplace gift shop from inception to store opening. We worked closely with architect Olsen Sundberg Kundig Allen on the shop and display fixture design. Works Consulting also developed the store mission, defined a suitable product mix and traveled to national gift and craft shows to purchase unique, mission-related merchandise.
Custom merchandise was developed based on the museum logo and historical items from the museum collection. Works Consulting defined and documented purchasing budgets and daily operational procedures, and recruited and trained staff and volunteers to meet the needs of the new space.
Results
The Wing Luke Asian Museum Marketplace successfully expresses the vitality of the past and the innovation of the present Asian American culture through well thought out displays and carefully selected merchandise. Operated by well trained, motivated volunteers and staff, it has earned record sales in its opening months and has garnered positive press and customer reviews.
“Retail is a business where EXPERIENCE COUNTS. With Miriam’s guidance, the Wing Luke Asian Museum was able to sort out a multitude of personal opinions, and produce a well-substantiated business and operations retail plan that has opened as a great success. Miriam has great skills and expertise in working with our staff, Board and volunteers, in aligning the retail program with our mission, and brought a personal dedication to a critical project in which we take great pride today.“
Beth Takekawa
Executive Director
“Miriam’s ability to incorporate our mission into a retail store indicates her great skill of listening to her client. Not only has our store exceeded expectations but it is running smoothly behind the scene thanks to her dedication and implementation of retail procedures.“
Monica Day
Director of Finance
