Upping your Retail Game
Angie Day • January 8, 2026
Retail Therapy
In a recent survey, NAFDMA learned that a large number of our farm members struggle with retail displays, traffic patterns, and merchandising. This is not new, and nearly all agritourism locations have a retail display of some sort, even if it is just a pile of pumpkins or a stack of limes for purchase.
Resources
NAFDMA has held several different sessions over the years for retail best practices and determining products that will work for your customer base. A few different options can be accessed for free by members using the Education Center on our website and clicking on the various options in the Retail section.
Ideas
One great tip - display your offerings in a different way. Hang a ladder from the ceiling and have gourds attached to it for selection. This not only brings the eye up, but it engages a space that may not be used otherwise. It has the additional benefit of being eye-catching, as no one expects a ladder to sport hanging gourds. Be sure to also cross-merchandise. Next to the pile of pie pumpkins, have some pre-made pie crusts so a family can take home both to make their own homemade pie. Or have sets of carving tools for purchase so the family doesn't have to go elsewhere for their Jack-o-lantern supplies.
Stay Consumer Focused
Whatever products you have, put your mind into the space of a consumer and what will either make their life easier, or will capture their sense of delight and surprise. You will feel some "retail therapy" in no time!
RECENT ARTICLES
There’s something magical about discovering agritourism in a new landscape — where lush rainforests meet rich farmland, and local traditions blend with innovative visitor-ready experiences. That’s exactly what happened when NAFDMA members and friends embarked on our Costa Rica Agritourism Tour , January 2–8, 2026. This immersive journey combined agricultural exploration, cultural insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow agritourism professionals. A Trip Rooted in Learning, Adventure & Connection This tour wasn’t just a vacation — it was a chance to see how agritourism thrives beyond North America. From coffee estates tucked into misty mountains to wildlife-rich estuaries on the Pacific Coast, every day offered something new to inform, inspire, and invigorate our agritourism minds. Day by Day: Inspiration Across Costa Rica Day One — Welcome to San José After arriving in San José, attendees checked in and enjoyed an afternoon of leisure — the perfect welcome to Costa Rican warmth and rhythm. Day Two — Hacienda Doka Coffee Farm & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Our first full day began at Hacienda Doka, where we traced coffee from seed to cup, stepped inside the oldest wet mill in Costa Rica, and savored local coffee and chocolates — an unforgettable look at agricultural heritage meeting agritourism. From there, we wandered through the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, home to hummingbirds, butterflies, and cascading tropical waterfalls. Day Three — Arenal Hanging Bridges & Thermal Retreat Exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges brought us up close with rainforest wildlife — over 50 bird species, lush flora, and the vibrant pulse of nature. Later, we relaxed in the mineral-rich EcoTermales Hot Springs, capturing the restorative side of Costa Rican ecosystems. Day Four — A Leisure Day in Arenal With a day to unwind, tour participants picked their own adventure — from strolling La Fortuna town to booking optional ziplining, kayaking, or fishing. Sometimes, inspiration comes from simply observing local life at your own pace. Day Five — Mangroves, Crocs & Coastal Biodiversity As we moved toward Jaco, the Tarcoles River estuary showcased one of the country’s richest ecological treasures — mangroves teeming with birds like kingfishers and herons, and the famous American crocodile. Our boat ride through this biodiverse ecosystem was a highlight of wildlife watching and conservation learning. Day Six — Jaco Beach & Leisure A full day on the Pacific Coast offered sun, surf, and reeled-in inspiration. You could stroll along renowned Jaco Beach, embark on a catamaran tour, or simply soak in the relaxed beach culture that makes agritourism destinations memorable. Day Seven — Farewell, Pura Vida! With hearts full and minds buzzing with ideas, the group headed back to San José for flights home — wrapping up a trip that reaffirmed what agritourism is all about: place, people, and purpose. Why This Tour Mattered This isn’t just a travel story — it’s a series of real lessons that agritourism operators can carry home: Seeing agriculture through a tourism lens — from coffee culture to mangrove ecosystems. Local experience meets global insight — discovering how destination experiences can be shaped by culture, community, and environment. Connections made along the way — conversations on buses, shared meals, and evenings watching sunsets together created friendships that will outlast the itinerary. What’s Next? Whether you were on this tour or simply dreaming about joining next time, keep your calendar open for upcoming NAFDMA experiences that blend education, exploration, and connection. Check out our events lineup — including the Agritourism Convention & Expo and other immersive learning opportunities — and find your next chance to grow, together. Thank You A big thanks to every person who joined this journey — for bringing your curiosity, camaraderie, and passion for agritourism. It’s these shared experiences that help our industry flourish across borders and ecosystems alike.
Finding Balance in the Everyday Work of Agritourism
Walk through any farm market, gift shop, or agritourism checkout line and you’ll spot them instantly — stickers. Bright, bold, funny, sentimental, local, seasonal. Stickers may be small, but they speak volumes. From water bottles and laptops to tractors and toolboxes, stickers have become tiny billboards of personality. They tell a story, signal belonging, and give customers a way to take a piece of your farm (and their experience) home with them. Stickers as Self-Expression Today’s customers aren’t just shopping — they’re curating their identity. A sticker that says “Farm Girl,” “Berry Lover,” or proudly displays their name isn’t just décor; it’s a statement. Stickers offer instant emotional connection at a low price point, making them an easy “yes” at checkout. For families, stickers are an affordable souvenir. For teens and young adults, they’re a way to personalize everyday items. And for adults? Stickers are nostalgia, humor, and local pride wrapped into one peel-and-stick moment. Why Stickers Work So Well at Retail Stickers thrive in impulse zones — near registers, exits, and high-traffic areas. They’re quick to browse, easy to display, and don’t require sizing, fitting, or decision fatigue. Even better? Customers rarely buy just one. A name. A joke. A seasonal favorite. A local shout-out. Suddenly, a single sticker turns into a small stack — and a stronger sale. From the Source: Sticker Success, Straight from the Printer The team at Stickers Northwest has spent a decade watching what works — and what sells — across farm markets, gift shops, and attractions nationwide. Here’s what they share with retailers: Stickers Northwest offers thousands of designs that can be name dropped at no extra cost. To help maximize sales, we recommend stocking a mix of name-dropped designs along with our proven top sellers. Since customers rarely stop at just one sticker, having a wide assortment ensures there’s something for everyone. Stickers are compact, eye-catching, and deliver excellent profit margins. Plus, we provide a variety of display options—always free when filled with stickers—and free freight on every order. We’re proud to have celebrated our 10-year anniversary in 2024! As a small business based in Tacoma, WA, all of our stickers are printed right here in the USA. Why This Matters for Agritourism For agritourism operations, stickers hit the sweet spot: ✔ Low cost, high margin ✔ Easy to rotate seasonally ✔ Perfect for name-dropping your town, farm, or region ✔ Ideal for kids, teens, and adults alike They complement other branded merchandise without competing for space or budget. And when paired with the right display and variety, they quietly become one of the hardest-working items in your shop. The Takeaway Stickers may be small, but their impact is anything but. They invite customers to express who they are, where they’ve been, and what they love — all while boosting your bottom line. When you give guests a sticker they connect with, you’re not just selling a product — you’re sending a piece of your farm out into the world, one water bottle at a time.