Event Network, a leading retail operator for experiential cultural attractions in the United States, has unveiled its latest collaboration with a popular conservation destination in Colorado.
The award-winning firm started operating Denver Zoo’s stores on 14 January 2022, debuting a variety of new product ranges highlighting the zoological gardens’ conservation initiatives whilst celebrating its unique heritage and geographical location.
Denver Zoo welcomes approximately two million guests each year, connecting with wild animals in immersive habitats, and finding inspiration to live nature-friendly lifestyles through additional events, education and access programmes.
The attraction, which covers 80 acres within the City Park of Denver, Colorado, is home to over 3,000 animals across 450 species, including a wide selection that is classed as endangered or critically endangered.
Shopping local
Collaborations with local artists and environmentally-friendly product collections bespoke designed to support Denver Zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives are a few examples of items to discover in the destination’s shops.
A key example of the custom products on offer include an assortment created to further promote Denver Zoo’s “Colorado Pika Project”, whose mission is to help conserve American pika across the eastern slope of the southern Rocky Mountains known as the Front Range.
Through a tracking app, citizen Pika Patrollers are encouraged to explore the beautiful territory of Colorado to collect data on pikas’ whereabouts and the characteristics of their habitat at almost two hundred different locations.
Event Network’s purchasing vice-principal Julie Ricci says “These special collections of Pika Project-inspired apparel, journals, and accessories are an effective and adorable way to build awareness, instil pride in the community effort to protect the species, and encourage participation in the program.”
Chief marketing officer and principal Jerry Gilbert adds “Denver Zoo’s involvement with so many important and interesting conservation initiatives provides us with a tremendous platform from which to be creative with our product development, as well as the way in which we present the product stories.
“It is an exciting time to help drive support for all that the Zoo does, and it is a true honour to collaborate with the Denver Zoo team to deliver an outstanding guest shopping experience going forward – what a special opportunity.”
Creating the feel good factor
Honouring the Zoo’s rich Colorado roots, Event Network has begun and will continue sourcing locally wherever possible to engage designers and vendors from Denver, as well as nearby regions, who share a mutual interest in preserving the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
The intentional integration of local design elements and collaborations is an example of the detail Event Network dedicates to its merchandising philosophy.
Amber Christopher, Denver Zoological Foundation’s chief operating officer adds “Event Network was selected to be our retail partner based on their visible commitment to sustainability and conservation, and their holistic and creative approach to delivering an unforgettable shopping experience that inspires our guests to save wildlife for future generations. We are impressed with their philosophy and practice of being in service to this beautiful planet we share.”
“Event Network is as passionate about operating in a sustainable manner behind the scenes as they are about the eco-friendly products offered in the shops. The environmentally thoughtful store environments, which will evolve as we move further into the partnership, and product vision reinforce our values and help support our critical programs!
“We are excited for guests to engage with the Zoo’s retail team, feel good about the impact they are making with every purchase, and come away from their Zoo visit feeling enlightened and inspired to be good stewards for our planet. We could not be prouder to partner with Event Network on delivering a shopping experience that reflects Denver Zoo’s vision of a world where wildlife thrives.”
Last month, Event Network unveiled its newly remodelled store at Zoo Atlanta, which pays tribute to the panda’s natural habitat with an indoor Oriental garden-inspired retail environment.
