SSA Group, an award-winning provider of visitor amenities, has announced a continuation of its partnership with the Center of Science & Industry (COSI), taking over the museum’s retail operations as of 1 October 2022.
The deal follows SSA Group’s successful management of the attraction’s daytime dining and catering service for more than five years. As a result of the announcement, COSI will benefit from SSA-bundled food and retail products in both the gift shop and food locations, providing more purchase options for guests.
Children can enjoy several interactive stations which provide hands-on educational experiences which will be enhanced this holiday season with the addition of Pepper the Robot, who can guide guests through the store whilst sharing fun scientific facts and product information. The store also features self-checkout kiosks to allow for efficient purchasing.
Artisanal merchandise
Alongside design and operational changes, SSA Group has introduced a range of sustainable and ethical products to COSI.
Jewelry by Catherina is a collection of bespoke products from the designer of The Queen’s Quarterhorse Congress Necklace. Her pieces are inspired by the feelings derived from key inspirations, such as architecture, cities and shapes discovered on her travels.
“She loves looking at art from the past and thinking about how they can be translated into a new piece,” says SSA. “Her hands touch every single piece that she makes and to us that is special. [Visitors can expect to see] more from Catherina at COSI as she continues to design new pieces for us.”
SpreadLaLuz is a skincare brand owned and founded by Marisa, a first-generation Latina business owner. After years of formulating and handcrafting skincare products, she launched her company in 2021, wanting to bring awareness to her culture and ‘spread good everywhere’. Marisa has created custom body butter scents and labels for COSI; Chemistry of Tea and Volcanic Sunrise.
Also available from the shop are detailed custom enamel pins from local Columbus company These are Things, and How to Hug a Cloud, a children’s book from local Ohio author Jacqueline Vollat.
Other unique products include Nestled Pines custom ornaments for the festive season, made in the USA from sustainable hardwoods, and crafts from Ten Thousand Villages, which provides opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income through long-term, fair trading relationships.
SSA Group has also recently started working on improving dining at Wildlife World, reducing single-plastic use and implementing new sustainability initiatives.
