SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, is celebrating the opening of the recently renovated gift shop at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio.
COSI is a nationally renowned science centre which was voted #1 Science Museum in the Country in USA Today’s 10Best. The centre spans 320,000 square feet, with nine galleries and over 300 hands-on STEM learning experiences for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The attraction is an SSA food and retail partner, and recently worked with SSA’s digital team to develop an AR experience to accompany the exhibition TUTANKHAMUN – HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, SSA Group has now created a gift shop which reflects the attraction’s energy and passion for science and industry.
Science themed store
The gift shop has undergone an extensive renovation from floor to ceiling. This has included upgraded lighting, a new self-checkout-focused cash wrap, distinctive wallpaper, and specially-made sustainable fixtures and graphics. A multi-layered window vignette with LED colour-changing lights and a dinosaur theme was added to greet customers as they enter the store.
Visitors are then surprised by a loud roar from an eight-foot-tall T-Rex, which can be heard across the main retail space. SSA has reimagined the store to include several interactive elements. Kids can dig and play in Breeze Creative’s virtual AR sandbox, where they will learn about dinosaurs and Earth’s core. In addition, the Mission Control Centre’s booths, interactive screens, and gadgets enable young visitors to take part in their very own space mission.
The most significant update is the addition of the Absolute Zero ice cream bar. This full-service, nitrogen ice cream outlet adds a sense of curiosity and enhances the store’s scientific theming. It also reflects SSA Group’s wide range of services.
The shop offers a wide variety of distinctive products which is unlike any other SSA Group partner. All of the product collections are connected to COSI’s unique Connects Kits, which are divided into several themes, such as Dinosaurs, Space, Energy, Nature, and Water.
SSA Group recently announced that it will be launching a new compostable packaging candy initiative in Q2 of this year. The programme will launch at three SSA zoo partner locations, before rolling out to additional venues.
