Our retail stores in Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, Pine Valley Ranger District, and online are the heart of our organization. When the Zion Forever Project started in 1929, our goals were to help provide visitor services, ranger talks, and maps to the visitors to the park. We did this by selling postcards and books to visitors to help fund the programming in Zion National Park, and that core mission is to make the visitor experience exceptional. This work continues to this day.
While visitation has grown, as has the number of retail locations, we still hold true to providing a great experience for visitors from around the world when they shop in our stores. Our retail team, from the warehouse crew, delivery drivers, ordering team, and the staff at the register, all work together to make this work possible. Not only do they ensure that we have unique products tailored to our parks, but they also serve as ambassadors sharing in the excitement of a first-time Zion visit with guests, connecting with the newest Junior Rangers over the plushie selection, or even pointing out the nearest restroom or ranger-led program.
Many visitors don’t know that retail sales power our work in a big way. The proceeds cover the cost of our operations, meaning 100% of every donated dollar goes directly back into the parks. On top of that, retail sales provide nearly $350,000 annually in base funding for projects across our public lands. This year, our retail team has also outdone itself, raising more than $300,000 in round-ups and donations at the registers! Thank you to the retail team and to the many guests who have opted to round up their purchases to give back to our work.
When you shop in our stores or online, you are helping us make a difference in our public lands. Each t-shirt sold impacts the educational programming offered, trail maintenance, and the resource protection in our parks and forests. So, when you shop in our parks, know you are a part of our work and the legacy of support for our parks.
