If you have visited the Botanic Garden over the last few months, you may have noticed some new items on sale in our gift shop.

New local products have been introduced, including honey and jam. To cater for many of our younger visitors there are new children’s toys and books available too. While a range of gifts are available for gardeners – experienced and novices alike.

The new range of products is thanks to one of a number of updates to our merchandising.

Our new merchandise proves a hit at graduation

Since joining us in February, Becky Maddison, our retail merchandising manager, has been busy reviewing and updating our merchandising, with sustainability being key. New bags made from recycled polyester have been introduced this year.

Becky said: ''In updating our range, we've been looking at our customers and what products they would like us to offer. Price is important, as is ensuring our products are sustainable. Wherever possible we like to use and promote local suppliers too.

''Graduation is one of the busiest times for the merchandising team as graduates are keen to have memories of such an important day and their time at Durham.''

Becky continued: 

Our teddy bears are always popular at graduation, as are the scroll tubes and reusable cups. For the first time we offered croc charms – one in the shape of the teddy bear and the other the DU shield. They were a great success and we sold over 700 teddy bears alone.

The team has updated the hoodies to make them more modern. They also sell caps, scarves, jewellry, notebooks and pens. Items can be bought online, with some also available from the Maths and Computer Science Building and the Teaching and Learning Centre. The team is currently exploring the possibility of opening a dedicated store on campus.

Some of our new merchandise on sale at graduation

Over the coming months the team will be refreshing the website, updating the images and making it more user-friendly. They will also be looking at the gifts available from Palace Green Library and the Oriental Museum.

Look out for the team at the Staff Conference on Thursday 19 September where there will be a range of products on sale.

If you have any suggestions for products or gifts email Becky at rebecca.h.maddison@durham.ac.uk   

For more information visit our online shop at shop.dur.ac.uk/index.php.