The Experience Columbus Visitor Center is a win for out-of-towners and locals alike.
As a one-stop shop for Columbus-branded items, it offers the former souvenirs and the latter merchandise that’s close to their hearts− and, in some cases, even made close by.
“Our thought is that products are much more genuine when they come from the community so, instead of making our own designs, we keep our eyes open for local artists and producers,” said Anthony Cordo, visitor services manager for Experience Columbus.
The center’s wares are spread over 1,500 square feet and include glassware, mugs, magnets, and postcards. T-shirts featuring an Ohio-shaped heart and giant buckeye candles are among the shop’s top sellers.
Hoodies will also be on the shelves soon− just in time for the chilly weather ahead.
Since opening earlier this year, the shop’s main objective has been to encourage visitors to get out into the community, so they can enjoy the city’s amenities first hand and, hopefully, spend some of their hard-earned money here, Cordo said.
“We also really wanted to see a shop come to life that brings together some of the smartest looking Columbus-themed merchandise,” he continued. “It’s a shop that, to my knowledge, the city has lacked.”
It’s been said many times, by many people, that Columbus residents are too modest about what the city has to offer. So the following request from Cordo shouldn’t really come as a surprise.
“If there was one thing I could ask of your readers, I would say, ‘Be less modest.’ Tell everyone who will listen about why Columbus is your city. Let the world know you love Columbus.”
Of course, one of the many ways one can do that is to wear a cool Columbus shirt, he added, smiling.
Note: Columbus Underground readers who mention this story when checking out at the Experience Columbus Visitor Center will receive 10 percent off their purchase.
