With guidance from Fairhurst and Dollywood merchandising staff, the students went to market in Atlanta in January to purchase merchandise for the store. Anticipating consumer demand and managing a budget were reality checks. The students are also in charge of putting merchandise on sale and reordering. It's been fun to pick out the merchandise. Knox said she also enjoyed decorating the shop, displaying merchandise and meeting all the different people who visit the store.
Pets are also welcome inside the retail shop.
Knox says a stroller-driven poodle and schnauzer are the strangest things she's seen. She pointed to a display of painted blue and green ceramic pet food bowls and picture frames decorated with doggie bones. Apparently the ceramic items are more expensive than the average Dollywood souvenir shopper will spend. Knox said the items will probably go on sale pretty soon. She's happy to note, however, that inexpensive yellow crossing sings featuring different dog breeds like collies and Irish setters have been hot sellers.