Maker Store Ideas to Inspire kids of all ages

[Daniel]

I need some retail store inspiration. I recently went to a really neat place here in Northwest Arkansas called Can Do Hardware (https://youtu.be/pjTTwBmlwCM?si=0NAWzj4KjenrLpws). That’s roughly 30min or so away from our facility in Lowell.

It is a fun place to visit with some really cool displays and walk-through experiences.

Now… I’m trying to build a really cool maker store revolving around 3d printing, Lasers, and, of course, CNC machines.

Anyone who walks in is currently in-awe of what we’ve built so far with 3d printing and how there are lots of things to look at on our shelves.

And i’ve built up the store area in a pretty neat way so far with the black/yellow shelves/displays and such… but now i’m drawing a blank. Currently we have people walking in are not makers, obviously don’t have CNC machines at home so not really in the market for 3d printed accessories like what we’ve built up in our online store and currently fill our physical store shelves. Our signature products like Spindles, ATC,s and now the Dominator CNC machine are more of an order and we built and ship… not something you would walk out the door with.

I need some ideas on things that

1: will pull people in (to learn about making, see displays, etc)

2: inspire them into making “something” (with 3d printing, cnc machining, drawing, whatever)

3: encourage them to purchase something even if it’s small (candy/bottled drinks, maybe small maker kits) before leaving

4: Bring them back for more

There are NO bad ideas… please… share something that would be a fun destination to inspire kids of all ages.

[DeanS]

First thing that comes to mind for me is that you need to offer classes in your local area. Maybe check in with the local Chamber of Commerce to place ads with them or the local facebook group. etc etc

[WeirdCat]

Not sure about the whole candy thing, but I think a small amount of those or other snacks and drinks would be okay. Especially if you expect people to stay more than 10 minutes. Just a warning, your bathroom(s) need to be clean o_O

As far as kids and kits go, I think kiwico.com or crunchlabs.com can be an inspiration. I’m also thinking puzzles, building blocks like Legos or Lincoln Logs (my favorite). Maybe a kit each month on a theme. Perhaps rubber band racer/flyer, a tabletop catapult (laser-cut wood)

To draw them in, kinetic window: a small CNC carving name plaques on a loop, a laser etching patterns on slate coasters, and a 3D printer doing a fast 15-min “WOW print” (vase mode, color-shift filament). Add a big digital timer: “Next demo in 10:00”.

Once inside, a touch and feel the materials wall: acrylics, hardwoods, anodized aluminum, leather—each engraved/cut sample is labeled with the tool used + time/cost to make.

Even material (acrylic/wood) offcut bins, before/after displays including raw stock beside the finished product (e.g., block of walnut → carved sign, sheet of acrylic → LED edge-lit sign.

10-Minute Make Bar (no experience needed), a menu of quick wins you can produce while they watch: laser-engraved pet tag or keychain (they can pick a font/icon), their name on a coaster on slate or bamboo, a sticker (cricut vinyl cutter or a CNC with drag knife)

The hook to return: programs, passports, and perks. Maker passport with stamps for each skill: laser, CNC, 3D print. 5 stamps = free maker bar item or cash credit, be the first one on your block to collect the full set! Also birthday parties & scout nights. Careful…don’t become a Chuckie Cheese!

Break things up into distinct areas: Try, learn, shop etc. Also, don’t forget the impulse tools/gifts/stocking stuffers. I’m thinking how places such as the Microcenter near me makes you stand in that checkout line of jerky and cell phone chargers.

[MikeXYZ]

Maybe consider making small airplanes kids can make and take with them? The polystyrene kind that we all had as kids. I think polystyrene or thin balsa would cut quickly. The little weight on the front of the plane seems like a quick and easy 3D printed part. It could also have a laser marking component.

I think you should also have PC’s running the various CAM programs so people can see a bit into the world of what CAM software they would prefer. You could make boring PC’s look a little more attractive by giving them an arcade machine type of look. I think the unknowns of software is a big deterrent for many CNC users.

The diversity of items in the store is a cool idea. I know if I was travelling through the area I would want to stop, and the variety would help keep my wife busy while I browse random aisles of specialty fasteners.

[spotnz]

Multi-colour educational toy’s , eye catching moving art & puzzles. Covering all age groups, from large enough to swallow small pieces, to retirees. It’s worth considering items that can be either 3D printed and/or created on a Dominator. Perhaps advertising them on a new Instagram channel & other media outlets catering to instant Likes?

[Daniel]

What i’m after is the stated goals but also things that i could be making on the weekends on the Dominator i’m moving over to my garage soon.
These carves will also be recorded to provide some youtube content on using the machine and challenges i run into along the way.

[Chris]

people love their “welcome” or “home” signs with the state shape as the “o”