Brand and Girl Scout Shops Comments
Comments are presented "as is" from the survey. They have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
- Too much junk. The Rainbow loom? Seriously? Get off the trendy stuff and stay true to scouts.
- make girl scout products in the shops cheaper
- Stop trying to sell plastic crap from China and make relevant items available. A pocket knife shouldn't be $40!
- Would like to have more flexibility in using the GS brand when designing troop shirts. Wish GS hadn't gotten away from an actual uniform, or would give the option of buying fabric and pattern to make own, to make it more affordable for some.
- My biggest concern is that my council's shop is filled with a lot of fluff items but not enough stock of Girls Guides, uniform components, pin tabs, etc. Imagine going into the shop in early October and discovering that they only had 4 adult pin tabs in stock in the main council shop. At one point, they were totally without Daisy Girls Guides. Really???
- Perhaps these items have huge mark-up and perhaps they turn a profit, but they are cheap trinkets that are discarded like all the other crap items marketed to children. They lack substance and as a lifetime GS member I am personally embarrassed it.
- You need to create a Girl Scout Sweatshirt for girls.
- Concerning the product endorsements ... I am conflicted and none of the answers above meet my need. Basically I am sort of OK with it if it is limited to, and related to, our cookie flavors and helps boost the cookie brands. I do not think we should have Girl Scout rubber band bracelet kits, or such things, because they are not supportive of our program. Also, the food items should be limited to times when cookies are not sold. Also -- my council keeps telling us that girls don't need a fun patch for everything, and quoting that Juliette Low quote about earning badges -- but the GSUSA shop seems to have and promote a patch for everything! This seems just like another way to raise money from the girls. Same with the stuff like press on nails. Really? And with all the self esteem, be who you are, every Body is beautiful, programs we have we try to sell the girls press on nails? How about more Girl Scout theme books or movies instead?
- I would really like to see a Girl Scout Gold Award ring available in a precious metal like gold or sterling silver/gold combination. A pendant (like the older one in the shape of the Gold Award) in gold would be nice too. While many people can wear cheap metals others can not and having options available to the highest award earners would be much appreciated.
- Have program related material including camping gear, pocket knives, mess kits.. The quality of the "fun" items is usually very poor.
- Re GS shops.... I just think, way too much jewelery. stickers, useless stuff. We say we want camps open, outdoor stuff, and there is barely any outdoor stuff on the GS shop. No wonder why no one wants to go to camp all the time. Camp / outdoor life is not a main focus of the shop. Look at the Boy Scout shop. GS products are licensed to dairy creamers, candy bars... how about binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, sleeping bags, lanterns, flashlights, cast iron goods. And not pink flashlights with fake diamonds and purple handles. Real functional utility products. How about a solar oven or box oven kit? Buy the kit, have kids build, bake an item. You've turned the shopping aspect into a functioning, purposeful science experiment, girls will use over and over - and they can use it in camp!
- Some of the branding choices are unfortunate. For instance, Barbie does not promote a healthy body image for girls. GSUSA needs to be more careful about spreading their "brand" too thin. The girls, not making money, need to be the prime focus. I think more camping and outdoor merchandise should be offered, as well as more adult uniform choices.
- I don't think some of the fun stuff needs to be offered in the shop. Bring back camping gear and other stuff the girls would use for troop and events. Also bring back a Leaders uniform then leave it and don't change the colors. The girls colors don't changes so why should a Leaders. Give us a polo or short sleeved button up shirt. Why not give us something to show off our awards with. Speaking of Leader awards bring back some of the old leaders awards and recognitions.
- Would like to have seen a copy of the Barbie/Mattel packet
- As far as the question: How do you feel about the number of e-mails you receive in a month from GSUSA about shop sales/products versus other girl scout news/updates? I receive local council generic emails once a month. Nothing from national.
- If you sold camping equipment and outdoor badges, you'd get more people interested in camping.
- Council shops are VERY limited in any merchandise. Prices for "fun" items and exters are outrageous.
- GSUSA has always had tchochkes and toys and non-official clothing for sale. Anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves. I do think, however, that the program supplies should be far more robust than they are. Books, equipment, et cetera, all need to be more visible; we had far more goods available even 15 years ago for program.
- I would like to see more useful items. I had to search high and low for something suitable for dunk bags for camping. When I was a kid nearly all my camping equipment came from the Girl Scout shop. I also would like to see more older girl apparel and more that is clearly labeled Girl Scouts. I'd love to buy my daughter a Girl Scout sweatshirt for use during cookie sales that actually says "Girl Scouts". It's almost like they're afraid to put Girl Scouts on something for older girls. How can our older girls be proud Girl Scouts if the organization seems to be trying to keep it a secret. Daisies and Brownies have apparel that clearly say Girl Scouts, Juniors have a few things and with Cadettes and above it's more like "we can't let anyone know we're Girl Scouts". There are some very nice adult items but they're too big for all but the oldest girls and too expensive for anyone.
- Saw something online about the barbie program.. asked at council. They knew nothing about it.. and I'm still looking for info. Maybe barbie should change her body then we can talk. The jewelry is ok.. If its not toxic! Books should be outdoors, self esteem, or skills, not fluff! A COUPLE stuffed animals are ok.. but why so many. Cookie items should be around for 1-2 months like cookies.. then gone before the sale starts. They should be a teaser for the sale.
- I like the fact that the Girl Scout brand is out there on the ice cream, creamers, etc ... because I purchase and consume them and because it increases visibility. I have wondered (and asked) about the financial benefits to the organization, and would like more information about that.
- Wish we had the same stuff at every location. I found stuff at the cookie celebration that is not at my local shop and sold out at celebration. Not fare for girls looking to use cookie dough and cashew cash.
- GSUSA, PLEASE STOP PIMPING OUR LOGO OUT TO OTHER COMPANIES!!! Girl Scouts themselves (the girls, NOT the "higher up" adults at GSUSA) can easily sell any of these products themselves and benefit from the sales directly. I'm tired of seeing GS logos all over store shelves and realizing that rarely any of the $$ is seen at the girl level. SERIOUSLY....STO-O-O-O-OP!!!
- I would like to see GSUSA do a marketing campaign focusing on Gold Awards girls and service. I was a Girl Scout in the 70's (brownie and junior) and until my daughter was a brownie I never knew there was a Gold Award. I found out when I was asking another volunteer why Girl Scouts didn't have an equivalent to and Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts create leaders and Girl Scouts sell cookies.
- I thought it was a violation to endorse products? So once again, Corporate National is selling us out.
- I would like to see GSUSA license it's trademarked images to Classb.com or some other place that troops could order customized troop or neighborhood/service unit shirts. BSA does this so Boy Scout Troops always have great shirts and GS Troops don't.
- You have sold out and now it's making GS suffer. Girl Scout logo's should not be on food products that are sold year round or toys or other random mech. The GS shop use to be a place to get unique products you couldn't get in stores kind of like the camp trading post. Look back at the history and see where you are now.
- The prices are ridiculous for the quality of merchandise. My daughter spent $14 of her own money for a necklace and it broke a week later! You need to lower prices please
- The BARBIE is to skinny and does resemble a real girl girl. My only complaint with BARBIE... Girl like it so it is a whatever to me.
- I couldn't answer the question about Barbie. Our council used it for recruitment only. I have no access to the program, except for downloading and printing it at my expense. I'm not doing that for Barbie. If we're going to do this, let's make it available to all troops. I went from 25 girls last year to 16 this year. I had a K/1 Daisy troop last year. I found leaders for my K Daisies and moved with my 1st grade Daisies to 2nd grade Brownies. I didn't need to recruit. I knew that 16 was my limit. I feel like we were punished almost because I wasn't bringing new girls to the council (there wer incentives for adding girls). I do have 3 new girls this year because a few from last year dropped out. How about some incentive for bringing in new leaders. I spent tons of time with them, too. The support system for new leaders is awful. The "each troop is an island" system definitely lends itself to abuse of the troop treasuries. We need more support and a better structure. Right now, if I quit being the leader for this troop, the troop is done. Take a good look at the Boy Scout's structure. That is much better suited for adult leadership development.
- While some "fun" things are nice, most of them don't appeal to my Cadets and really feel like another way to grab money from parents who don't have it. Yes, there have always been these things, I remember pestering my mom for GS stuff when I was a girl, but sometimes I think we should think about _what_ we put our logo on...
- $$$$$ don't send your kid to camp because it costs too much, but go online and buy your daugher a hairband or another stuffed animal.
- The cost of some items are too expense for troop starting out or those with little funds. There are many other sites I chose to get my fun patches from because they are often a dollar or more cheaper then the Girl Scout Shop ones and have better shipping prices.
- I would like to know how much money goes to troops for the sales of coffee creamers? What is the breakdown for cookie sales? We get .50 per box, where does the additional $3 factor in?
- Okay, here is my problem with everyone complaining about the Barbie initiative. They are saying they don't like partnering with Barbie BECAUSE OF THE WAY SHE LOOKS.... Isn't that the exact point we are trying to make? Regardless of how you look, you can do anything. You can be the stereotypical model in appearance and be a doctor. You can care a lot about shoes and fashion and become an astronaut. She can be feminine and pursue stereotypical masculine jobs and interests. And, importantly, she still pursues jobs in education and fashion as well. It's not all science and technology (i personally hate STEM). Every girl and boy can find Barbie in a position they would want themselves to be.
- The new folks with retail marketing degrees and retail (i.e. mall stores) experience are not making on a whole, good decisions about the mix and availability of Girl Scout items. Example, t-shirts relating to the various program levels and their associated "Journey" themes. I know of several girls that were Brownies when ever-thing came out and now as they started to be Cadettes wanted one of the Journey t-shirts that were out several years ago. They know about because they have seen photos of girls wearing them, but they are NO LONGER AVAILABLE. They were sold for a year, maybe two and then "poof" gone! That might work well in normal retail. Uniform items need to be stocked for more than just a year or two, and in a greater range of sizes.
- There is too much kitschy stuff sold in the stores. If we want press on nails and dolls we can get those anywhere. Make Girl Scouting more about the scouting and less about commercialism. The Boy Scout Store offers camping equipment, books about the environment, badge books, etc. I would like to see us head back into that direction.
- "Branding" is for cattle. There is also too many cheap trinkets. Put more into a sturdy, multi age uniform...enforce wearing it, and there WILL be more recognition...how does GSUSA expect recognition when no one realizes that those are Girl Scouts doing a project because they are in miss matched outfits..Go back and read JGL's comment on why we are supposed to be a UNIFORMED group...if GSUSA gives up uniforms, it is little different from Boys & Girls Club
- they can get cheap, useless junk other places. we're trying to teach them the value of saving money, not spending it on unneccesary things.
- I think getting the Girl Scout logo out there is a good thing we definitely need a cool factor. The commercial on TV with the kid who was supposed to be a Girl Scout was pretty obnoxious. I think the kid should have been more Girl Scouts and less of a know it all - any products introduced with the logo should uphold the values and the law & should be placed to help the troop product sales.
- I think GSUSA has hurt the GS "Brand" by their slapping the name on things that are totally irrelevant to Scouting. I feel that GSUSA has sold their soul to Corporate America
- If Girl Scouts is going to sell their brand, then registration fees need to be lowered. Lots of money is going to GSUSA and it's being used to pay their staff, when we all know the majority of the work is being done by the volunteer leaders. GSUSA needs to remember that leaders are the ones that make this program work.
- I understand GS need to raise money, but I think putting our brand on non-GS merchandise is cheesy.
- Barbie a role model? Really? The one with the impossible body and always perfect look? The girls will be purging Thin Mints for sure. Stick with Dove.
- I realize that GSUSA is struggling financially like many other companies, so if that means trying harder to sell me nonsense items, that's okay. But I wish they would realize that it's just as difficult for troops to earn money! They have so many rules about what we are and are not allowed to do that it really makes it a challenge to earn money for big trips and other activities. I wish they would rethink the Money Earning rules.
- To exspensive!!!!!
- A lot of the stuff is overpriced for its lack of quality.
- "Girl Scout" products (other than cookies/nuts) degrade the products we do sell, as well as presenting the image of "All GS wants is more and more of my money" - which is something I've heard more and more often in recent years...
- More camp supplies would be nice.
- Bring something in for the leaders and adults! We need somewhere to put our badges/patches!
- There is way too much crap in the GS shop. Where are dunk bags and bandanas and other equipment for camping??? And I REALLY hate the relationship between Nestle and GSUSA. It's embarrassing to me because everyone on the planet knows how evil that corporate entity is and everyone on the planet knows the actual girls will never see a dime from it.
- Press on nails, no. Necklaces and jewelry, fine. Stop trying to be everything and keep with the core. How about having a contest on the national level every year for a girl designed t-shirt. Obviously, the design would be clean lined to be appropriate for all ages to wear, but would give the girls a chance to be further involved in girl scouts on a designer level. I don't like seeing items in the grocery store - most of which I would never use (don't drink coffee, girls are out of Barbie). Want to put girl scouts out in a commodity - how about decent scrapbook products (not cutesy) and fabric (for those of us making troop quilts or gifts for our high schoolers graduating).
- Annoyed that we have to be brand trained to create flyers. And 1/2 of council's flyers do not comply. Annoyed with shop e-mails weekly and rarely other info sent out. Miss the days of monthly Leader magazines. Understand e-mail makes sense but would like better content.
- If gsusa is endorsing and using the logo to promote other products, are the profits being returned to the girls? Instead of suggesting that each family in our service unit community donate funds towards the opportunity fund to help girls financially, why can't the dollars gained from the sales of these products be funneled into the fund?
- we sell too much pink, sparkly crap in the stores and not enough program level stuff. But, then, our program frankly stinks, so there isn't much reason to buy program stuff either. Bring back all the old skills and activity badges!
- Non-program materials should be less prominent in the shop. Girl Scouts shouldn't sell any non-official patches or badges as it's confusing to girls and parents.
- While things like the Barbie patch may not be for every troop, it certainly works well for some. I love looking through different Councils and companies to see what patch programs they offer. Since my troops meet once a week for 2 hours, we have the opportunity to do a lot of different things. As for the extra stuff in the GS shops, I like it if it is GS related. Not really into the toys that aren't, but it gives those girls that earn cookie cards something else to buy if they don't want a GS related item.
- The shop should be a place where leaders can obtain what they need to complete activities with the girls. Stuffed animals and press on nails are not in that category. If a badge requires certain products to complete it, then have these items in the store - one stop shop.
- I feel I am getting too many emails regarding merchandise from BOTH GSUSA and our council.
- I don't like that on the clothing the Girl Scout logo is getting smaller and smaller. I like shirts that scream "I'm a girl scout" not something I can buy in any other store.
- the amount of fun vs program materials seems to have remained the same over the years - that is consistent!
- Barbie? Seriously? A doll made in China?? Oh how ridiculous.
- I have never been able to afford those items for our troop. They are too much and with 27 girls even 5.00 a girl is 135.00. We can use our resources more wisely and can provide them with more program opportunities rather than a trinket that will last them a few days. Whereas the program activities will benefit them for a lifetime of knowledge and hands on activity.
- I contacted several people in my council and GSUSA and could not get any information regarding the "Be Everything, Do Everything" program.
- I would like to see more GS items not cost so much. I would like to see some of the items GS has for sale is ridiculous. GSUSA is stuck in the mode of what they think girls want. and what might work in New York will not work in the rural areas. I don't think the brand is worth the cost of most of the items that are on line. again they are putting a lot money in to things lots of people will wait till they are discontinued and discounted to purchase.
- The limited shop hours and locations makes it difficult for leaders to get the items they need in a timely manner. Shipping costs are high and the time it takes to get items ordered though the council store is too long to justify this but the limited hours and locations make it difficult for volunteers who work during the day to make it to the council store. As for branding, I'm all for girl scouts getting their name out there and making money for the organization where ever they can but I also can't help but feel like it is cheapening the brand to have the products which we are pushing a s a "girl lead business" available in other forms in the local supermarket.
- If GSUSA wants to endorse products that help pay for the Executives salaries, then let it be. Just don't bleed the local councils.
- Again, camping clothing and items are disappearing as the camps disappear and this is a tragedy.
- I would like for the shop to have available more of the 'fun' patches. I am consistently having to order them elsewhere or specially have them made. It would also be nice to have the main shop let us make shirts. They already have all the proofs for the logs, all they would need to do is add names/troop numbers. It would be nice to have them do that for us so we wouldn't have to find someone else. BUT - paying for things from the shop isn't always cheaper, which for troops which are tight on funding - we should receive the best pricing.
- Quit harassing me and my parents by flooding our inboxes. We are not going to bail out your retirements by purchasing any more from the stores than we normally would.
- Girl Scouts is becoming way to commercialized. Girl Scouts is a volunteer organization and does not need to make more money to support more paid employees. Volunteers are needed and girls to keep the program going and to remain true to the real purpose of Girl Scouts, giving girls a safe place where they can grow to their full potential. Girls get to try new things, explore and expand their horizons. They learn to give back to the community and enjoy helping others while treating each other with respect and kindness. There is nothing in the Girl Scout Law about pension plans and financial literacy. Math and science and making money needs to be left to the schools and families to teach. This is not what Girl Scouts is about!
- I hear comments from the girls when the see GS themed items being sold, they are not to thrilled with it. It also reduces their drive to sell. I will NOT purchase GS branded products in the store. The Barbie concept is UNACCEPTABLE, GSUSA should be ashamed of this demeaning of the scouts. This should be pulled immediately, i do not allow my children to play with the doll for several reasons, this just one more. The children are to precious to be used as a pawn and this image is repulsive.
- I would love to see more merchandise that would pertain to youth intersts and to see more affordable items. Fun nails for 15.00 seem pricey to me.
- Girl Scouts is a volunteer/service organization and should not be a business/money making operation. It should be about providing the infrastructure needed to provide good programing and not about corporate sponsorships and selling my family stuff.
- Girl Scouts becoming a "brand" is problematic; this is one of the reasons non-Girl Scouts think of cookies and selling things instead of leadership and outdoorsmanship whenever Girl Scouting is mentioned, which, in my experience (as well as that of other scouts I've met), has been too common of an occurrence. Selling Girl Scout brand coffee creamer and ice cream makes us seem even more like a business to non-scouts than we already do with the cookies. I want to be able to have respect in being a Girl Scout, and the reputation of the organization as a whole affects that.
- It is very apparent Girl Scouting has become about adults making money. And not doing a very good job of it!
- All about the $$$
- I have a hard time finding simple camp items, like a mess kit that isn't plastic and pink. A simple camp knife. Where are these items
- Another money grab. Disgusting.
- Getting out of hand w/ too much. Also way too expensive. We are doing away with uniforms but can push more and more junk stuff? So very wrong. We are a proud organization. Show it with uniforms, at AFFORDABLE prices.
- Maybe it would be a good idea to give discounts to anyone in a troop. Maybe that would encourage troop involvement.
- They need some better adult clothing options. I don't want to go back to a "strict" adult uniform, but I can't even find a nice, comfortable Girl Scout shirt to wear with my own slacks or skirt for Girl Scout occasions. A t-shirt doesn't really cut it for a council meeting and the only other items I've seen are sweaters and similar.
- Shop items- if the "fun" items weren't cheap, made-in-china items I'd be more in favor of fun items but I am not interested in spending money or having my child spend cookie dough on "crap"- we are already a very materialistic society and that stuff simply promotes the STUFF mentality versus stewardship- a missed opportunity for donating cookie dough for charitable causes. I do NOT like the emails that simply have a sentence that hyperlinks- if you don't bother putting some text to let me know what the article is about, I won't bother following the link.
- I wish they had more books with meeting ideas. Our local Boy Scout (Pasadena, CA) shop has an incredible shop with lots of books, pre-assembled craft items and outdoor equipment.
- I continue to be shocked by how easy GS Cookie are to sell...they are the engine that supports troops and programs. I have mixed feelings about the use of the brand for marketing, and cringe a bit when I see GS Cookie flavor Ice Creams, Candy Bars and Coffee Creamers. FWIW, both the GS cookie flavor candy bar and the GS cookie flavor ice cream that I once bought were not great products...in both cases, I'd have much preferred the regular flavors from the same brands, and will not be a repeat customer. I think there is a risk of diluting the GS Cookie brand by using it to hawk so-so products
- I have a Girl Scout T-shirt collection.That is all that I wear and I have them in various colors. :) I enjoy the patch assortment at our shops and I have a few other Girl Scout related items. As for the ice cream and candy bars, even though they may taste like the real thing. They aren't. I would like to see a more practical Girl Scout Leader uniform offered again. Something in Khaki or Green. Something that lets you get into the programming with your girls. Not the business professional attire that is currently offered.
- Girls are proud to scouts and should have options of items to buy. I would like larger sizes of casual t's available for adults.
- I really dislike the fact that I go to a council webpage and find I get dumped back into GSUSA. I like to collect GS ornaments and I can't find what unique ones that a council has because it dumps me to GSUSA. HATE THIS! I think that it is great that all collateral looks the same but my council has taken this to event flyers that now have to be 2 pages because of all the required stuff. The way that some things look is misleading and often cause people to think that they are not qualified for an event. That is just dumb!
- LOWER THE PRICES OF THOSE COOKIES!! YOU ARE LOSING BUSNIESS, WHICH DISCOURAGES THE GIRLS, THUS REDUCING THEIR SELF CONDIFENCE. They will think that it is their fault because they are young, when it is actually the company's fault. Don't do Barbie. That's just dumb.
- I think someone is missing the boat here. There's a lot of kids that want to be scouts, but think they can't afford it... so how does having a scout shop that carries over priced stuff help? While I love some of the cute t-shirts that the shops carry, I think they (as well as other merchandise) are ridiculously priced. As far as corporate endorsement goes, this is a conflict of interest. At the troop level we are very restricted as to what we can do to fundraise.... corporate needs to stick to the same idea. However, if that is the way this organization is going, how about we get to keep our camps and maybe even improve them?
- I'm not one to buy that crap but I find it crazy how many emails about girl scout products I get. I didn't know I could unsubscribe until reading this but I will...enough is enough.
- I am not a huge fan of "fun" items in the shop but i understand how people like them and they should stay. I do feel as if the quality of some of the merchandise is not as good as it should be. I use a lot of the boy scout of america mess kits ect from my family then buying any from the girl scouts because the BSA ones are metal and will last longer the the girl scout ones.
- Find a company that makes dolls other than Barbie. That is the worst role model for girls, in terms of body image. There were dolls called Get Real Dolls about 8 years ago, that could have had a GS doll perfectly.
- Good job!
- I don't think we should be supporting China in the making of our goods.
- Uniforms can't keep changing. Scarfs are vital to uniting us with other WAGGGS organizations.
- I think National has become too big and expensive - the prices of the program materials reflect this. This is one of the reasons I stopped training. I could not in good conscience recommend buying the new handbooks and all the supplemental necessary materials - they just were not worth the price - I look at a handbook from as late as the 50s and it had more content than any of the new materials. Yes the girls had to do some resourceful thinking if money was short - but they could still follow the program and one handbook could be shared by several girls if needed. Also it was a Handbook - it fit in a large pocket , you did not need a desk to open it on - it could be read easily perched on log at a campfire. The present looseleaf notebooks are huge, expensive and because they use a school Workbook style approach, very difficult to share. GSUSA is making a 'killing' on program materials that have to be replaced every two years. You are pricing the girls that need it most out of the program and making it just for the haves - the elite
- I was appalled to see GS cookies branded on ice cream recently in my grocery store. GS brands should not be sold beyond GS.
- When I see a Girl Scout logo on products I purchase in the store it sends a message to me that Girl Scouts is hurting for members. Another message this sends to me is with the recent lose of badges it makes me feel that Girl Scouts is becoming all about the money and slowly not about the girls.
- There is a lot of JUNK in the Girl Scout catalog now. Even essentials for camping and other program activities are often not the best quality or are very over-priced (please compare to Boy Scouts catalog for camping, etc. items). The above Barbie program is an example. Most of the jewelry is not even nice.
- The problem lies in GSUSA's protection of the brand to the extent that trying to design a tee shirt or patch using the words Girl Scouts is too difficult and expensive. We are missing some great advertising opportunities here. Our camp shirts could be just any activity. They don't say Girl Scout Camp.
- I have no problem with GS co-branding with appropriate product lines. But would prefer that they stay away from products that are unhealthy or controversial. Please say goodbye to candy bars and Barbie and introduce yourself to science kits, books that show strong and confident girls and outdoor products.
- Would love to see more things that are healthy and environmentally friendly - stainless steel folding cups, mess kits, KFS, water bottles, with GS trefoil
- The council shop is no longer easily accessible. They closed the local shop and transferred everything to Denver. It is not easy to get to the shop, due to their odd open hours.
- Shop personnel need to be more experienced with girl scouting.
- I have a major problem with the Nestle creamer commercial--that Junior Girl Scout comes off as a smart-mouthed, disrespectful little disgrace to her uniform. I'm pretty sure that that type of behavior by a child will do nothing to encourage parents to enroll their girl in a Girl Scout troop. Girl Scouts do not need to be wimps, but showing respect is part of the Girl Scout Law.
- With the licensing agreement, if the girls are being helped directly is very important. Maybe some type of patch could be developed with these companies for a financial literacy. Hoping that the money is used to improve programing or camps ALL OVER the country. Our camp needs some very important updates. Would also help improve the number of girls attending camps. Outhouses are not a big sell to get girls to camp.
- I would spend a fortune on camp theme products with the Girl Scout logo on them.
- Yes lets talk branding . Every time we turn around you have changed the logo, the tag line, something. STOP IT. Looking at a lower case letter to denote the age level is ..... REALLY!!!!!!!
- The national Store takes away money from our local council store. Would rather have the OLD Girl Scout leader magazine back that was full off program information and news.
- Well I do think the quality of the cookies has tanked since I bought and sold them as a girl. The peanut butter sandwich cookies are nothing like they used to be. Maybe if the recipe was revived the sales would, too.
- Where are the outdoor products? When you walk into a Boy Scout shop you instantly know what is missing in the Girl Scout stores. That includes the lack of a formal uniform.
- I wish the prices for the clothing was more affordable. I would love to get some items for my daughter but I am unable to. I wish they would carry more 4x and 5x clothing without being an extra charge. A lot of the clothing seem to run on the small size and I have to get mine and my daughters a size or two larger. There are a few items I would love to purchase, but not available in my size.
- Mess kits, sleeping bags, hiking backpacks... where has it all gone?
- GSUSA's website is easy to use and I appreciate being able to easily order online.
- There should be a mix between program and fun - my girls always were proud to wear and carry GS merchandise. My concern is the quality - if we are supporting sweatshops and underpaid workers, what message is that sending?
- I think if it is sold in a GS shop, that is a lot different than being sold at a third party shop. I agree with putting the GS logo only on things sold in GS shops.
- Please improve the Adult clothing/uniform options
- Cookie and fall product sales are no longer enough fundraising to cover troop expenses. Older girls want more adventuresome activities which cost much more. The thumbtack you've held on fundraising needs to be lifted so more exciting programs can be offered on a troop level.
- The Barbie program should be available to all girls not just for recruitment. There is too much frilly stuff available online and 1/2 the stuff in the council stores don't even say Girl Scouts or anything to say they are promoting GS>
- This looks like the place to say how much I hate the new logo in lowercase, which just looks illiterate, and criticize them for spending too much to add bangs to a logo that's stupid to begin with
- I am very much opposed to Girl Scouts involvement in marketing products.
- I feel that there should be a adult uniform, not just a scarf
- I would like to see a return to uniforms rather than a unifying look for both girls and adults. I would like to see the girls' uniform be practical - white shirts aren't and the older girls aren't keen on khaki at certain times of the month either. I do like the new polo shirts. For adults - I would like to see uniform options that are suitable for meetings and outdoor activities not just the annual meeting and the office. Please consider the diversity of Girl Scout volunteers and provide options for petite/tall/plus size and MALE volunteers. Please also note that not all volunteers are mums/grandmums/dads - some are alumnae, aunts, sisters, uncles, brothers and they would like to see more options that just GS Mom/Grandma/Dad. I would love to see more branded camping gear - mess kits, backpacks, jack-knifes, canteens, tents etc...and quality please! As for licensing agreements - I think GS needs to be careful to only align itself with companies that positively benefit the organisation through the relationship.
- Merchandise is TOO EXPENSIVE. If we didn't earn "cookie dough" we would never buy any of it.
- While I understand Girl Scouts is a non-profit organization I think it is highly inappropriate that volunteers should have to pay for their own required items, like the insignia tab, pins, and a bandana/scarf. If Council shops are going to carry “fun” items those items should tie back to Girl Scouts, for example the loom band kit that is currently offered at National and Council shops should include Girl Scout related charms like a trefoil, elf, gold, silver, or bronze awards rather than a smiley face, cupcake, heart, and butterfly.
- GSUSA seems to be far too profit oriented. The shop items and licensing arrangements smack of this as well. If it makes money that will keep girls in the program, or keep camps open, then so be it. But don't use that money to spiff up corporate offices and pay pension plans.
- Girl Scouts needs to retain it's visibility by providing uniforms for ALL levels. I have often heard the comment from the general public "I didn't know we had Girl Scouts in our area." I believe this is because Girl Scout uniforms and recognizable attire are not promoted enough through all levels of Girl Scouts from National to the Troop level.
- Our shop is nice, but I wish the girls had their cookie dough back to spend there. The 'incentives' are crappy.
- I don't think we should be concerned about career exploration at the Brownie level...nevermind Barbie.
- I think the branding of other products such as ice cream is OK if it is done on a limited time basis - like some companies do for seasonal flavors such as pumpkin. Sell it for a couple of months and put it away until next year. If it is out there all the time, it loses its special connection to Girl Scouts.
- I am honestly sick of seeing the girl scouts becoming more of a brand than a program. Girl Scouts should be about girls and not making money.
- I think allowing other companies to use our brand to help promote us is a positive thing, but needs to be used very guardedly. I'm not really into GS Coffeecreamer (although I do use coffeecreamer) Ice Cream flavors during Cookie Sales is a good thing. When it comes to toys--FORGET IT!!!! BARBIE IS NO ROLE MODEL FOR GIRLS--SHE TEACHES IF YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE ME YOU ARE NOT PRETTY NOR POPULAR. BARBIE IS NOT THE "AVERAGE LOOKING YOUNG WOMAN!"
- I'd like to see GSUSA make a serious commitment to buy/manufacture/supply from America!
- I delete every single shop/product email without even opening! I only open our council "Monday Mailings" and other informational emails.
- The program says we are trying to raise "Girls of Character" and we have the "It's your Story" Journey programs to get girls to look BEYOND the beauty emphasis and stereotypes the culture presses on them. THEN they go to the shops and see Makeup, Jewelry and Press-on Nails??? What's WRONG with this picture? How about some camping supplies? Hiking boots (By order maybe? so they don't need to stock a shoe store..or Gander Mountain.) It's OK to have some "girly" stuff, but when that's ALL you find in the shops beyond the uniforms, books and badges, it sends a very conflicting message from what we're trying to teach! ("You're more than just a pretty face...but HERE! Make yourself PRETTY so the world will accept you!")
- I absolutely hate the packaging that the badges come in! How is that green? And the iron on stuff does not really work well and badges need to be tacked anyway. What happened with teaching girls how to sew? There needs to be a sew on option!
- I like some of the shirts and other GS items that are now available. I do think the uniforms have gotten so casual they barely look like uniforms anymore. This is not a big deal most of the time but it looks sloppy marching in a parade or at any kind of ceremony. I don't mind most of the corporate endorsements. I do have a particular problem with GS partnering with Nestle for candy bars. I have always felt that Nestle has terrible corporate values and I hate to see GS having to do with them. Nestle is well known for using unethical tactics to sell formula in third world countries where it was difficult or impossible for most people to afford it or prepare it safely. GS is supposed to be about supporting girls and women and protecting the environment. It would be a lot better if GSUSA picked companies that reflected the organization's values--maybe a company that makes fair trade chocolate or a company that employs women in a developing country (and provides decent pay and working conditions) would be a better choice.
- I would really, really like to see USA-Made items only sold in the GS shop. Starting with the uniforms and going on down. I would also like to see e-versions of all the program materials for sale. I'm more than happy to pay for a PDF version of a badge booklet (though not the same high prices currently being charged for the print versions.) I respect and understand copyright and paying people for their work, but with the very expensive print prices, people are choosing to borrow from other leaders and photocopy, which isn't good for anyone.
- I wish that if GS's wanted to sell branded items they were items usable by GS's themselves or for items made by/for them. Girl Scouts should go back into producing fabric, this is very useful for troop projects and for parents/leaders to make GS related items/gifts and also does not impact GS cookie sales. I would prefer that GS only partner with products for programming that are appropriate role models for Girl Scouts. Barbie is not a good role model, but American Girl which is also by Mattel would have been a far better choice. For commercial partnerships for programming, I'd like to see GSUSA partner with WNBA, National Geographic/History Channel/Discovery Channel, maybe the Red Cross?
- The increase in "fun"items endorses the concept that the organization is frivolous. I have heard these many items including fun patches as "happy, joy, joy" do nothings
- i think theres not enough emails if i get one a month i am doing good. As for branding leave it alone if it aint broken dont fix it. we should have more things for girls to do
- I think there should be more fun stuff.
- I find the items in the girl scout shops to be expensive and not relevant to older girls
- Brand stuff is fine. Shops are a litlle expensive. The more "COOL" GS stuff girls get to wear and use promotes GS to other girls, which is the point I assume.
- GSUSA has trashed their brand, it is a joke now.
- I've already mentioned how I feel about treating Girl Scouts as a "brand". For the current product available, I will say that my daughter failed to find anything she was willing to spend her "cookie dough" on at the council store this year. It was all too stereotypically girly to hold any appeal for my tree-climbing, rough and tumble daughter. That didn't used to be the case.
- I find that most of the products for sale in the Girl Scout shops are made as cheaply as possible, which I assume is to make it as affordable as possible. However, it is extremely frustrating to have to continue to replace pins because they're made so poorly in the first place. You should have to keep buying Bronze Award pins because the pin mechanism breaks.
- I love the shop, and use it mainly for myself. Let's remember that the money that the licensing generates helps GSUSA function, both program and staff wise.
- Are there GS News/Updates? If so, shouldn't all leaders be automatically signed up to receive them?
- I am so happy that we are getting more GS items--I have long thought we should have more items that can advertise Girl Scouting...but items made of possibly good materials...be in line with our Girl Scout promise and law....and try to have some items NOT made in China. All of unhealthy creamers, candy bars and cookies should be rethought in light of the rates of obesity. We want healthy people promoting healthy items. Of course, not that we want to lecture people about issues...just to make them available.
- I think from a business stand point you have to do what you have to do to stay in business.
- To be honest, I have been getting tooooo many emails from GSUSA from the shop that I have started to delete them now without even opening it up
- I saw the 'rainbow loom' featured recently that had the Girl Scout logo on the box and the fact there were no Girl Scout 'charms', GS-specific colors, etc....it was very disappointing -- like selling the GS name just for the 'license fee' but having nothing to do with Girl Scouts at all. At least the creamer has the cookie 'flavor'. I don't think the 'creamer' will negatively impact cookie sales - it may even help by introducing more people to the flavors. But, it IS unfair that the GS 'label' can be sold to any 'box' and the girls are told they cannot sell other items as fundraisers.
- Due to budgetary constraints and lack of space, our council shop doesn't get all the fun products... I have to special request them or order directly from National. Not all volunteers know they can do that.
- Putting GS on random items isn't going to help our "brand" -- it is more likely to confuse. I hate to use the comparison but BSA still has basically the same uniform forever, while we have pretty much changed the GS uniform every 3 years. No one knows what a GS looks like, but they know what a GS cookie is -- a very expensive donation to GS, but not their own girls. I've been with troops and leaders who can't even say the Promise and Law, let alone explain what they mean and why they are important. We talk about "being with it" or "making the program more relevant" yet we are losing what is the core value of GS.
- I know girls love girly stuff. But most of it ends up being over priced JUNK! My girls work hard to earn their Girl Scout Dough, and I'd like them to use it to purchase Girl Scout related items. They love GS, and love the GS branded items. But they are suckers for the junk, too!
- Why China? The year star pins keep snapping off. Can we not support USA made?
- The ladies at our council in southern alabama have been wonderful. Not only in finding items at the shop but directing me in the website. Passing on information for me. and connecting me to the correct person when needed. there should be a troop leader packet when someone joins. Not just a orientation book. but a list with everyone's name and what you might need them for.
- If troops can't do a fundraiser with a name brand (ie Domino's) then GSUSA should not either. It sends conflicting information. It also happens at the council level too. The shop products are ok, but they need a wider sampling. Example, there are men that are involved as leaders, SU mangers, troop helpers, or just big supporters and there is not much of anything available to them. Female adults do not have very many choices either to help show support and pride for Girl Scouts. And not having a simple, official Leader uniform hurts also. There does need to be more products dealing with the programs. For as bad as the Journey's are, the jewelry that was available before was a good thing and helped the girls get through it as they looked forward to something they could wear at all times. This is especially more important with the older girls as they get picked on and bullied at times for wearing their uniform vest/sash in school.
- It has gotten to the point that I delete emails from GSUSA because they are just trying to sell me things! I also want to say that the starter kits that are sold have items that do not need to be there. Forcing them to buy a journey book when the troop has not chosen one is just a MONEY decision on GSUSA part and GS pins are given out at the troop and should not be in the kit,. Besides, after you have a pin, the only reason you would need a new one at the next level is of yours has broken, which happens very often and is a whole different point of discussion!
- Bring back the items needed for camp, but put a reasonable price on them. Mess kits, day packs, etc)
- As a child I loved getting a Brownie purse, bracelet, book or other item as a birthday present. (My Mom was also a 50+ year GS leader, trainer, SU Chair.) I also had a GS mess kit (still have it in fact), knife, compass, and first aid kit. I think shops should downplay the press on nails and similar trash that are so common.
- Coming from a media background, I think the NCA shop definitely lacks branding/promotional products especially during cookie time. I have complained for many years and up till recently had nothing. Now they have small car magnets for cookie sales and that is pretty much it. In my opinion, they are awful. I have had to purchase items from another state council to get suitable promotional cookie sale items. For example, large car magnets, promotional flyers and posters, table clothes, balloons, etc.
- I wish there were more shops in our state and they carried more stuff.
- I'd like to see more branded camp clothing...polyester fleece, etc...at a competitive price with other sporting goods stores.
- Use the money earned in licensing agreements to help councils stay afloat, to keep Girl Scout camps open. All I see happening is more products being sold to the girls that are not Girl Scout related. GSUSA partnered with Dove for girls to have a better image of themselves and then partner with Barbie? Do you not see the irony in that? The unattainable Barbie image is what many of our own programs is fighting hard against. Too many mixed signals. You need to take a good look at the conflicting messages you are sending.
- My girls have no desire to wear GS logo wear and never had. I view much of this as a waste of money and energy but I don't know what the actual data shows and their may be a market for it.
- press on nails? Really?
- I think it's fine to have GS fun stuff available for sale. I just think it should be high quality, and we should be careful about getting into trendy stuff that we lose money on when the trend passes by. I love GS-related items that the girls love. My old Council sold a unicorn for girls when they fly-up from Brownies to Juniors - it was great, and the girls loved it. That shop (at Tierra del Oro, back in the 90's/early 2000's) was like a Hallmark Shop for Girl Scouting - it was fun to go in there and come up with ideas for things to do with the girls. As a leader, I learned a lot browsing around, and the girls loved to go in there. Now our shops are kind of boring, and our girls aren't interested in spending any time in there.
- I think that the uniforms, patches and badges are overpriced. Troops are forced (basically) to sell Girl Scout products to raise money for programs, traveling, activities and their own uniform supplies. Making extra money is limited to only half the year unless you apply for an exception. GSUSA should discount products to be more in line with places like Advantage Emblem that sells fun patches.
- I think we need to know more about how much income is generated by GS branding and licensing agreements and how that income is spent to support girls. I am concerned that the branding/licensing will cheapen public perceptions of Girl Scouting.
- I would like to see more outdoor items for girls. Example more camping gear.
- First of all, it's ridiculous that GSUSA has decided to no longer capitalize proper nouns. I was in one of our GSWW shops the other day and noticed they had 'girl scouts of western washington' painted on the wall all uncapitalized. How can we be seen as a place to direct and educate girls when we can't even SPELL? Those words were misspelled. Second, if we want to brand GSUSA, then the funds had better be trickling down into to the councils. Every member already pays $15 a year to GSUSA for membership, that should cover any and all expenses for administration needs. Our store camping gear is a joke. We are Girl SCOUTS--so why don't we offer a sleeping bag fit for camping? Where are our tents? Outdoor cooking gear? Girl Scout stores should offer more than sell press on nails and Barbies. I think Juliet Gordon Lowe would be disgusted at how our focus in and out of our stores has gone to branding, cookies, and trinkets and left the camping and outdoor skills in the deep woods of the camps we just sold.
- I think the products GS supports should be products that they'd really like GS to use. Barbie and coffee creamer? How about GS Tevas for outdoor exploring, or flashlights, or calculators or compasses?
- I really wish there was an actual adult volunteer uniform. I find the mix and match approach to be unsatisfactory.
- I cannot express the feeling I have about the partnership with Mattel! While I love Mattel products, I think GS and Barbie should be far, far away from each other! Please tell me what Daisy/Brownie has a CLUE what they want to do when they grow up? Yes, perhaps a chat would be nice but to start exploring at that age? I don't think this is well thought out at all!!!! And I will hold other comments about how Barbie personifies all the wrong things about body image!
- I wish leaders had better options and older girls had something they could be proud to wear.
- Barbie was a bad choice for this patch. American Girl is more appropriate, if you need a partner.
- I have heard from leaders who looked at the barbie program and they don't like it - they think it is too much fluff and don't see the relevance.
- If GSUSA is going to profit with licensing agreements, then troops should get more kickback from cookie sales. I do not having Daisies or Brownies, so I don't know about the Barbie patch. But gut says, "really? Barbie??" I will say that any tshirt I buy from GSUSA has a neck that is too tight and the sizing seems off. None of them fit right- and I am average.
- Girl Scout merchandise is too expensive. Period. Uniforms, insignia, patches, fun items...all of them are too expensive. Uniforms and insignia shouldn't be a profit center for councils or for GSUSA.
- I have one concern about the girl scouts and the name brands program such as with Nestle and Carnation, I know the GSUSA program is low on funds, but is this such a good idea. Maybe if we work on our programs for the girls and revamp it so that it works better, we may get more influence from others and they will want their child, grandchild in the program and be able to be self sufficient again.
- I would like to see more materials for adults/leaders such as resources to help reiterate their trainings like books on knots, camping etc
- I do wish there were more program specific merchandise. Music downloads of Girl Scout songs would be a great item to sell. And, by music I mean the more traditional and, fun songs that all GS know and love to sing; not the Melinda Carroll music that no one knows and isn't very good, nor memorable for generations of GS to come.
- Use of the logo/cookie-flavored items: should be limited to those items which do not compete w/ cookie sale. Shouldn't sell items which "look like cookies", like the Nestle bars, which could compete w/ cookies. But the ice cream and coffee creamer is OK. Irony is that more companies are coming out w/ GS cookie "look-a-likes". Is this because the parent company(ies) of ABC or Little Brownie are allowed to produce them, under their own brand name or for another company? Even the Wal-Mart brand has something that looks like a Caramel de Lite/Samoa. If we want to get our girls away from the girly, why do we sell things like nail decorating kits in the council shops? Just saying. The flip-side is councils will want to offer those items which sell...and maybe they are the girly things? RE the BARBIE program: my daughters would probably have hated it because they don't like dolls. Likewise, they thought Dez the "fashion-savvy" Spider was kind of lame.
- Maybe if the extra fluf items were seosonal such as around holidays.
- I think there should be more partnering with corporations to create more global recognition for Girl Scout brand. Partnering with the Barbie program will increase opportunities to catch girl's interests at various ages. We should try to partner with clothing stores, jewelry manufacturers, craft stores, Home Depot or hardware stores to create new badges or programming. And these should be coordinated so its national Girl Scout day at 16 handles or Home Depot and it could be promoted through social media for the most publicity.
- Thank you so much for this questions. I think partnering with coffee creamer, candy bar, etc. companies dilutes our image and dilutes our cookie products. I don't like the nut/candy sale either. I think it's a total sell out and I think its disrespectful to our scouts, our volunteers and our cookie customers. I also don't like the "junky" jewelry and plastic trinkets sold by the shop. It should all be about the program. My scouts don't even like the incentives earned through the cookie sale. They return most of it to me and we donate it.
- our No Cal shop has ALOT of fun items.
- I think it would be FUN to use an American Girl doll, instead of a Barbie, for Girl Scout promotion! Maybe she could be the doll of the year one year? Or at least a scout type AG doll (that might encompass all girl groups, but at least it would promote the idea of scouting) plus the AG dolls are more realistic and more relate-able to girls of all ages! There could be books and activities/crafts and they could cause excitement about camping/outdoors and STEM related badges. If Mattel won't do it then maybe Our Generation by Target would? I really hope and pray that whatever products end up with the Girl Scouts logo on them that it will be well-thought out and uplift the girls and not be controversial.
- If licensing and the other "junk" sold in the shops puts revenue back on the program line or staff line for volunteer support I am ok with it.
- I would rather GS didn't market to scouts, which is what the Barbie badge is. It is product placement, whether you want to accept that or not.
- I think they should absolutely use the opportunity to sell products the girls want and claim the profit for the GS organization rather than giving the money to Walmart or wherever else. It also makes the GS shop a much more fun place to visit.
- I would like to see GSUSA develop a line of sturdy, quality camping gear
- There is a lot of weird junk for sell online. If GS makes money on it, then that's probably needed.
- I think the recent shift to baby beauty products like press-on nails conflicts with the inner beauty message I thought GS promoted.
- I was excited to see the loom bands. But was disappointed to see that it was not Girl Scout specific. I think items in the shop should be GS specific.
- Do you really get enough money from those things to make an impact? When I was an Intermediate in Junior High, I would have rather died that wear anything GS related except when going to a GS event. I still am self conscious about it and do not ever see anyone on the street wearing GS clothes or "fun" items.
- Would like to see uniforms go back to being uniform. If you want "brand" recognition, then chose a look and promote it. Quit trying to be all things to all people and start being Girl Scouts again.
- Delete works well
- I would LOVE to see a catalog of ALL of the available patches (fun patches/activity patches) that we could get then order thru the GSUSA.
- I think there should be more fun items, especially for older girls. However, since re-alignment many of the families do not have a GS shop that is conveniently located to them, so have a difficult time getting to one anyway. We go twice a year or so, so that my girls can spend their cookie credit. Other than that, my co-leaders and I take turns going for awards, etc. because it's about 45 minutes away.
- They are SO expensive - I'd buy more if the cost wasn't so high. I'd like to see more leader wear so I look professional with my girls.
- What organization concerned with empowering girls gets involved with Barbie products to make money? I have given up on GSUSA.
- Branding - GS is supposed to represent wholesomeness. Branding coffee creamers, chocolate bars, and ice cream cheapens our brand. Creamers are pure chemical, chocolate & ice cream are largely chemical - all are fattening. Why not look to a Kashi-type healthy protein bar or granola mix? Healthy cereals? We should be encouraging girls to make healthy food choices, not fattening up more. Do we earn that much from junk-food brand-selling?
- I think the licensing agreements help to promote scouts throughout the year. Great idea!
- Where are the camp items? Mess kits, silverware, good flashlights? Heavy duty sleeping bags? We are reducing our girls to dolls and glitter. Camps are going, camp gear is gone all that will be left is hair braiding badges.
- I think we still need more camping-related items. I'm glad to see the knives in the shop again, but I'd like to see mess kits/cooking gear.
- We need to get more financial support for Girl Scouts, in order to offer the program to low-income girls and their families. ALL volunteers can help with this, by making a financial contribution and encouraging others to do so. I know that the profits from the GS Shops help girls, and I like lots of the fun items sold.
- I believe we should be allowing businesses to use our logo and make things for us to purchase especially in the scrapbooking sector. I am always looking for Girl Scout Rubber Stamp sets, stickers, photo albums, and paper. Stampin Up sold a rubber stamp set called Girl Power years ago and people really want to see that stamp set or something similar sold again. Some people pay up to $80 for that stamp set which is insane. Please, make a reasonably priced cute rubber stamp set with all of our logos. I personally like the the old logo, without the bangs. I would also like to see more cookie cutters, ribbons, fabric, t-shirts, etc. We adults want to purchase these items - please, sell them! We also want to use them in craft making for the girls. Please, support us! There is money to be had for the camps, figure out how to get it from us! We take our troops camping in the summer at commercial campgrounds because adults & leaders are not permitted at summer camp. You're really losing out in this area.
- I understand using Barbie to promote the "Be Everything! Do Everything!" campaign but I also feel it fosters the misconception that you have to be skinny and beautiful to succeed. "Fun" items in the Girl Scout Shops should be more neutral and not promote the "skinny and beautiful" concept. Jewelry, hair accessories, electronic accessories are OK but I draw the line at press-on nails! We really need to promote the healthy side of the girls' personalities and not put so much emphasis on looks. They get enough of that from the media!
- Our shop has actually updated well with the times, including the online capability
- I feel like the shops should have more program based things so the leaders can have an easier time finding things to create the programming. I would rather buy my girls a mess kit and dunk bag or a flash light or their first pocket knife then a doll and some stickers.
- The merchandise at the store seems to support girls through Junior level. After that? Not a whole lot.
- I think that GSUSA needs to seriously develop a plan that begins to move them out of the cookie business an into a more diversified plan. People are becoming much more diet conscious and the medical community is beating the drum loud and clear to remove sugary treats from our diets. And they are not good for our kids either. The last thing we need to be known for and have as the centerpiece of our financial literacy program is cookies, candy and nuts. I do wish that they would allow companies that have products relevant to our programming to become licensed. Some companies such as stamping, scrapbooking (Cricut), and baking (Wilton) that would allow us to produce our own cards, invitations and personalized baked goods for our events.
- Rainbow loom looked like a cheap imitation with only one relevant charm. If GS is going to put its name on something, make it quality and relevant. Barbie -- I like the idea of exploring many careers....it was just geared to Daisy and Brownies, when the older girls would be more in tune and know about careers.
- I actually complained about getting too many ads for items and not for events, and our council has changed their emails to feature events a lot more since then. Also, I wish there were a few more affordable gift items at the shops. However, I'm not happy about the relationship with Nestle, since I try to boycott them (due to their formula marketing policies). I have mixed feelings about the Barbie relationship.
- I think the emails should also include more activities going on in our council possibly.
- I wish products were made in the USA and not China!
- Our local GS shop has such limited, parent un-friendly hours that it's a joke. As far as I'm concerned, all emails from GSUSA and GSEM get deleted. Sometimes it's as many as 5 a day.....
- Since when is GS about press on nails, necklaces, glittery stickers, etc? My son saw the email pop up that had glittery GS stuff and exclaimed that GS is getting really stupid and asked his sister if she wanted to join boy scouts!
- less "fun" items. less "fun" patches.
- It would be nice to see more crafty GS logo stuff for the girls to make and keep. Fabric, ribbon etc would be nice to see.
- emails and the shops give the impression that GSUSA is a for-profit organization. Some items are good - to spread the word about Girl Scouts, but much seems just to make money.
- I feel a bit overwhelmed by the emails I am now getting from girl scouts. I need useful and functional information, not information about sales/products. Spend more money on reinventing your website to be more user friendly, exciting, and useful, and less on mass emails.
- I wish GSUSA would allow such things like GS leather stamps, ink stamps, scrapbooking stickers, fabric and other such things that Boy Scouts has. I can't say I fully appreciate all the branded materials offered for sale.
- Most items are expensive for the value
- I think there should be more outdoor related items, mess kits, pocket knives, maps, compasses, outdoor guides, outdoor appropriate clothing instead of all cotton, hiking socks, etc.
- There need to me more AFFORDABLE uniform options. Even to order a GS tshirt is too expensive. More adults and kids would wear them if they were better priced. My son's Cub Scout Pack purchased there own tshirts for about $8. The only way you can get a new gs tshirt for that price is if it is on clearance.
- I like the newer direction in shirts and more tech gadget branding. For ex. My daughter gets lots of comments on her iPad cover!
- It seems that we have gone from providing the things girls need (uniforms, badges, activity supplies) and want (camping equipment, mementos, unofficial clothing) to be involved in Girl Scouts, to carrying any old thing that is cute and might make money (stuffed animals, stretching bracelets, craft kits), much of it available at retail sources for less money. A newsletter (similar to the old leader's magazine) that shares ideas for Journey activities, stories about girls projects to earn medal awards and Girl Scout history would be wonderful. If you are moving from trying to sell me stuff to trying to get me to donate money, take political action on GSUSA's behalf, or brag about what National is doing to spotlight themselves instead of the girls, don't bother.
- Most of what is sold is junk, but as a historian, I know that many people buy girl scout jewelry etc. I do think the prices overall at the GS shops are too high. Many kids and families can't afford the basic program books. Make money on the "Junk" so the important stuff can be reasonably priced.
- I am not familiar with the Barbie program If done correctly, Barbie could illustrate the various opportunities and "can do" for girls. They should include being confident in the body shape of various girls, not being shaped like Barbie. The GS brand should be protected. The decision to co-brand should not only be about making more money, but also, about retaining the integrity of Girl Scouting and all for which it stands. Be forever cautious.
- It would be nice to see reasonably priced clothing and gear that can be used in a camp setting. It would also be nice to see kits with materials that can be used to help implement specific badges.
- As i stated above, Girl Scouts have become too commercialized & are a joke. We are known for our cookies. As for the Girl Scout shops, my girls don't find anything appealing about wearing GS items & are too mature for many of the items sold.
- WE ARE NOT A "BRAND"! Stop the Wall Street marketing crap and get back to the core mission.
- Most of the girl scout stuff is too expensive. Why not give some of it away as prize for cookies?
- We basically never buy any of the non program related items, but I have not problem with them being sold. I would love to see hats and t-shirts advertising cookies for cookie booths and door to door sales - something about cookies and our council name maybe.
- Let the endorsements fund girl scout national and regional councils...but let the troops have their say in the fundraisers they participate in...each troop has its own personality and should be fiscally responsible in that sense.
- Our shop does not sell press-on nails...???!?!?!? I love going into our shop, and my girls do too!
- Shops - I'd like to see more items girls can use. Ex - camping supplies, (pocket knives, mess kits, water bottles, sleeping bags) books with helpful info (recipes, craft ideas, song books, outdoor education) The part that I don't like about selling other products is that any money made goes to GSUSA, nothing for councils or troops, and if people can buy their thin mint candy bar anytime why are they going to buy over priced cookies from a GS. As for the Barbie & GS - I don't know much about the program - but I don't see the benefit of Daisy's and Brownies doing career exploration.
- I also want GSUSA to develop a bumper sticker similar to BSA's "I'm proud of my Eagle Scout" and "I'm proud of my Eagle Scouts" stickers. I'm just as proud of my daughters' accomplishments in this area, and Gold is just as impressive as Eagle. And I don't want a magnet that someone can steal off my vehicle -- I want 2 bumper stickers: one that acknowledges that you have one daughter who's earned Gold and one that acknowledges that you have multiple daughters who've earned Gold. While we're on the subject, how about selling a nice-quality Gold Award keepsake album that lets you store photos, letters & cards of congratulations, etc.??? I want them to sell these things!
- Barbie?! Really!? How insulting. Guess younare all just money whores and you don't care who or how you get your money from.
- I am not particularly happy about our advertising. I thing we should be presenting exciting things girls can do, not all the junk they can spend money on.
- If we sold a required uniform, maybe sales would be higher. Boys wear the uniform, no problem! It's like GS eased the whole uniform idea, just to please someone saying that more girls would stay in if there were not a major uniform...
- I understand why GSUSA has partnered with companies (to get more exposure, make money, etc.) I am interested in knowing what the organization has earned. Is it really worth it? I also think that instead of getting our name on coffee creamer and candy bars we should focus on companies that actually manufacter items (good books and games, NOT Matel) for our girls. Mighty Girl is an awesome resource.
- I wish we still sold items the girls could use in conjunction with GS programming (i.e. mess kits, canteens, cameras, etc.). I still use my GS brand canteen and utensils set.
- I wish the prices weren't so high. As a leader, I would love to use GS products as prizes/gifts for my girls, but they're just too expensive. I also would welcome information as to the reasoning behind the branding of the GS with candybars, etc. I assume this is a profitable transaction for GSUSA. What is that extra profit earmarked for? Girl program? Saving camps? Back to councils?
- It bothers me that GSUSA is endorsing companies like Nestle and Mattel. There are also Girl Scout products for sale in craft stores. I would love to know how much money is involved and where it goes because, the girls and their troops do not see it. This also gives the impression that the program exists for commercial purposes not to benefit girls. As far as merchandise goes, I do not have a problem with the fun items but, what happened to Girl Scout mess kits, canteens, compasses, sleeping bags, etc. The emails do not bother me, if I am not interested, I just hit delete.
- Again Girl Scouts needs to move with the times. Many merchadise items are for the younger girls. Older girls don't even have the option of a fun phone case. Every teen treasures her phone and many change cases often. There are so many technical things Girl Scouts could work on. (an app)
- With two girls in scouts the financial commitment is high.
- I think we are probably close to our "max" in product/brand placement items. We don't want to "sell out"...but hey, those cookies sell themselves, so take advantage of it!
- I don't shop at the GS shop. The store is never open, and only seems to be open for the stay at home mom's.
- I would like to see more GSA licensed products available to the public. Girl Scouts need more publicity and what better way than to get the logos out there. As a former girl scout, mother and grandmother of girl scouts, I encourage you to sell more logo items, especially craft supplies such as GSA ink-stamping supplies, beads, etc. I truly hope that you will tap the market such as GSA embroidery machine designs and fabrics also. Many of us who are former Girl Scouts have a love of crafting just as we learned in our troops and at camp. Personally I carried many skills and love of creativity that I learned as a scout into my adult life through motherhood and grandmotherhood.
- I love the shop and am always willing to promote girl scouts in any manner.
- To much is put on selling products- it's sell, sell, sell. If in a poor area, it makes it hard for the girls on low income to feel good when other girls are showing off what they bought. Your prices are way to high-- is is all about making money. Suppose to be NON-Profit..
- modern advertising has suggested that we are a brand, but I prefer to think of us as an organization that a girl can join to have fun and do things
- I love shopping online at the GS shop and will be sad when my GS days are over!
- While I'm not a big fan of some of the 'fun' items, I realize the girls like them.
- Just a random note here - I wish all patches were made with quality iron on backing!!!! Some have great backing and stay on great, others have a small layer, but don't stay on, and others have nothing. Badge magic is expensive. I don't have a sewing machine - for convenience sake it would be nice to have consistency - this would also help the uniforms look nicer too!
- I love going to Girl Scout shops for Girl Scout materials. I'm so disappointed when I see other merchandise not related to scouting. These items can be purchased anywhere. And Girl Scout products can be purchased where?
- I'm very upset that GSUSA states things are on sale but when I go to my local GSOSW shop, these items are NOT on sale, ect. I thought we were all on the same team? Is GSUSA also penalizing local shops?
- Barbie? Really? Who is so anatomically inaccurate that she couldn't exist in real life? How about we don't contribute to the eating disorder/bullying era.
- I remember being disgusted in 2004-2008 at my camp the great emphasis put on the "trading post' and the idea that kids have to buy more crap. This time and energy should go to more important things. I realize it is an easy way for extra revenue to come it, but it only feed in to the consumerist culture and may make those other scouts uncomfortable if they do not have the money to buy items. (Especially when they are completely unnecessary.)
- would like to see youth size outdoor clothes and more outdoor gear available in the shop.
- We are Girl Scouts. Our shops should foster that, not emphasize being a "shopper". Girls have enough opportunities to get into consumerism, we don't need to offer more.
- I don't mind useful items with the logo on them. What I don't like to see in the shops is all of the junk that doesn't have anything to do with Girl Scouts.
- About the Barbie program...where are the Black Barbies? The Latino Barbies?? Any differently-abled?
- GSUSA has lost sight of helping girls grow into leaders because all they see are dollar signs.
- This is the first I've heard of the "Barbie. Be Everything, Do Everything" Patch program.
- I think that branding is fine, because the more publicity there is for Girl Scouts, the better the enrollment will be. I do hope that all of the proceeds from such business ventures get to the girl level. It sure would be nice to see these proceeds used to keep our local Girl Scout Camps open!!!
- I don't care if they sell trinkets along with program items. I do care that they are often over-priced and of poor quality. Girl Scouts are supposed to be learning financial literacy but are being provided shoddy trinkets that break or quit working within days of purchase.
- I think items at the girl scout store should only have to do with girl scouting: camping materials, backpacks, shirts, some books about former girl scouts. But no nail polish, little girl toys, fashion items. We are here to teach girls it's not about how you look, yes you should be put together, but it isn't about the bling, it's about treating others with kindness, thinking on your own, and helping others in your community.
- I have a serious concern about the licensing of Girl Scout Cookie flavors. I think it makes our cookie time less special when people can go to the store and get the flavor any time of the year. Further, I have a major, major concern about the fact that Keebler and Little Brownie Bakers are both owned by Kellogg and that Keebler has a Samoa-like cookie on the shelves year-round. They sell for less than Samoas and the cookies are every bit as good. It devalues our cookies when they are no longer available only during a limited time. I have serious concerns about the fact that our baker is allowed to make our cookie under their other brand and undercut us on price.
- I know that things are getting bad in the city but if there can be later hours on more than just Wednesday. I do not know how busy the store gets or if they get all of the customers during the day but a few nights of being open late or may be a little later on Satudays. I guess I am talking about just one one in Northeast Philadelphia.
- I never got any information about the Barbie partnership and knew nothing about it until I was asked to speak at our Barbie council event. I feel like we should be getting information from GSUSA so we can be on the look out for that stuff rather than all the new shop items.
- I would like to see more athletic apparel such as pinnies or Sophie shorts and sweats
- It seems to me that GSUSA comes out with new designs for uniform shirts, skirts, badges, etc just to make a buck. Lately it's been feeling like GSUSA is all about making money and not about promoting girl-centered programing or keeping Girl Scout traditions alive.
- Our council's shop is run extremely well in my open- (name removed) rocks!
- I think program-specific merchandise is the way to go. Camp items can still be fun. Craft items that relate to badges would be a great asset. I really like the idea of badge/journey craft kits.
- They say that any publicity is good publicity. I don't think it hurts us at all to endorse other products. This just means that our name is out there all year long and not just at cookie time. We recently had a huge event in our council and Mattel came. They had some great activities for the girls related to their new Barbie program. I think the program gives a strong message about girls achieving what they want to. This may not be for everyone, but it serves a large population of Barbie lovers well. I think that the more collaboration GSUSA has with large companies, the better it is for councils. In regard to the shop advertising, I would prefer to have my own council shop sending out advertising. I wonder if there is a way for them to make these advertisements available to councils to be individualized before being sent out to members.
- On candy and coffee flavoring, I think this type of branding isn't what we are about. I would rather see a Girl Scout dutch oven for sale. Put our brand on things the girls can use camping, or experiencing program activities, not high calorie, unhealthy junk food. As for Barbie, I haven't seen the activities, but I do not feel Barbie is a good role model. Pick a more realistic doll.
- If GSUSA can make a few bucks to support programs by selling their name to promote coffee creamer or rock climbing tennis shoes, go for it! But troops should be able to participate in other fundraisers (besides council sponsored/approved) which might be more profitable and less labor intensive.
- I believe Girl Scouts is missing many revenue opportunities to help themselves and the girls. As a leader, parent & avid scrapbooker it is frustrating to see how many products are available for Boy Scouts in craft stores but none available for Girl Scouts. Also High School class rings at the moment GS only allows 1 company Art Carved to use the GS logo on their class rings, Art Carved is not the only company that sells High School rings many girls in Girl Scouts do not have the option of putting the GS symbol on their class ring because the company that has been contracted by the school district is not Art Carved. My oldest daughter did not get a class ring because the Girl Scout symbol was not offered, but Boy Scouts was, it was not until the 100th anniversary long after she graduated that we even learned their was a class ring available thru Art Carved. Again a missed opportunity could you imagine how many girls would get the GS symbol on their class ring if it were offered to them and how many people would see it!
- Girl scout merchandise should be cheaper! Much cheaper.
- What happened to green?
- Reserving comment on the Barbie partnership until I actually see the materials. However, I object to Barbie in general and am not pleased that GS is helping promote Mattel. I think the food-based tie-ins HELP cookie sales.
- I hate that the brand is associated with highly processed & unhealthy foods. I also hate that the cookies contain unnatural ingredients. I actually have friends who refuse to let their daughters join scouts because of this.
- I like shopping at council shops outside my own council because they have a larger selection of items. The downside is I'm not supporting my own council.
- I feel the "fun" items are overpriced.
- Both girls and parents are VERY upset that a complete uniform is no longer available. They do not like the "washed out" look of khaki and white, complain that they look like school uniforms/juvenile hall uniforms/gang attire, are ashamed that we have a "uniform" that is no longer recognizable when the sash or vest is removed (this is tantamount to being ashamed to be a Girl Scout). We are all looking for more camping and/or casual attire that shout GIRL SCOUTS, so we can be recognized wherever we go. The public does not know what we do, or that older Girl Scouts exist, because we do not look like Girl Scouts when we do really great and cool things. Our troops ALWAYS wear uniforms, troop shirts, and tees that have the words Girl Scouts on them, and we have received many, many favorable comments - everything from "wow, I want to be a Girl Scout and do that", to "I didn't know Girl Scouts still did things like that." We need more BRAND items such as the modern equivalent of canteens, travel kits, journals, dolls, pjs and sweats, etc. Our Cadette, Seniors, and Ambassadors want to know why all of the cute items (bears, dolls, scrunchies, stickers, etc) are only available to younger girls. "We like to play ... collect ... show our colors, too!) A few more affordable items for the less affluent would be very nice, too.
- I can't stand the "fluff." Rhinestones and pink are nonsense. Girl Scouts used to be tough. I think Juliette would be irritated; she had the girls put on bloomers & go play basketball for goodness sake's! Girls are NOT all glitter & glue.
- There is no outdoor equipment sold at GS shops. Why not? The Boy Souts have their equipment available at their shops, our shops are t-shirts, stuffed animals, patches,badges,and books. When I was a girl, girl Scout, I could by mess kits, sleeping bags, etc. When I asked why are there no outdoor equipment sold, I was told these are what National requires us to sell. So it is at a national level, that needs to be changed. Of course if there is no outdoor journey, I can understand why there is no outdoor equipment. We couldn't even get ironware with our logo for the 100th anniversary, but the Boy Scouts did. We didn't even go after any outdoor equipment for our 100th anniversary, but we can get icecream our chpastick sold with our ookie flavors.
- With the shops, I don't like the GSUSA took over all the council shops online. Most of the shops are still "coming soon" for over 8 months now. I like to look for other opportunities for my girls to learn/earn other patches from other councils. They really learn a lot what they learn applies to their every day lives.
- I think proof-readers should reallylook at everything including how to place GSUSA program awards on uniforms. I think that councils need to be aware of all uniform items. I think that shop personnal need to know how to sell the uniform and what is needed. I do not think parents should be able to buy their own awards, I feel that leaders need to purchase them. I have stood in my shop and watched parent purchase all the Journey awards and the shop personnal sold them. I feel the shops need to be open more in the evening. I work and can not get to my shop as it is not open on Saturday. More adult parts of a uniform at local shops. I don't want order on line if the next week I have an important function to go to in uniform. Travel uniform requirements for adults and girls, like they do in Canada.
- For years we have tried to convince the general public that girl scouts are more than cookies only to have a 180 degree turn in the program that takes 2-3 months of our time each year and more pressure to have girls sell products. Also, with all the need to help girls with their personal image, what were they thinking about in choosing Barbie for a new program. Miss perfect shaped unrealistic body type to place in front of girls?????
- GSUSA needs to stop selling itself out. Enough is enough. You cheapen the brand each time its slapped on a product. Barbie is the last straw for me. Not a good roll model on so many levels. As a parent I've decided not to sell cookies anymore.
- On the last question u don't have as an option "no I think more fun stuff should be sold" that is what I would have picked. My daughter doesn't want to spend hard earned cookie dough on program stuff but on fun stuff and there are not enough of that stuff. Also need a lot ore fun stuff for older girls. 16 year old don't want press on nails.
- I'd like to see outdoor supplies - I remember them from when I was a girl, what happened to them? Most of the other stuff is either junk or for collectors and not for your average scout. When my younger daughter was a Daisy/Brownie I remember Groovy Girls with a GS theme - she and I both loved those because the play had the girls camping and doing outside adventures.
- We think cookie dough money cards earned from cookie sales should be able to be used in the online internet store. It is extremely hard for most families to travel to a store due to distance, location, inflexible store hours. In order for our troop to NOT loose a few hundred dollars in cookie dough money, we have to send one parent to the store (fortunately she was able to purchase off the actual numbers of the cards provided by our leader due to the above).
- I love the shop and think there is a good mixture of items.
- I would like to know the financial impact for nation for their endorsements. If it is significant enough to reduce the "girl cost" or if the funds are directed to a specific area like volunteer or program development I would consider this in my opinion of endorsements.
- Your selling out
- Too much Scout shop space is devoted to jewelry and other items.
- I have noticed an amazing increase in the number of e-mails from the shop. I don't use the shop much any more so have no knowledge of the types of items they have for sale. I have noticed that the e-mail adds are for junk. The number of e-mails rivals those from all the major department stores and catalog companies. I didn't know about the Barbie tie in. This is such poor taste. If Mattel wants to underwrite programming that is fine but not through Barbie
- I like that there are both types of items for sale in the shop, however, I would like to see more clothing options for cooler weather.
- Our shop discontinued a lot of fun patches about two years ago. That's sad.
- Keep Barbie! Daisies and Brownies love her, love pink, and have no qualms about working on that patch. That's how I found out my daughter (who used to want to be an astronaut) now wants to be a veterinarian.
- I would like to see ALL of the Girl Scout products, but especially the uniform components and books be made in the USA. I think the quality of the badges, pins, etc has really declined. So many of us leaders still have our insignia from childhood, while I have to take broken (or lost because they fell off) pins to the shop all the time to be replaced. What will my daughters insignia look like in 20 years? I fear it will be disintegrating!
- Too much profit being made off of stuff for the girls. Too many girls can not afford over-priced merchandise. Capitalize on printed materials from the past. Get some retro out there--missing a lot of sales here. People like the "old camp" look. Name brand stores make their best sales on this--think about it.
- I love the craft products that came out this holiday season! The little items like the holiday themed pins are great for leaders to tuck in goodie bags for the whole troop. The girls love to shop at the Girl Scout store too, so having a wide selection of items at different price points is wonderful. I would like to see camping equipment in the stores. Some clothing for the girls for camp. Troop equipment would be nice, first aid kits, leaders' notebooks, a waterproof holder for health forms. Dutch ovens, cooking equipment just some ideas.
- Wouldn't American Girl doll be more appropriate for young girls? I can't believe Barbie is being used. I am embarrassed that Girl Scouts endorses products that the girls should not be using (coffee really) Having the ice cream takes away from cookie sales -- but more affordable much of the time. Lower the salaries of higher staff, or check into their spending accounts. Our prior CEO stayed in high cost suites which many volunteers found unusual. Not a good example when doing fund raising events.
- I love having just-for-fun GS items to buy. It's gotten a bit out of hand lately. Every day or so there's a new ad about GS products to buy. I do NOT like Barbie, although several years ago I myself did suggest GS coordinating with Mattel to make a line of Barbies in accurate GS uniforms with accurate (for a doll) props: camping equipment and the like. Never in a million years did I think or want it to go the other way, with Barbie-themed GS programming. GSUSA is focusing way too much on sales again. If the GS program was much stronger - lots of GOOD badges; a GOOD and consistent and GS-centered way of earning Medals; a focus on outdoor programming and thinking over feeling - then maybe I wouldn't mind much.
- There is so much overhead in a council store, it's ridiculous. It's a huge impact on the bottom line of a council and puts a huge strain on fund raising efforts to cover the cost of products not sold. It think it should stick to program/camp related merchandise and get away from the fluff. We could have opportunities to sell Krispy Kreme Donuts, Schwans, and pizza shops around me and would greatly help my troops fund raising efforts for travel abroad.
- Barbie...really? We have completely redesigned our program to emphasize STEM and then we have Barbie? Come on make up your mind. Girl Scouts sold out to corporate greed. Barbies represent an ideal that too many of today's girls are already struggling with, sugar coating it with a girls can be or do anything is just that, sugar coating! Our brand suffers because people can't even recognize us anymore. No consistent uniform for girls or adults, staff members on local and national levels in street clothes and no way to look at news photos or news videos and even know who the adult Girl Scout even is. Whenever there is a parody of Girl Scouts anywhere, there is always the iconic green uniform. That's what the public and the entertainment industry still relate to and that's what they see in their minds. We could do ourselves a favor and start freshening up our brand by starting with the most visible thing we had.....the uniform, not a multitude of pieces to mix and match, but an honest to goodness uniform that identifies each of us as a Girl Scout. We would be visible again!
- It would be nice to have a line of GOOD Girl Scout camping gear.
- I usually only get GS branded stuff when it is on sale; regular price is overpriced.
- Ok - so I only heard about Barbie program from an online group- nothing through my council. No one else in my unit knows anything about this or other issues or programs. I signed up for emails thinking I would get program information or help running a troop. No I get advertisements for crap with GS logo on it. None of my girls want it. Once they are older than Brownies they would not be caught dead wearing GS gear (unless at GS camp out) I get a month news letter from CT council president- nothing she says has anything to do with program I am involved in. The Council is in their own little world with their honors breakfast that have nothing to do with our troop or do not benefit program in anyway other than to pat themselves on the backs- Oh the ones that get PAID to do anything.
- I have always been a big nonfan of Barbie as a parent. As a matter of fact, when my older daughter was little I bought her working woman Barbie while other moms were in the aisle looking at the fluffy Barbies. I liked the fact that she said "making money is good" but not so much the "I have to get ready for my date with Ken". Barbie is not a great role model and when I looked at the program briefly I was not impressed. I am concerned that GS logos are on everything and who is actually getting a cut of the proceeds.
- Too much merchandizing going in. Bumper stickers, iPhone covers, on and on its tacky.
- I am actually disgusted with everything that GS has put it's logo on. Press on nails. Lip gloss. Business wise I think it dilutes the draw of non-members to GS. I'm critical of advertising and if I weren't involved in GS myself I would be turned off by the GS products like creamer. It seem very money hungry to me. I would also like to say that our GS shop is in the same room as the Boy Scout shop and their side is focused on their programs. There is nothing for camping on the GS side. I would much rather shop on the BS side.
- Funny how I go to my local GS office/store and never find the badges/insignia that I need for my troop, but there is plenty of crap for sale. I never see girls shopping for this stuff, so why on earth is it there? It should be supplies for troop, not a junk store!
- I have repeatedly asked GSUSA to send way fewer sales related emails and to please send more girl scout updates and program suggestions - as was the case when we had a paper Girl Scout Leader Magazine.
- I love buying Girl Scout themed items. It has been an important part of my life and my family's life and I enjoy having a way to celebrate that.
- Endorsements of ice cream, candy bars, (Girl Scout Cookie Ice Cream) should be beneficial for both sides. How much money is GSUSA getting for allowing their name and logo to be used?
- Stop partnering with NESTLE! They are one of the most corrupt companies in the world. Their disregard for the environment and desire to sell bottled water is draining aquifers around the world. Their disregard for infant health in order to sell formula leads to the deaths of infants.
- The cost of clothing items is mostly prohibitive when the cost of a simple t-shirt is $20.
- It's all about making money. Not about what's good for the girls. I know you need money to pay salaries and programs. But, when volunteers do the programs, but are then told (after all the work is done) oh, Council staff can finish. Some areas of councils are totally forgotten as far as council staff are concerned-- everything is done by volunteers. Yet Council ask United Way for money-- stating they do the programs--
- The product endorsements are an embarrassment, and totally NOT in the best interests of getting the word out regarding what scouting is really all about. People already think we are just about selling cookies. PLEASE, let's not constantly reinforce this message.
- I would like to see some of the prices be more reasonable. I as a leader would like to buy some product to wear and find it just to expensive. I do believe that the parents of these girls feel the same way. I even have a hard time getting the material I need to lead the group.
- Press-on nails? Please tell me you are kidding. Please. How can you open a pocketknife with press-on nails?! Oh, never mind.
- There is not enough items for older girls.
- I think GSUSA needs to go back to making fabric available so mothers, leaders, girls, etc. can make their own uniforms. My girls at one point made their own vests (with the help of a competent mother) . Other leaders made them for their girls when they bridged. It was not only cost effective but both adults and girls had ownership which we are quickly losing. 2) I like seeing the GS brand out there, but would rather see it in news releases on the girls and their projects. BS still gets more coverage, but the Gold Award recipients are doing marvelous things. My last recipient so impressed the Elks Lodge representatives that they had her do a presentation for their lodge which subsequently led to a presentation to a Rotary club. Unfortunately these were after the fact and no scholarships were received by her and no real recognition from National. The paperwork from Congress got lost due to my fault in sending a mixed address of the troop location and my personal address and were not recoverable. Assistance didn't come from National or Council. 3) We hear about GS scholarships going unclaimed due to lack or applicants, but we don't get the information to our girls. It should be a Brand Packet that goes to every Ambassador or Senior. It should be phased to it peaks their interest in doing their Gold and that they actually see some benefit. 4) As far as our Council store they are fabulous and go out of their way to help us leaders get what we need when we need it and know what we need even when we don't. The problem with Pathways is the girls a lot of times don't get the recognitions they've earned without the help of a leader or the local GS Store.
- While I think additional advertising on products would help promote Girl Scouting, I think we should use caution on which products we enter into licensing agreements with. It should be products that either have some relevancy to the Girl Scout program or would be considered a positive reflection on the Girl Scout program.
- Note that for the Barbie program, only *one* patch was available per troop. So even if we did the program, all the girls who did it could not get a patch, only one girl. What's up with that? Clearly, girls did not come first in that plan. And re: emails, it's amazing that the shop can find every leader so regularly, but the program people can only go through the pass-it-on shuffle relay approach to communication.
- They took our local Girl Scout shop away (closed it). I used to take my girls to the local shop to "shop", but not out "local" shop is 2 hours away, so I order everything online through GSUSA. I am happy with GSUSA online shop, but not with our council shop.
- I've seen many items at the grocery store with Girl Scout branding on them and wondered how much, if any, of the sales go back to troops or does all of it stay at an administrative level?
- I think branding is stupid and a distraction from the true gifts of G.S.
- Girl Scouts is NOT a product or commercial property. Juliette Low is most like rolling over in her grave!
- GSUSA is getting all the profits from the extended licensing agreements, therefore not all membership money should be going to GSUSA. GSUSA is not providing enough service to justify receiving this type of revenue. They have caused major hardships on the Councils due to lack of management and should be decreasing their costs and helping Councils to increase their revenues to offset this serious financial debacle they have caused!
- For heaven's sake stop making changes for the sake of changes. If the GS uniforms weren't changed every three years more parents would be interested in buying them knowing that they could be handed down to re-sold. The girls scout logo on t-shirts, sweatshirts etc. should more suttle. Then the girls would be more likely to want to wear them
- Girl Scouts needs to get the brand out there by using the money to reach out to the communities to let the girls and parents know there STILL IS an Girl Scout organization.
- I have an issue with these products (creamer, candy bars, etc) because I don't see the profits going back into the program for the girls. If the girls got a portion of the proceeds then it wouldn't be a problem.
- Adult volunteers need something more practical besides an overpriced scarf to be considered a uniform.
- I recieve far too many shop emails and not nearly enough informative emails. If I want to buy something, I know how to go online and find the shop. I would really like to know more about what is going on in scouting on the National level. Then I would be better able to keep my scouts' parents informed. Also as a leader i am often an ambassadore for the organization. If I am well informed, I can do a better job in this role..
- Barbie--my girls are Juniors through Seniors, so this isn't an issue for us. OK, I despise the cutesy crap in the Scout Shop. I hate the term "Diva" and for heaven's sake, let's lose the "Princess" concept. I do NOT want my daughter or our scouts to be princessy cutesy divas. I want them to be practical, talented, skilled, knowledgeable WOMEN who are take care of themselves! Ever compared a BSA shop and a GSUSA shop? BSA has great camping gear, books, building kits, posters, recruitment materials, knives and axes. We have...stickers and nail polish. Pink and purple. Patches that say "diva" and "princess." GAG.
- Merchandise prices are way to expensive!
- Today I saw the sanDiego site. It had an REI advertisement right on the front page with a female wearing underwear. I was offended because anybody that was not a size 2 or less would see that as very offensive! stupid move for San Diego and REI!
- MORE outdoor gear, go to a Boy Scout store and see what I mean.
- I would like to see items related to completing badge requirements. Give me cost effective kits, not more stuffed animals and 1000 different t-shirts.
- Too expensive. Think how many boxes of cookies each item costs and what the girls do not do if they spend on these products.
- I would have to research how to even locate a Girl Scout Shop. This information is not out there in front of the public as it could be.
- Girl Scouts partnering with brands such a lip smackers and creating products like press on nails only reinforce dangerous gender expectations. Barbie has continuously been researched as a dangerous toy for girl's self esteem. You can't promote a program like "Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty" then sell Girl Scout Barbie and expect girls and youth to know the difference between toys and real life. And where are the profits going? Nor camp since they are closing them. Who is profiting from these experiences? Are we just keeping Girl Scouts around to support the staff so they can have jobs?
- Actually, my correct answer to the e-mail question is: I would love to see fewer e-mails about shap sales/products and I am OK with the number of e-mails about Girl Scout news/updates. ***this option was not offered***
- I would like to see more of the following products from GScouting: Scrapbooking pages, stickers, etc. Stamping Cookie cutters, candy molds, etc. SWAPS projects (pre-made sets or logo beads/items to use in making SWAPS) More GS hair accessories (big bows are popular right now) Trendy items (infinity scarf for younger girls and adults), rainbow looms accessories in GScout colors
- Marketing is over sold. There needs to be equal emphasis on program and member accomplishments.
- The Girl Scouts have a Barbie badge? Are you serious? I have no problem with the GS allowing coffeemate or whoever to use their logo to brand food if that money goes back into offering girls programming. I did notice that Girl Scouts had started selling more "girly" stuff, which I found a little irritating but if it helps improve programming, I personally wouldn't fight that battle. But Barbie? That's pretty messed up.
- I think getting Girl Scouts out in name is brand cannot hurt the organization unless products that fly counter to the mission of the organization are endorsed. I don't see that happening. I think however that there are ways to market and brand the name to make us more visible. One way is to keep things consistent. I earned the First Class Award. At the time that was highest award in Girl Scouts. Little was known about the award. The award was changed to the Gold Award and that has been around a while now. I still don't see recognition of this award. When a boy gets his Eagle Award it is highly recognized and the publicized well. We have girls doing great things but the recognition is not there in the community and media. We need to work on this. This will help with branding.
- Cookies come once a year. Creamer and candy bars are not helping the girls achieve their dreams.
- Girl Scouting should be fun for all.....shops that sell a mix of fun and program related materials are more successful. Items, however, should be carefully selected to not undermine the goal of developing girls with character.
- I only am okay with partnering with brands if we benefit monetarily without a possibility of sending inadequate messages to our young girls. There are plenty of positive partners out there; however, I could see where it may be difficult to draw the line. Ex: Perhaps partnering with REI or other outdoor recreational shops by having parts of camp named or logos up, camp could overcome some budget shortfall.
- Shops appear to support only stereotypical "stuff" for girls.
- Press on nails? Really? Not in our shop I hope! They should have 95% program items and rest extras. More apparel for older girls and adults would be good. Would also like to see a magnet for cars - not a sticker.
- While the mix is appropriate, I would like to see more camping and outdoor GS related merchandise to be offered.
- I really wish that GSUSA would make the badge handbooks available in e-format (i.e. Kindle, etc.). Leaders especially have a tough time keeping track of multi-level troop badge activities and lugging around the stupid 3-ring binders (that always come apart) to each meeting is a pain. And why, oh why, must we change our badges constantly? It seems like GSUSA is just using the change as an excuse to sell us more stuff - new books, new badges, etc. It is especially painful when the new materials are "pretty" but full of a lot of "fluff". Let's get back to the integrity of the program from years ago....
- Endorsing ice cream or dolls seems like it would create revenue for national. Does this stay there or do the camps and girls benefit? Barbie isn't the realistic image for girls but it's just a doll. American Girl or Madame Alexander would have been a great avenue or some of the dolls that focus on real representations of girls. Maybe they would have produced a Girl Scout doll??? Some companies are making clothes that resemble scout uniforms for AG dolls. You've missed an item that would have sold well in the GS store. By the way, my girls love the Doll Collectors Council's Own before the new programming.
- I only feel it is ok to partner with other grocery items (creamer, etc) if they will pay GS for the partnership - this can go directly to camps to help keep us from losing camps and provide more outdoor programming for girls. I really do not support the Barbie thing because I don't approve of the Barbie brand. Couldn't Girl Scouts come up with their own doll to work with?
- Mixing merchandise is fine but try and get more program stuff in as well
- The "good stuff" I often find in places other than the council store - camping stuff if I accidentally am in camp AND the camp store happens to be open.
- The new books are way too expensive and don't have a lot in them. I think it is ridiculous that I have to buy supplemental packets for the badges the girls really want to do. Also each badge requires too much work and some of the activities are hard to get done in a session.
- Girl swag should be more affordable. It's too expensive.
- It seems to me that volunteers are being steered away from using the shops to purchase badges, etc., while more and more non-program items are being displayed for impulse buyers. I would prefer to shop in person for insignia, etc. and actually have it there in-stock.
- Give the shops back to the councils. I hate having to pay shipping on things I can easily drive to the store and pickup. Getting "free shipping" isnt free when you have to buy more that $50 to get it.
- I do however wish we could have some sort of uniform. I understand that times change and most girls just wear the vest/sash. But at the younger levels especially I feel it is important to take pride in the fact that you are a a Girl Scout, and that would be helped by a better sense of uniform. When girls march in parades in our town they usually wear whatever they want with their vest. Our troop always wears white tops and black or khaki bottoms. Encouraging a polo shirt for each level would be helpful. I understand why the move from uniforms was made but if we could have something simple I think it would make a huge difference.
- The shop staff is usually the last to know information. I ask questions and they are not informed from council. I feel bad for them. THey are sometimes the only person we see...and for them to not be informed must be hard on them to do their job. No wonder some of them are frustrated when we go to the stores.
- Why do we have to be exploring careers at the Brownie and Daisy level?!?!? Can't they just go explore the world without an agenda???? The careers come later after they find what they like!
- Regarding the Barbie program: why are we pressuring eight year-olds to choose a career?
- With the 'baby boomer' group retiring, you might have a market with some adult nostalgia products. :)
- I feel that GS should not be about marketing merchandise, but about offering girls the best possible, well-rounded opportunities for leadership, fun, service and social interaction. I believe that marketing so many different products cheapens the 'brand'. I also believe that if troops can not have money earning projects that might imply endorsement of a product, then GSUSA should practice what they preach. We are constantly being told that the troops can not do these projects due to our non-profit status, so how can it be okay for GSUSA or our council?
- When I walk into a Council Shop it is clear that they are in business to make money. There are more toys and useless items than program related materials. Do we really need another Girl Scout teddy bear? I don't like seeing Girl Scout candy bars at the grocery store. There is no benefit to the girls (I am sure, however, that there is a financial benefit to GSUSA). I would prefer to see troops allowed to use the GS logo more freely with less concern to size and color. We want to make our own tshirts that can say Girl Scouts without fear of reprisal. Girls sometimes want to advertise that they are Girl Scouts but can't because there are too many trademark restrictions.
- I think that using the GS brand for non-program related products is a risky thing to do, and I wonder how much of that revenue is actually supporting GS programming.
- Shops should have more program related items such as Badge in a Bags to make it easier for leaders who would like the help.
- The girls have asked how other products support them. They feel like it is not fair to sell other products that it will make cookie sales harder and does not benefit them or to recruit new girls.
- Cadettes would like to see former incentives available for purchase later to replace ones they have lost.
- Again, I didn't know about the Barbie patch. The lack of communication is astounding. I know when there is free shipping sales, but not when new, current badge programs are created.
- I absolutely detest the fact that GS are not allowed to participate in activities like Relay for Life but we can promote coffee creamer. Ridiculous. Cancer not only affects us all - but Juliette herself was a survivor! PLUS, GS would get great PR from it. But GS just wants money raised for GS. I have never heard of the Barbie collaboration. But again - why is it ok to partner with Barbie and not ACS?
- Older girls need more in the store. It's hard enough to keep them interested and engaged in Girl Scouts. As they get older (juniors and up) there is less and less in the stores for them. This is unfair and makes the girls feel as if they are less important.
- Since my girls are in their 20s I hesitate to answer--not really being sure of what would drive interest in younger girls.
- Accomplisherself sounds slutty. I see branding everywhere and block most of it out. Should we spend our money on owning a sports building or taking out a superbowl add? Are we getting the bang for the buck?
- None of the categories in the first question fit my thoughts. I do think some licensing agreements were OK when they started like the limited edition flavors of Edy's ice cream. However, it is a slippery slope and I think the Barbie connection is where it is starting to show. I don't like the Barbie brand and the commercialism and messages attached. I also think coffee creamers is a stretch. Girls don't drink coffee so this is straying too far from our mission. An organization starts getting in trouble when it starts getting into too many agreements becasue eventually there will be a product that turns off some portion of the population. So I am concerned and hope any future agreements are done with thoughtfulness and care.
- Girl Scouts is trying too hard to make it fun. It is becoming frivolous. And why teach good body image and then sell press-on mails? Cookie bars and coffee creamer are OK to promote GS to adults ... but why not GS trail mix instead, or in addition?
- To much cheap China junk. The girls really don't want that.
- I think any merchandise sold in the shops should be American made and of high quality. I have seen way to much junk, mostly from China sold and offered as incentives. I would even like to see products made by girls or troops available from troops willing to do so. I would prefer to see the girls/troops make the profits, to aid in the activities.
- I would like to see more items like the agreement with Michael's crafts. Things we could use in our program. Maybe a rubber stamp with our logo, Cricut cartridge, paper, stickers, etc. The coffee creamer is OK but I think there needs to be more stuff we can use for program activities.
- Most items in the Girl Scout shops are way over priced.
- Prices are too high for most items. Drop NESTLE as a partner. Their history of destroying the environment and damage done to women worldwide through their marketing of infant formula makes them a horrible partner for a youth / women's organization.
- For the last question, you did not offer an answer for No, on think there should be more "fun" stuff sold at our council store. My choice. Mor fun stuff. Perhaps drafts for meetings that are GS related or tied to a badge or Journey.
- Press-on nails? How do you build a campfire with those?
- I don't receive emails...would like to. I think that the girl scout program should go back to being a role model and support program for girls and quit the commercialism.
- Brand - I don't mind using the brand for coffee creamers/candy bars, etc. BUT let the girls use the GS "brand" name to have their own fundraisers that will raise MORE money for the troop. IF you have to have your cut, offer to let them have their own fundraiser that works in their community (ie bake sale) and take no more than a 10% cut. This is supposed to be for the girls about the girls and it's all so commercialized, when the girls try to cash in on it to raise money for a campout they are told they can't because it has to be the official sales
- Re: How do you feel about GSUSA entering into licensing agreements with companies that produce products that include our logo? (coffee creamer, ice cream, etc.) I don't mind expanding sources of revenue, but would want GSUSA to be very careful to establish a set of standards and vet companies for things like child labor and environmental laws. Re: GSUSA recently partnered with Mattel to create the Barbie "Be Everything! Do Everything" patch What a hoot! The women of my generation would be outraged. What a reflection of today's consumer mentality!
- Mattel, Bryers, and Coffee Mate bring incredible exposure to our organization. They also donate money to specific councils to help ensure they can reach and serve more girls and volunteers. GSUSA has an "Email Preference Center" to help you better manage the amount of communication you receive from them. Once again, Girl Scouts needs to be run like a successful business in order to stay relevant. Weekly emails are a common practice with successful retail stores (any retail store - sign up for their newsletter, and get ready for daily emails): http://www.pages02.net/girlscoutsusa/GSUSAPreferencecenter/GSUSApref_update.html spMailingID=5932813&spUserID=MjI1NjMwMTE1OTUS1&spJobID=352951899&spReportId=MzUyOTUxODk5S0
- The program has sold out.
- I heard everything is being taken out of the stores and you have to order online. That is going with the time. But is it necessary to take everything out of stores. It was convient for me to just stop in and get what my troop needed at the time.
- The stores lack older girls stuff. Nothing really new, the older girls don't go to the store there is NOTHING for them to go for.
- My daughter recently received the gold award. There should be more merchandise available in this category. Items that this could include are stationary (invitations and thank you notes).
- GS sold out to Big Corporate years ago. And everything seems to have changed. Now Barbie has been introduced onto the GSGATL website. Way to teach our little girls how to pimp themselves out. The focus appears to be about getting these girls to make $$$ for the organization. How do these corporate-based moves instill "Courage, Confidence & Character"??? (Which is a joke, BTW). But we are still pushing, pushing cookies and now a Fall Product sale. And if I get another email about the sales going on at the GS store, I think I will scream.
- Everything is too expensive#
- My girls / adults don't are about the "fun" items as they tend to break easily and / or are not what the girls want. I have done all ordering for my troops / Juliettes for years. I tend to do it online because the cost of gas is more than shipping.
- Shops should be better stocked are in September - November. We had to wait almost 2 months to get some uniform items.
- A council shop should never run out of Girl Scout Trefoil and WAGGGS pins! If council is running a patch program that has 100 scouts enrolled, have 100 patches instead of disappointing the scouts on a regular basis. Again, paid employees who cannot count? For shame! Leaders should be able to fax in an order & have it available for pick up. Council employees should have the shop stocked with the correct year's patches. Council shops should be run like a business. Be prepared! In September, troop numerals should be in stock - all of them. In October, badges should be in stock for Court of Awards - all of them. In February, World Thinking Day patches with the correct year should be in stock. Waiting 8 months "to get it from GSUSA" is unacceptable and irresponsible. Are we seeing a terrible pattern?
- GS merchandise affects public images of GS. The huge lack of the second half of GS in products has resulted in much of the public who thinks that GS ends in 5th or 6th grade!!!!!! Big recent example of this is Precious Moments with not even one figure representing Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador level!!!!
- My only issue is that the local shop is often out of stock of shirts, etc. At one point, they didn't have enough american flags for the uniforms. Seriously?
- I find the mix fine but the prices are way to high. I have wait until they go on sale before I buy anything then hope they have it in my size.
- Before GSUSA agreed to Mattel's "Barbie" illustrations for the "Be Everything, Do Everything" program, someone should have insisted that Mattel include the diversified Barbie dolls that they do have and do sell.
- More items need to be added especially for LEADER gifts or volenteer gifts.
- I would like to see the quality of products go up. Many of the things I have seen other Girls purchase have been cheap junk. I even returns a few cookie items last year because they fell apart. I would also like to see GSUSA support Made in the USA items.
- I wish prices weren't so high! When leaders are offered a discount coupon for Appreciation Day or Early Registration, make it more than 5 or 10%. 5% is just a slap in the face and 10% barely covers the tax. Show us we're appreciated with $10 off a $20 purchase!
- I remember when a troop couldn't even put a Trifoil or the words Girl Scout on an event patch; Now ebay is teaming with all kinds of items with the GS branding and logos. I believe that the Girl Scout brand needs to be protected.
- what can I buy.. what can I have... PLEASE! How about making GS adults more like a mentor or someone to look up to!?!? Girl Scouts was NEVER about "STUFF"... it was never about money- who knew which girl in your troop had money and which one was barely getting by... in my troops (as a girl AND as a leader) we were all sisters in the same troop- that was all that mattered.
- Again, it's become VERY clear what the most important thing to GSUSA is. Product sales is king. The girls are just the method to get money in the door. Shameful. And this is SCOUTING for heaven's sake. 3/4 of Scouting is OUTING. PRESS ON NAILS??? You've GOT to be kidding me. That's just pathetic. Are we trying to force our girls into traditional girly-girl, Barbie roles? Juliet Gordon Low is rolling in her grave. Seriously.
- Have not heard about the Barbie patch.
- Licensing our logo can become problematic depending on who we allow to use the logo. We have a brand and standards. It could affect our image. We get cookie dough cards and nutty cards but i find them useless at times and i see my daughter buying things of no value.
- I love our stores and I love the fun stuff. It makes shopping around holidays and birthdays and even special events fun. And we love getting silly pens and pencils to use to remind ourselves we stand by the law and promise.
- I think the girls like little what nots in the mix.
- I have a Jr/Cadette combo troop. There is nothing interesting for the older girls to purchase. While the program for banking her cookie dough is nice for high school girls, what is out there for the Cadettes? It's not a wonder why this is the highest drop-out level in scouting. The average Girl Scout DOES NOT benefit from the branding of the the GS logo or products. If there is going to be branding of our program, the financial benefit should be passed onto the GIrl Scouts directly by; lowering (not increasing) the annual registration fees, handbooks/badgebooks at a lower rate, supporting GS camps that are failing, or decreasing the prices of "official uniform products". It angers many of my parents that see these products in the stores. There is no incentive to purchase GS cookies, if you can just buy something similar in the ice cream isle or in the cookie isle of a supermarket.
- more camp stuff needed or dailey use like towels pillows deoderants perfumes cheaper sleepover dolls and the price of tshirts is way too much 26.00 for a tshirt we need to look at the prices most of us wait till clearances
- About the Barbie patch: I haven't heard about this before today, but it sounds like a good idea. However, while I understand why it's for the Daisy and Brownie levels because it's Barbie, I don't really think it's going to affect these levels as much as it would the older girls. Maybe having it be for Brownies and Juniors, but I don't think the Daisies in my troop would be too interested in Career Exploration to be honest.
- It is frustrating when I go to the GS store and they don't have a badge/patch my girls have earned (ie Juliet Gordon Low b-day) but I can go online to a website that is not GS and they have it there. Never mind for less than half the price of many of the badges/patches that are in the store.
- I was surprised to see the link with Barbie - due to the negative body self-images she portrays. However, I thought the "Barbie can be anything -so can you" connection was great. The girls loved it. I would love to see more GS products like in the past: mess kits, compasses, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.
- I find it interesting that leaders/co-leaders aren't allowed to wear a uniform with council id and troop numbers, but a build a bear can. I feel that partnering with too many other companies to use our brand may diminish the goals of the organization.
- Girl scouting and it's logo should be about promoting GIRLS. not about putting money in the CEO's pockets.
- I wish that you would have the materials ready before you launch a program. My girls were very excited about the Barbie program, but I couldn't access the materials easily and there are no patches yet available at my shop. Disappointing!
- The items are so over priced we wait until it goes on clearance. They don't have any good fun patches in stock. I buy most of my daughters off the Internet. My daughter has more patches on the back of her vest than the front. She has no interest in earning the new ones. Unlike when she was a Junior working from the old Junior Badge Book, I had to sew extra rows on the front to hold all the badges she earned.
- I has no idea about barbie!
- When there is so much "fluff" in a shop it appears that GS is more concerned about making money than being the premier leadership organization for girls.
- I have concerns about always trying to piggy back on other organizations programing for Girl Scout programing. Where is our brand ID, why would a parent choose our program over other groups? I think we have given our brand away to make things easier on council staff.
- I wonder why we have to sell nuts and candies that don't sell very well to begin with. If GSUSA is going to allow items like Nestle cookie candy bars, let us sell them! They'd sell much better than the current fall products nuts and magazines!
- As long as licensing agreements are kept to a minimum I don't have a problem with it. I don't really think it is promoting the organization but more of promoting Girl Scout cookies.
- I have cadettes and soon to be seniors in my troop. They do not want "fun" items and prefer to have "Dough" cards if they can bank them for other things besides camp, such as troop activities. Right now, you have be be in high school to bank the Dough cards.
- I think A LOT of the stuff is far to expensive and is of cheap quality and break easily
- We like the swag
- I believe the ladies in my council shop are wonderful! They have answers for any question I have as a veteran leader and newbie leaders are put as ease. They are a wealth of knowledge that leaders tap into on a regular basis.
- Girl Scouts use to be about developing confidence leadership helping the community learning about the environment.. With the sale of he coffee creamer and cookie bars GS becomes a brand name and an enterprise that it trying to make money.
- My biggest complaint about the shops is that they never have what we need when we need it. If it's bridging time, the store should have PLENTY of membership stars, circles, and appropriate patches. I shouldn't have to (but I do) purchase these items in the fall, when everyone else is looking for the basics, but that's the only time they're in stock! Same is true at the beginning of the year - it's January and some of my girls don't have all their numerals or their insignia tabs yet! I know one Daisy troop leader that made insignia tabs out of felt for her girls. It's absolutely crazy - if council has our numbers, why can't the store be prepared and stock appropriately?
- We have to tell the girls no to money earning activities but then I see GS cupcakes at Crumbs? I do like the coffee creamer though. Make it easier for the girls to get their wants approved.
- I think gsusa needs to be very careful what they link Girl Scouts to, and Barbie is not a good choice.
- I think there should be more craft items that go along with the Journey/Badges. I would like to see more outdoor items available (mess kits, pocket knives, flash lights)
- Council closed our shop, so I don't know much about what is there.
- If the branding opportunities are helping Girl Scouts raise awareness and money - so that Girls who are in Girl Scouts get better opportunities (troop retention, camps saved, better programs, more travel opps for older girls, better public awareness of Bronze, Silver and Gold) then good!! If its not being used for good purposes -- then no.
- What happened to traditional uniforms. Look at the boy scouts, the soccer and softball teams., The cheerleaders as well as the others are proud to wear their uniform. What happened to the girl scouts ?
- If there is concern about other product sales impacting on VS cookie sales then create a line in contractual obligations to limit the shelf time. Many customers my girls interact with freeze cookies. Then when the frozen cookies dwindle they are happy to have coffee creamer and little candies to tide them over into the official cookie season.
- I don't believe GSUSA should be entering into licensing agreements for any other products; I feel they should be focusing on replacing the ineffective Journey program with something that can be more girl-led.
- As we don't have a store not much I can say about this
- I will say that I would purchase more items if the prices were more reasonable. Also, I want my items to "scream" Girl Scouts and not look like just anything that could be purchased from the dollar bin or Oriental Trading.
- Our "brand" should be keeping the outing in scouting not keeping the merchandise in the store for the girl to shop. Once again- why are we spending so much money and time on merchandise? Isn't this organization about GIRLS?
- I did not unsubscribe to the newsletters, but I no longer receive them. Not sure why this is......
- Where are the wicking T-shirts that promote Adventure based programming. The T-shirt made with performance fabrics that says, Bed and Breakfast and shows a river with a canoe and tent on the banks. Where is the LNT principles on a bag. Where is the camping equipment that we used to find in the stores. Why are the prices so high? GSUSA has bulk buying power. Get out of NY and see what the membership wants. Surveys are biased. A uniform for recognition should be available and reasonably priced. GSUSA didn't need their own religious recognitions but could have encouraged girls to use the resources found in their personal faith. Don't dumb down materials. Councils should be able to sell camp cards.
- I feel like Girl Scouts is turning into a business now, rather than the wholesome non-profit organization it claims to be.
- I'm uncomfortable with the connection between GS products snd Nestle, which I, and many others, feel is an unethical company. Particularly when their activities are often in direct conflict with World Thinking Day ideals.
- What do press on nails have to do with scouts. Barbie is not a great role model for girls to spend their lives trying to attain an un attainable figure. Barbie quite frankly is a blonde blue eyed bimbo that is the furthest thing from being a Girl Scout a I think JGL would role in her grave. You are selling out Girl Scouts. don't do it PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
- I didn't even know that GSUSA had done a Barbie patch program....
- I like the idea of getting the Girl Scout name out into the public, but when selecting other organizations to work with, it should be checked their morals and see that they fit our own.
- PLEASE bring back higher-quality product that does not break and that's Made in USA!!!! EVERY single time I purchase pins at least one breaks within the first month. They are all cheaply made for how much money they are. I've had a WAGGGS pin break before I even gave it to the girl, 100th anniversary pins have broken & diamond-shaped cookie pins (both had to be replaced via ebay), and membership stars break more often than they stay together. I now tell my troop girls not to wear their uniform to school, to meetings, or field trips because I'm worried about their pins breaking that can't be replaced. We only wear our uniforms for special occasions and ceremonies which is a SHAME that the girl can't feel the pride in wearing her uniform. Patches falling off is another story, but at least they can be sewn into place. However in this day and age, most parents can't sew (and there's no longer a sewing badge/requirement for the girl to learn to sew her own badges on)....but that's another rant.
- Although I don't know enough about the Barbie/career program I think Girl Scouts is too worried about the leadership role in Daisies and Brownies. Really? You want girls who are 5,6,7 and 8 thinking about their career options? How about giving them time to be children? They will naturally explore their interests if they are exposed to a variety of activities. And I will reiterate that I believe that has been eliminated by the use of Journeys and the severely limited number of badges to earn. Regarding the licensing agreements: I really don't have a problem with GS having a relationship with a company. However, I do think that it is hypocritical that councils, service units, or troops cannot work with companies themselves.
- I don't have a problem with the emails promoting the shops or the merchandise. What I do have a problem with is receiving a mailing once a month asking for money. Really? Hasn't Girl Scouts received enough of my time and money...now they want more? Then they send an email during Leader Appreciation in April & Christmas...at least the first year I received a magnet.
- Since all of our council's stores were closed except for the one in Denver, I think there are fewer purchases. It is difficult to communicate with Denver because the phone rings and rings and no one answers. We were told to go to the GSUSA store and our council would get the credit. No, that didn't happen. I buy less than I used to because I liked to shop the store and would find things that weren't on the website. When the store is more than 100 miles away, and the shipping charges are quite high, I do as little shopping as possible on either the GSUSA or state websites.
- Some of the "fun" stuff has nothing to do with Girl Scouts. I'd like to see more GS specific items.
- GSUSA does not let girls sell or promote brands other than our own. Example mary Kay candy bars other fundraising companies but yet GSUSA promotes nestle edys etc. Do as I say not as I do mentally really teaches girls?
- I would like to see more outdoor products (camping gear, etc.) and STEM materials sold/recommended in the Girl Scout shop.
- I didn't know about the emails! I'm going to research that. And I wish our shop had more GS gifts and less weird stuff
- I'm not sure how I feel about the licensing agreements. I think some are OK, depending on the product, and it can help raise awareness of GS. Too much or the wrong products, however, can give the wrong impression of GS. One of the most frustrating things about the GSUSA product emails is actually obtaining the products. Twice I wanted to purchase items that were advertised to me via email only a few days before - memorabilia type stuff I wanted to give as gifts to GS alumnae - and both times the product was "no longer available." I don't even bother to open the product emails any more.
- There needs to be more for each age group to chose from. Such as socks, scarves, hats, backpacks, ect., Where does the money go? We don't seem to see any of it @ the troop level. Also, if it's true that GS dumps the leftover cookies instead of giving them to the homeless shelters or school backpack programs, Juliette would be deeply disappointed.
- There should be a lot more shop choices for girls at the local council level since GS$ can only be used at our local council shop, camp and certain events/activities. Often times girls lose GS$ because there isn't enough merchandise offered in the our local shop - not all girls go to events and camp.
- Get out of the corporate mode and focus on basic values,educational opportunities, citizenship, and travel, career opportunities in middle and high school. Let Daisy, Brownies, and Juniors focus on fun, service, not STEM and 21st Century Skills! Let them enjoy childhood without stress!
- Boy Scouts sell camping and fishing equipment in their stores, we sell junk, girly stuff, not items for outdoor programs. We used to buy these items in the store and now it's clothing, stuffed animals. What happened?
- We can get press on nails and necklaces at the Dollar Store....GS Shop is ten times the price on those items....I NEVER bought those type items there, only GS program items or badges. I even shop online for Fun Patches elsewhere as yours are overpriced. (A GS is thrifty!)
- This goes back to my earlier statement about fundraising. They are too restrictive with our fundraising and not keeping up with the times and competition with have with all the other groups that are fundraising. People are short on time and money. Help us with some creative ideas and less restrictions to earn money. Trips are expensive and time consuming to plan. Fundraising is already hard enough.
- There should be "badge" boxes developed.
- But if they really are selling press on nails, i would hope they'd take on something useful like Goldie Blox!
- My daughter looks forward to the opportunity to spend her cookie credits on jewelry at the Girl Scout store.
- They need to have better uniform options for leaders.
- The mix of products is representative of the LACK of programming.
- We have fallen off the path. We have become jaded with false imaging. Barbie a role model for our girls!!!! Are you kidding me?! How many generations of women have fought against this unrealistic image of a woman?! And is Nestle a healthy example? No Way!!!!! We are responsible for the message and this is not the message i support!
- One of the main reasons cookie sales have been so successful in the past, is the general public has to wait almost a year before they can again enjoy the cookies. This is marketing 101 – create the desire, provide the product, leave them wanting more. With all the “Girl Scout Cookie” related food products that have appeared on the market this past year, most people no longer have that “I gotta have Girls Scout Cookies” drive anymore. They have been getting their favorites all year long, so there is nothing special about “Cookie Season”. Could you possibly undermine the girls anymore? Why yes you can! Let me explain! I have not been able to determine where this is originating, whether with GS USA, or council. Doesn’t really matter, but it does need to stop. There is a drive for Council to control the awarding of tabletop locations within our area. Many of the major retail outlet table top sales can only be scheduled under the supervision and/or control of council. I view this as a guise - that this is “more fair” to all the troops within an area to evenly disperse the table top locations. This could not be farther from the truth. This activity greatly inhibits large troops to the point that a large number of the members of a large troop can no longer hope to get one of these tabletops. Now how is that fair? This council’s action is nothing more than a recipe for failure in both the education of business practices as well as practical business practices. Real Life 101-If you depend on someone else to arrange for your business transactions, YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE! This practice is causing many of the parents undue frustration because now they have to work even harder to assist their scout in achieving their goal. Many parents have had to tell their young scout to lower you goals. I believe the notion to re-distribute the table top locations are an ill-advised attempt to remedy a training issue. We have scout leaders and parents trying to teach girls how to do something they have no clue how to do. It is also my opinion that even members of our council also have no idea how to run a business selling cookies. They do a great job of distributing the product to the troops, but beyond that, well, as I as said, clueless. I’m certain that in part, council feels compelled to intervene, trying to address complaints from troop leaders that they can’t get good table tops. Again, training could show them how to do this, rather than council giving table tops to them. You know, the old saying, catch fish for a person – feed them for the rest of YOUR life. Teach them how to fish, they feed THEMSELVES for the rest of THEIR life. Council needs get out of the practice of running the girls business and focus on supporting the girls so they can run it themselves. After all, isn’t that the goal in the first place?
- I wish you offered bigger TALLER sizes in your shirts.
- I don't understand why GS shops don't carry licensed products consistently. I have to search them out in crafty type stores...then the stores tell me that GS items are really hard to find and GS doesn't renew their contracts with producers.
- My girls and parents want to see more camping/outdoor supplies at the council and national shop level. Compass, pocketknife, bandana, hat, backpack, hammock, mess kit, camping t-shirts, etc.
- Where are our camping supplies???? Most leaders shop the boyscout stores because all our girl scout shops sell is crap. I know the little ones love their scout socks. But once you've hit Cadettes, you need hiking socks logo be damned. Branding - STOP - if it's not supporting the scout program it has no business having our logo on it.
- I think you need to get more interesting product in for the older girls.
- I'd like to see more fun items
- At the Daisy & Brownie level, these girls are way to young to be thinking about their careers. Let them be children; when they enter high school, then start learning towards learning about careers and what they want to be. I believe GS is making young girls grow up way to fast.
- I think items that create a positive image for the girls in scouting are necessary; we want them to be proud of being a scout. Branding is important; my girls are excited when Mom brings home ice cream or creamer that include GS cookie flavors. Additionally, while my girls might not want to wear a uniform, they are ok carrying a GS backpack, travel mug or sweatshirt, another way of promoting scouts and identifying their participation.
- If we as troops can not fundraise using Brand name items then the GSUSA should not partner up with name brands to promote either.
- I don't like that GSUSA's shop competes with my council shop. I haven't seen the GS Barbie and understand the controversy, but if it's a good program we should be more open to it. Girls like Barbie, and this could be a way to get more girls excited about GS....More hip. The other GS dolls out there are very boring.
- I have a HUGE issue with the costs you are charging for Girl Scout Merchandise. I think it is horrible, and have tried to reach out to your ceo about this a few times, that we are making money off the backs of girls. For our girls to get GS branded merchandise they have to spend 20 for a tshirt (that isnt even good quality) and 50 for a sweatshirt... ALSO.. how do we the GSUSA buy and sell from CHINA. You cant charge us this fortun for quality merchandie made in the USA:? The binder is a waste of the girls money. The vest is way too expensive, and they wear most of the stuff for only 2 years. You need to find other ways to make money than off the girls. This is why you dont have as many girls as you could. YOU CHARGE THEM WAY TOO MUCH TO PARTICIPATE.
- Is GSUSA getting something by endorsing products to raise money..just curious..
- I LOVE Girl Scouting and I LOVE showing my GS colors. I have at least two watches, socks bandanas and a multitude of shirts. I believe that quality products are great for increasing awareness of Girl Scouts as a program that is alive and flourishing. These branded products are not a new concept for Girl Scouts - think about coin purses, Brownie camera, first aid kit, knife, mess kit, and more. Barbie is PERFECT for Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts, and for Barbie. It is time to embrace what has come before and then demonstrate change. Just because we don't like what Barbie was when she was exactly the ideal girl, doesn't mean we can change that. It is time for Barbie to be in the present and for girls to consider all people beautiful. Are you going to dislike me because of my physical characteristics?
- I have a hard time finding the badges I want to order, and have NO need for press on nails.
- Shirts should be unisex. All women shirts are formed fitting
- Why are press on nails needed and rubber band looms
- The quality of pins is terrible. We need a new manufacturer.
- Ice cream & creamers promote the cookie sale & I am ok with that (& they are delicious!) What I want from GSUSA is more info on how to implement the GS program. Provide some practical ideas for planning a journey, reaching the summit, integrating badges & unrelated service projects. What are some guidelines for the bronze, silver & gold? What is the procedure? A great timeline of planning a two-year age-specific program would be helpful. Quit gouging us on the cost of fun patches & awards!
- Obviously, people want these items or they wouldn't buy them. If they weren't buying them, I assume you would discontinue the sales.
- How about some usable outdoor equipment for girls?!?! Mess kits, flashlights, carabineers, etc.
- I'm OK with using the shops to offer things that kids like so they can spend their cookie credits. Generally though cookie credits are wasted and should be administered at the troop level so leaders can use them for program activities.
- There is a lot of creepy sparkle and junky stuff last time I looked. That isn't teaching kids about financial responsibility.
- It's all about the sale for GSUSA and the councils. Every 5 or 6 years they change the uniform just before the GS conventions so everyone will get the lastest fashion. And the prices go higher and higher. They have gone through all the greens, all the blues, had navy blue and white in the 1980 and are back to it for adults. What crazier is we have members who have to get it all. STOP buying it and they'll stop selling it.
- Our shop is constantly out of stock of basics (pins, tabs, badges) ALso...the pins are junk. I have bought probably 50 replacement pins over the eight years of my large troop. They break off at the junction between the star and the metal pin all the time!!!
- Don't get me started on this. Our local council shop is now only open 3 days a month (alternate Tuesdays) and one Saturday. Trying to purchase items is a nightmare and their website is below par on top of that.
- Please add more outdoor gear -- REAL outdoor gear -- to GS Shops. Less of the fake, cheaply-made "fun" items...or at least a balance!
- I don't like the idea of Girl Scouts endorsing products that have nothing to do with our organization. If Girl Scouts wants to endorse a sleeping bag, flashlight or other item that are program related, that would be OK. It would be great if the store had kits related to badges, especially for younger troops.
- If the GS shops are going to have products, have them tie into badges and programs. Press on nails do nothing for girls but give them a cosmetic and superficial flash. A series of home lab kits to go with badges for experiments with water, would do more for badges and STEM goals, as well as give independent scouts resources for achieving their goals. Sports equipment would put the GS image out on the soccer field on a Sunday, showing parents and kids that GS is about sports and healthy activity. GSUSA needs to make sure that products with our name and logo on it have purpose, not just a licensing fee.
- Emphasis on brand IS the problem. Get back to emphasis on GIRLS! More support needs to be occuring at the troop level. I would like to see greater emphasis on local concerns and troops. Troops know what they need. Ask them and listen to them. I think this comes down to the consolidation of councils. I live in Oregon. Our rural counties really resent our urban counties. There are simply different priorities. I live in an urban county with the council office about 6 miles from my home. As a troop leader, I went there frequently. I just think troops are better supported with councils in their area.
- I don't have a problem with licensing agreements. It just depends on what products they are for, how much $$$ is being given to GS, and then how is that money being used by GS. More transparency would be very helpful. I find the collaborating with Mattel combined with the GS's goal to teach financial literacy is at odds with each other. There is plenty of literature talking about the negative body image that Barbie produces, etc., which runs counter to the goals of GS. What I'm also concerned with is how this leads down the slippery hyper-consumerist slope, which negatively impacts girls and their self esteem. There are ways though that Mattel as a company could promote the Girl Scouts. Why don't executives teach girls about the creation of polymers to make the dolls as well as other toys? Why don't they talk to them about advertising and how girls need to think critically about what they are being sold? Mattel could "lift the veil" so to speak on the whole process. It would be an amazing program, and would gain many kudos from parents and the general public. I would like more emails about what is going on in other troops from the the US (and the world for that matter). It would also be great to have a more centralized space that lists all the Council's own throughout the US that is frequently updated. Many badges are no longer available, but it's not that easy to find that information out. Finally--thanks to the Hunger Games and Brave (and the new Hobbit movie)--you need to sell bows and arrows. Maybe rock climbing gloves?
- It would be great to have local GS Stores' badges be tied directly to programs available for the area. The increased awareness of how we feed ourselves, as well, has given me pause to go sell products I know are filled with artificial flavors/colors (people have also turned us down for the same reasons). If we really want our girls to take pride in themselves, let's stop pressing products that are a detriment to their health.
- We can't sell Hershey bars as a fundraiser but can buy Thin Mint coffee creamer? Really. We can't use the logo but sell it. It's all about the money. What happened to the slogan "The girl comes first in Girl Scouting"? Oh, that's right. Someone said it sounded sexual and eliminated it.
- When the Council had an employee that managed all the Shops in the Council and oversaw purchases made in shop or online - the customer service was AWESOME! That employee within my Council has been eliminated - after doing her job for 13 years for the Council. Since the nearest Girl Scout Shop is 50 miles away one way and only open during regular people's "working hours on every Tuesday - all my online purchases are now handled by the main warehouse out east. I used to have my products from the Girl Scouts Shops locally in 3 days from the Warehouse it takes at least 10 days - sometimes longer. I have ordered online 3 times since September 2013 and all 3 orders had issues with it.... missing products.... special incentives based on sale amount not included ... wrong product sent even though the "number" on the order form was correct. When I expressed this concern with my Council about the products from the Warehouse versus the local shops and the level of customer satisfaction - the Council employee response was "well, we still get the profit from you ordering online" I don't CARE about profit .. ordering with the Shop employee and getting Grant supplies handled effectively and respectfully before was such a JOY-- now I actually DREAD ordering from the Shop online .. wondering how the order will be messed up this time!
- When I was a leader, it was hard to spend so much of our troop funds on the various uniform items (vest/sash, pins, council ID, numerals, badges, etc.). It would be great if they could be purchased at or near cost, with profit made elsewhere, but maybe it's a budget necessity. (When we got fun patches online, they cost significantly less than the fun patches in the office, so I'm assuming the shop if making a profit on the uniform items.) I don't recall our troop or the girls in my troop ever purchasing the "fun" items, so it would not have affected us if they were eliminated.
- There was never a single item of clothing that I would have gotten for my daughters. With all the emphasis on college sweatshirts and t-shirts, it amazes me that no good design could be sold. I would have happily purchased an item if I thought it would appeal to my girls.
- The endorsements are diluting our brand. Every time I turn around there is a new one. I realize this a source of money but I don't know where the money from these deals is going and I'm concerned what the public thinks.
- I want to see official uniforms back for the girls. A basic uniform without a ton of options is not only more "uniform" but more likely to be worn.
- I would like to see more Made in America labels on products bought at GS store.
- I am highly disappointed that camp specific merchandise stopped. It was always a fun momento and keep sake to have a stuffed animal with my camps name on its shirt. I think this was great advertisement and you have lost your opportunity by no longer ordering these
- I wish GS sold useful items, like Boy Scouts do in their shops.
- I am ok with the retail mix, but I would like more products. I was looking for clothing for myself, and there wasn't much in stock. There is much more available online.
- I feel that our shop has nothing to buy. When I first volunteered, I could go into the shop and find great choices. Our shop now has such a limited selection that it is a chore to go there. I want to be able to buy cute shirts and earrings that have GS logo on them. I want to shop when I go to the Council office, not just run in and grab what I need. I do not like shopping on the website because I hate paying shipping costs.
- I think in order to expand program specific merchandise Girl Scouts needs to expand the program again not cut back and make the program less.
- Cut out the catering to the whim of what is trendy! We are Girl Scouts and as such, we should have specific uniforms and be REQUIRED to wear them ... Our uniforms used to set us apart as something special in this world, someone special.... girls with goals..girls with ethics... girls with a reason to be proud. Put our uniforms back into the program and let's show our girls it's okay to be a Girl Scout - Wear your uniform with PRIDE! And create a more standardized uniform for the volunteers who work with the girls on a regular basis. I wear GS branded shirts to every event - but I would wear more formal uniform pieces if they were readily available.
- People like to buy gifts and trinkets for their daughters.
- I once mentioned a Barbie partnership to Anna M C and was not that pleased with the program they created. I LOVE the idea of a partnership, but I think to should be directed to older girls as part of career development.
- I would like to see a return of quality outdoors items with the GSUSA brand.
- The current "brand" items upset me greatly. Instead of good quality items, we are asked to purchase trite trinkets. Where are the stainless steel mess kits? Where are clothing items that fit larger women? Where are USEFUL things?
- OLDER GIRLS: your products for everyone over the age of 15 is appalling. I do realize that there are not very many of us, but that is because no self respecting older girl wants to wear what her mother is wearing or what the younger girls are wearing below them. It is also publicly perceived that you must sell cookies and therefore you must be a little girl to be a Girl Scout. The scholarships and other opportunities for Older Girls are not emphasized at all which is going to lead to complete lack of adult girl scouts in the future. Getting rid of Camps is not the way to bring older girls back changing the perception of girl scouting as being only for people under the age of 10 will.
- I wish there were more "men" items as I have 2 men in my troop (co-leaders) and a few more in our service unit. They complain frequently about GS "welcoming" males but not supporting them.
- It is extremely frustrating for local GS staff to tell me that they don't have access to our emails to send us information, yet GSUSA sends us 1 email a week to sell us junk. What if members and the community got that many emails about giving contributions?!
- Too many useless "trinkets".
- I really can't believe that after 100 years of protecting their recipes for cookies that NOW GS is licensing things out to other companies & yet at the troop level the girls get nothing from it. They still have to play by the same antiquated rules about fundraisers & barely get any profit from any fundraising they can do - GS should be working for the girls' benefit, not the executives.
- I wish there were some less expensive non-program items.
- I do like a variety in my shopping but when I go to the shop, I am looking for program specific items.
- Girl scouts should be promoting health. if the girlscouts endorse anything, it should be in those venues, but it's best for the organization as a whole to just leave it.
- None of our Girl Scout Shops offer any camp merchandise - like water bottles, shirts with our camps names, ect.. Even the shops that we have that are AT the camps have nothing but little trinkets and junk that girls don't need at camp.
- I would like to see more Gold Award press to stimulate younger girls to go for the Gold!
- Non-program items are OK as long as they are GS branded items. Flat out, this is what the girls want!
- I disagree with limiting the color (refusal to produce green polos/shirts anymore) of adult uniform parts to fit a specific mold. It does not work for what our troop prefers, and I believe divers options should be provided for troops to choose from.
- I know that my volunteers (and girls) seem happy with the shops and merchandise. We have 4 shops year round and of course, online but I offer to pick up at the main store for my volunteers before every other service unit meeting for five service units and the program stuff is mainly what I am picking up.
- Although I don't like all the added "junk" sold, if it brings in money to help the program, I guess it is okay.... if parents are going to buy it anyway, might as well let GSs benefit.
- I can find more items and cheaper on other websites.
- As someone who is not currently a member I appreciate that Girl Scouts finally got on the licensing bandwagon. i don't know that all licensed products are a good idea but there are some I really apprecite. Quilting fabric and scrapbooking paper especially. I only wish that these products had been around when I was a Scout.
- The kind of products I feel are missing are useful items like GS branded thank you notes, paper products (plates, napkins etc.), GS tablecloths, table confetti, cookie cutters, GS balloons, wrapping paper, serving platters...Things to make a festive GS event and to recognize and thank people. Also more variety of adult volunteer thank you gifts. Reissue the ceremonies book. Make GS business cards available to Service Unit Team.
- Most of the stuff is incredibly expensive for what it is, and the girls (at least the older ones) generally find it dorky.
- I would love for GSUSA to allow craft stores/companies to carry more items for projects that have the GS symbol. Most girls like to craft its just the way it is and having material, paper, etc... that we could get locally , GS related would make it easier for leaders.
- I would like the plc's to have more patches and fun patches in shop and it would not take so much time to get the patches in.
- Branding with Girl Scouts may be the answer to funding for camp closures.
- I don't have any issues with the "shop" offering fun items.
- Scouts don't need press on nails! girl scout jewelry is fine, but some of the stuff is a waste.
- I would like to see more products made in the USA. I think its important to encourage our girls about our environment and to shop locally (farmers markets, small businesses, community involvement, etc. This is the lead to buy products made in the USA and contribute to jobs in the USA.
- Any patches should have irons-ons that works.
- I'd love more alumnae offerings
- Non-program-specific items sold in the Girl Scout Shops give girls a chance to be proud of their participation in GSUSA, and to advertise that freely (through clothing items/things like press-on nails). I think we should be celebrating their pride in scouting, since in today's society girls are often told that we are not good enough and we are rarely, if ever, encouraged to feel proud of ourselves or of what we do.
- It smacks of materialism and a greedy money making venture to have so much "Girl Scout" merchandise. It really turns my stomach.
- Would love to see the old emphasis on uniforms return.
- I would love to be able to purchase the cookie items available at the cookie training, in the GS store!
- My daughter is not interested in any of the junk like press-on nails necklaces sold in the GS store. Stick to the uniform items, fun patches, badges, etc.
- I think coffee creamer is one thing that might not affect the sale of our cookies but something like Nestlé's GS cookie bars that are on sale inside the locations where our girls are selling at a lower price point do affect our cookie sales. Also, which of our bakers also has a relationship with Keebler? They do a direct knock-off of the Samoas/Carmel deLites that I believe would also hurt our product sales.
- Do we really need to encourage this kind of consumerism? Did we really need so many different items associated with the 100 year anniversary? Here we are, more than a year later and there is still that kind of stuff in the "fire sale" bin.
- Fun items are extraneous and contribute to a materialistic ideology that wasn't present in GS when I was a girl, minimized while I was a leader, and front and center now.
- Girl Scouts should be sure not to feature only traditionally "girly" products. I would also like to see more "mature" products - as a long time member I have a deep appreciation for Girl Scouting but no longer enjoy, e.g., plastic keychains. There are not enough brand products I can buy to decorate my college dorm or future apartment!
- Funding the organization of this size is HUGE. Let's be real. We need the money and we can do it because the market is there. If it didn't sell, we would have to stop making it. In our council, girls get cookie credits to spend in the shop or for camp. It's nice that they have a large selection of items to choose from. My older former GS's are jealous because there is so much more now then there was 10 years ago. The more brand we sell and wear, the more recognition of the brand. It's all good.
- Being sucked into stereotypes
- The frequent turnover of uniforms, materials, and trends require a large outlay of money and subsequent hardship for families. Many of our products are made outside of our country. The emphasis seems to be on making money rather than on the benefits for girls.
- If we are able to keep the spirit of Girl Scouts up by having press on nails and necklaces with Girl Scouts, then that is ok. Things like coffee creamers, etc. and other "candy bars" is just going a little too far. This doesn't help to promote the spirit of Girl Scouts its just a way for other companies to benefit from our name.
- Hard to say, as our council closed our local shop and service center. Nearest shop is now more than 75 miles away.
- Hmmm, never knew GSUSA sent out emails -and I am a lifetime member. (e-mail removed) I don't think I unsubscribed... Definitely need more program related items. The fluff stuff is fine and I know is a good source of income, but offer more outdoor items, badge support materials, heritage-type items, and adult resources.
- Since there's no longer a local shop, I'd have no way of knowing.
- I'm always a little confused when I walk in to buy badges and my daughter is begging for a stuffed animal or a t-shirt that has an action figure on it.... why are we selling these things?
- No Branding! I can't believe this is actually being considered. Really, the idea is making me feel very negative to Girl Scouts. This is not what scouts are about IN ANY WAY! Who is thinking of doing this? Why? If we need more money to run the main corporate office, get rid of the corporate office! Don't tell me it's for the camp grounds. Most have been owned for over 50 years. We are a non-profit, so we pay no taxes on them. If it's upkeep, then isn't that a great service project for some troops.
- I loathe the new service mark! When I first saw it all I could think was "great, now we look like a Facebook spinoff!"
- More products
- I would like some lower cost fun things for the girls. As a new troop we have limited funds and I would like to encourage more girl scout fun stuff.
- I would like to see a Girl Scout shop in Hopkinsville, ky
- It's unfair to promote a sale & then have the local council shop not honor it. "We didn't buy it for a discount so we won't honor that price. "
- Many items offered are of poor quality and too expensive.
- the prices are insane and I HATE that the patches all come from china. I can buy them half the price you are asking, a better selection and they are made in the USA. leave the Chinese patches to the Chinese girl scouts...give me back my American made products. stop updated journey books so we have to buy more. let's go back to the girl scout handbook/badge book from the 60s and 70s and those badges. nothing was complicated then. by trying to improve, you turn a lot of leaders off, and we follow a different path to get to the same result!
- re: Barbie. Feel like it's a viable OPTION. Many girls do like playing Barbie ... & the book/activities that go with it really fit for the age group. re: Licensing. In some areas we are really struggling to keep our market share as girls have so many other options & schools wont' give out flyers. Need to do something, I'm not opposed to licensing.
- Just wish they they were priced so the kids could actually afford them
- I wish the uniform parts like shirts and shorts or skirts where less expensive. Parents don't want to spend the money and I think troops look so much more professional with a full uniform. Just a sash or best can look sloppy.
- BSA has tapped into the 'fun' aspect of their marketing through their shops and there are always great options for boys of all levels to display their pride in scouting. GSUSA might want to see how that has been successful in promoting pride in scouting at the elementary & middle school levels.
- I don't think that outside companies should be able to name their products after the girl scout products. A product could be modeled after girl scout cookies but should not use the girl scout cookie's name in the title of the project. For example a coffee creamer should not be called thin min creamer but could be called chocolate mint creamer.
- Don't put girl scout name on products ... but tell girls they can't be involved with products or events such as Relay for Life.
- It disgusts me that there are GS press-on nails... Would Juliette approve?
- I wouldn't have a problem with GSUSA entering into licensing agreements with companies that produce products that include our logo if the local councils received funds from it! It seems like a money-making enterprise with little direct benefit to the girls.
- Why do we have to discuss our "brand"? This is another example of style over substance.
- Almost all items are too expensive for most of our families. Fortunately, in our area the leaders seem to keep to basics & not have to deal with 1 or 2 girls having way more than the rest. The service center is an hour away from the girls, so many of them have not seen the shop.
- Actually, my opinion isn't listed in the choices above. My suggestion, here, would be for the purchasers of GS products to go take a look in any BSA shop. There is a wide range of products geared directly towards the Eagle Scouts - both youth and adults: watches, pocket knives, beautifully framed certificates, shadow boxes, high quality figures, crystal items. Items that any adult would be proud to continue to display in his home or office long after they are out of scouting. They offer similar items for volunteer recognitions. These are all items that are easy money makers and at the same time promote scouting to people who might not think to consider it or ask about it for their children if they hadn't seen the clock, plaque, award, or watch in his boss's or coworker's office. Let's get rid of the junk and come up with some classy products girls or adults would be proud to keep forever.
- I think that our local gs shops should offer "lay-a-way" for troops. That way we, troop leaders, can pick out all of our scout items we are needing and then call in (maybe weekly?) and make payments over the phone. It's hard to come up with all the money at once most of the time! I worked in retail management for 11+ years, so I could even help with the setup if needed....
- Really you chose a blonde Barbie?? Could they have created a modern figure with real life body proportions, that would be a great use of Photoshop or other programs. Looks like a short, eye opening way to start the career chats... HOWEVER you need an ethnic paper doll option AND add some weight to their bodies AND you need some overweight real career women in samples. As a woman who has mostly recovered from from anorexia we need to be Real in our role models.
- We've protected our brand but have lost out on opportunities to generate income from such things as scrapbooks, clothing, camping equipment. However, any brand can be damaged by its associations--such as with Planned Parenthood. Is it about the money or for the betterment of the organization. I don't believe such things as coffee creamer or ice cream will hurt cookie sales but I think the revenue generated by those kinds of brand items should go to the troops and benefit the girls directly like cookie sales.
- When my girls go to camp, they should be able to buy items that are relevant to the programming they are participating in. None of our council shops carry camping equipment: canteen, back pack, sleep bags, mess kits, compass, flashlights...nothing. They do sell a lot of fluff: stuffed animals, cheap toys, etc.
- Going for products that focus on cookie flavors (ice cream, creamer, etc.) keeps the short time cookie sale at the front of people's minds all year. Making the #1 thing that I hear when people hear that I am still a Girl Scout (25 years) "can you get me cookies." We are more than cookies, and while they are important to how we fund what we do, I'm tired of being a mean joke in movies/pop culture and a vendor of sugary treats...that I haven't personally sold in over 15 years.
- I don't like the idea of putting Girl Scout brand on items sold in the store. Now that they can buy cheaper "girl scout" cookies at walmart, that has impacted our cookie sales.
- I will admit, I LOVE the Thin Mint Coffee Creamer.. But why is it fair for GSUSA to receive endorsements but not troops and councils? Plus with Cookie Candy Bars available most of the year for quite a bit cheaper than the cookies themselves, why even bother buying the cookies except to support your child? Sad but true! Barbie should not be used as a model for any young girl. The program is a great idea but Barbie is unrealistic and vulgar in my opinion! I won't even let my daughter play with Barbies! I don't want her to get that she's the idea of beauty most young girls strive for.. Which for so many years she was. It's disgusting. Barbie no matter how many careers and good things you make her do, will always be an inappropriately dressed, unrealistic, disgrace to young girls!
- I work in the area of body image. Therefore connection to Barbie CONCERNS me greatly.
- We would like more Bags!!!! Stickers/Decals to put on their Sit Apon buckets! Wind Breaker Jackets with hoods for out door stuff, fun GS Shoe strings.
- You are treating girls as consumers to be exploited, and commodities for sale (press-on nails) and reinforcing the societal pressures on girls, instead of smart, potential leaders to be developed.This emphasizes the perception that GSUSA has become a defacto corporate for-profit entity. If you need more money to operate the solution is for the head people have to take a little less out of the organization in pay for the organization to work well for girls. The economy undoubtedly plays a large role in any drop in members. Just make it easier for them to pay for it with a some of that savings. Why join a nonprofit if you need huge compensation to do the job? 300K in pay is just unacceptable in a non-profit. That information turns off many potential participants. It hurt the RedCross when those kind of pay levels came to light. It severely damaged Goodwill when those kind of pay levels were exposed, though granted exploitation of workers was in that mix. People expect non-profit to mean funds are directed toward the target population, in this case the girls, not extravagant offices and high salaried executives. The whole ides that a Girl Scout Shop exists is abhorrent.
- We constantly try to tell the general public that Girl Scouts is about more than cookies, but when we sell our brand to other companies, they capitalize on the cookie flavors. The public only sees cookies, cookies, cookies.
- I wish we had Girl Scout commercials about being leaders join the Sisterhood today. 100 years strong. Let us help you start your journey today. There are many different things to say but if we are going to sell other things with our brand I would like for GSUSA to promote GS too.
- girls like FUN things. They should have the option to do it and still show they are a GS
- There should be more vendor licenses available for local merchants.
- I don't agree with put our name out on these products. You tie our hands in fundraising at ghe troop level with selling other brands, ex Auto Bell car wash but conginue to sell our name to the highest bidder. Double standards
- If you are selling GS press on nails, GS has become too commercial.
- Dilution of the brand image- stick on nails etc.- might be enticing to young consumers but do they reflect on the core goals of the program? Before a product is developed, I suggest a rubric of questions be developed that asked if a product reflects the values and mission of the GSUSA.
- I enjoy seeing lots of different products, but sometimes I think they don't adequately reflect what the young girls actually want. And there's *very* little that the older girls can relate to. Also, the uniform seems to change almost annually -- this is discouraging when a parent wants to save money. FYI, my older daughter would never have worn the Brownie skort; she loved the light blue leggings that were available 15 years ago. They were soft and covered her legs from the cold.
- its a nice store and the people who run the store are friendly helpful and GREAT!!!!!! (pleasantville NY)
- I feel the "fun" items are just a draw for the girls to spend their Cookie Program Credits on, thus increasing profit for the council.
- if GSUSA is having a sale, the coucils should do the same. we should not have to choose between sale items and supporting our council shop