two masts

collaborative cultural commerce

Collaborative Cultural Commerce

Creating a successful retail experience isn’t just about choosing the right products, it’s about telling the right story. That’s why our process is collaborative, not controlling. With us, there’s no hidden agenda—just a clear path forward, built together. We work alongside internal teams and leadership of museums, cultural attractions and non-profits to build custom, mission-aligned retail strategies that are authentic, sustainable, and institution-led.

Our model is built on shared strategy—because the best retail experiences don’t compete with the mission, they complete it.

Collaboration Over Control

Mission First, Always

Tailored, Not Template-Driven

Not Just Operations

Transparent & Values-Aligned

Retail is not a nuisance—it’s a strategic asset. We help leadership reframe the shop not as a distraction, but as an extension of the mission, visitor journey, and brand.

Our model is built on internal alignment, not outsourcing. We bring stakeholders together to co-create retail that reflects the institution’s vision, voice, and values.

We design each engagement from the ground up. Every museum and nonprofit is different—your retail should be too.

We don’t just fix problems—we build your team’s capacity to grow. Through training, systems, and internal collaboration, we help you own your success long after our engagement ends.

Our work is guided by transparency and shared values. From pricing and process to decision-making and results, you’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how it supports your mission.

Services

Retail Assessment + Strategic Planning

Financial Planning + Budget Management

SKU Optimization+ Assortment Building

Product Development + Sourcing

Licensing + IP Rights and Clearances

Brand Collaboration + Contract Management

Marketing + Promotions

Learn More

Ecommerce + Digital Marketing

Branding + Creative Direction

Store Layout + Design

Staff Training + Culture Building

Meet The Team

christine kostyrka

james lance

With a BFA in Painting and Art Education from School of Visual Arts in NYC, Christine's appreciation for the synergies between art and commerce led to a

30+ year career in merchandising with leadership roles at Martha Stewart, Crate and Barrel, Urban Outfitters and other retail brands. With expertise in product development, buying, planning, visual merchandising, marketing and eCommerce, she was recruited in 2019 by The Philadelphia Museum of Art as Director of Retail just as they were poised for a 90K square foot expansion. Over the next five years, Christine led her team to open three brand new stores, several exhibition shops, pop ups and relaunched the museum’s eCommerce site. She introduced the work of 100 local artisans, as well as the museum's first licensing collaboration. She has served as Secretary for the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the MSA (Museum Store Association) and is an Adjunct Professor teaching Merchandising, Product Development & Design at Drexel Westphal. Christine also sits on the Board of arts based non-profits in an active advisory role.

As a Rights Clearance expert with 25+ years of action, ability and experience, James' career began as an event and concert photographer while working at notable photo licensing agencies in New York City. His photographs of musicians and celebrities have been published in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Parade Magazine and others. James has worked on licensing many iconic works and celebrities for a diverse list of major companies and brands worldwide. With an arts degree from LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, and a BFA from Purchase College, his background in the arts combined with his media and publishing field experience provides a unique perspective on intellectual property licensing that considers all of the creative, business and legal aspects. His expertise, industry knowledge and collaborative work ethic enables him to quickly and efficiently manage all angles of a project.

She brought three sparkling retail spaces into play, each store with a different flavor. I love her ability to connect the museum to the artist community and to our visitors.

Senior Curator of American Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art