Shop

Shop Update as of August 12, 2020

Dear Girl Scouts, Volunteers, and Family Members,

I want to share with you an important update about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s council headquarters. After careful review of our council’s budget and programs, we have decided to close our retail shop on October 23, 2020.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a national shift to online shopping, and COVID-19 has accelerated that trend. We recognize that closing the retail shop is a loss to many across our council, but it is the best decision for our girls. Funds traditionally used to operate the shop will be redirected toward programming and technology that will enhance the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all our council members. Our Girl Scout Law asks that we do our best to use resources wisely, and we believe we are honoring those words with this action.

Although our headquarters and the shop are currently closed to the public because of COVID-19 precautions, shop staff will process orders until October 23. Please review our FAQs for shop hours, procedures, and virtual shop-from-home options, and watch our website and Facebook for special promotions. We will continue to share additional details as they develop.

After October 23, our members can order their uniforms, badges, and membership essentials through GSUSA’s online shop at girlscoutshop.com. GSGCF patches and other council-specific items will still be available for purchase through our council. We will provide information about that process soon.

Thank you for supporting the best leadership program for girls in the world!

Mary Anne Servian
Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Retail Shop Closing FAQs

Why are you closing the shop?: In the past few years, we have witnessed a national shift to online shopping, and COVID-19 has accelerated that trend. We recognize that closing the retail shop is a loss to many across our council, but it is the best decision for our girls. Funds traditionally used to operate the shop will be redirected to programming and technology that will enhance the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all our council members. Our Girl Scout Law asks that we will do our best to use resources wisely, and we believe we are honoring those words with this action.
How will I get my uniform and badges after the shop closes on October 23?: Our members can order their uniforms, badges, and membership essentials through GSUSA’s online shop at girlscoutshop.com.
What about shipping costs?: Many of our members have found the ability to shop online anytime is more convenient than GSGCF’s store hours, and the cost of shipping to be more economical than travel to the retail shop. Currently, GSUSA’s online shop is offering free online shipping through September 30. Check our shop page for updates to GSUSA’s shipping rates beginning October 1, 2020.
How will this impact financial assistance requests for membership essentials?: There will be some changes to our Promise Fund processes for 2020/2021. Stay tuned—details are coming soon.
What about GSGCF patches? How can I get those?: GSGCF patches and other council-specific items will still be available for purchase through our council. We will provide information about that process soon.
I have a Girl Scout Shop Gift Certificate. Will I still be able to use it?: Yes, but all Girl Scout Shop Gift Certificates will expire on September 15, 2020, so you will need to place your order with your certificate by September 15. You may enter your certificate number on the GSGCF Council Shop Order Form, or email shopsrq@gsgcf.org with this information.
Will I be able to use my gift certificate for items I see on girlscoutshop.com?: Your Girl Scout Shop Gift Certificate may only be used for shopping with the GSGCF retail store. If we have the item you want in stock, we will let you know. If we don’t have the item in stock, we will special order it for you from girlscoutshop.com until September 15. Special orders from girlscoutshop.com will not include any GSGCF discounts.
I received an email with a coupon code from girlscoutshop.com. May I use it in the GSGCF retail shop?: All GSUSA promotional emails are for the GSUSA online shop only. With our store closing, we will not be able to honor any girlscoutshop.com pricing or promotions. Also, girlscoutshop.com will not honor our store closing discounted pricing.
What about Cookie Dough?: 2020 Cookie Dough expires on August 27, 2020. This will be your last opportunity to use Cookie Dough at the council shop. If you don’t want to spend your 2020 Cookie Dough in the shop, use the Cookie Dough Redemption Form by the August 27 deadline to request that it be converted to Cookie Credits.
What if I want to support GSGCF by spending Cookie Credits (banked Cookie Dough) in the shop?: Please use the Cookie Dough Redemption Form by August 27 and request the “Shop Certificate” option.
What about next year’s Cookie Dough?: We’re excited about changes to our Cookie Dough program for 2020/2021. Stay tuned—details are coming soon.
How can I shop at the GSGCF retail store between now and October 23?: The shop is closed to the public because of COVID-19 precautions, but shop staff will process orders until October 23, 2020. Use the GSGCF Council Shop Order Form to place your order. Staff is available to assist you with your order via email or phone during shop hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Call 941-921-5358 ext. 313 or email shopsrq@gsgcf.org if you need assistance.

Virtual shopping appointments are also available to allow you to shop from the comfort of home. We will walk the shop and assist you in making your purchases. Virtual shopping appointments are available during shop hours in 30-minute time slots. Please schedule your appointment before your desired date to secure your spot. Email your top three preferred dates and times to shopsrq@gsgcf.org and enter VIRTUAL SHOP REQUEST in the subject line. We will confirm your appointment. Once your virtual shopping order is complete, we will total the order and take your payment.

We will also be using Facebook to offer in-store specials and posting albums you may shop from. For Facebook orders, we will invoice you by Square and you will have 24 hours to pay from the time the invoice is sent. If payment is not received by that time, the item(s) will go to the next person in line.

Regardless of how you shop with us, we will notify you when your order is ready for curbside pickup at GSGCF headquarters in Sarasota. If you are not able to pick up your packages, we will ship your order to you at no additional cost.

Please note that all sales are final and payment must be made by check or credit card only.