I thought that back when we went to the STS-41C launch. I managed to
visit the employees' exchange gift shop, though, and it was more like
what I was expecting. Ditto at JSC, But you have to have a NASA
badge to get into those shops, because they're not for the tourists
but the employees.

Mary

What is the real urpose of a gift shop?

You kniow its to SELL STUFF and make $$$ Its sad the glitzy junk sells so well.
But when I was there they had some good finds too. Heck if it were up to me a
gift shop wouls sell worn out shuttle pieces. Heres a $2000 bearing its $30
with certificate of authencity and its flight history.

If the hard core stuff so many floks here want to buy sold well the shops
woyuld be filled with them.