Faith Lo
Deneen Pottery has always believed that a handmade mug is more than just a vessel for coffee or tea, it’s a work of art, a little piece of everyday joy. When you pick one up, you feel the weight, the craftsmanship, and the story behind it. But once our mugs leave our production and arrive at their destination only to wait to be taken to their new homes, the story continues.
That’s why displays matter. A thoughtfully arranged mug display doesn’t just hold mugs; it creates an invitation. It says come closer, touch this, imagine it filled with your favorite drink. Over the years, we’ve been continually inspired by the creativity of our wholesale customers and the ways they showcase our handmade mugs. Some displays are bold and central, others cozy and intimate, but all of them share one thing in common: they capture attention and make customers fall in love with the mug before they even pick it up.
Today, we’re highlighting a few of our favorites, each showing how a good display turns handmade pottery into an unforgettable treasure.
Bubba’s Buffalo River Store
Located near the Buffalo National River, America’s first national river, Bubba’s Buffalo River Store is more than just a shop, it’s a hub for hikers, paddlers, and travelers exploring the beauty of northern Arkansas. The store is family-owned, and their love for the outdoors shines through everything they do, from offering outdoor gear and local goods to fostering a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.
When it comes to displaying Deneen Pottery mugs, Bubba’s goes big. Their mugs don’t just sit, they take center stage. A full display table is devoted to our handmade mugs, arranged in a 360-degree showcase. Every side is filled edge to edge, creating a vibrant, inviting centerpiece that’s impossible to ignore. Customers are drawn to the display no matter which direction they enter from, and once they step closer, they can see the variety of designs and glazes up close.
The 360 display is more than practical, it’s immersive. It allows shoppers to circle the table, finding the mug that speaks to them. Bubba’s proves that when Deneen Pottery mugs are displayed boldly, they become more than merchandise, they become part of the experience.
Peggy Sue’s Coffee
This cozy café has quickly become a local favorite, known for its warm atmosphere, freshly roasted coffee, and welcoming spirit. With seasonal drinks, yummy pastries, and a strong connection to the community, Peggy Sue’s is more than a coffee shop, it’s a gathering place.
One of our favorite things about Peggy Sue’s is how they pair our handmade mugs with their coffee beans in a way that feels natural and inviting. On their display, you’ll find Deneen Pottery mugs arranged right alongside bags of their coffee beans. It’s the perfect combination!
The pairing is not only beautiful but also smart. By placing mugs and coffee together, Peggy Sue’s encourages customers to imagine the two as a set. It turns a single purchase into a thoughtful gift or a complete experience for the buyer. Their display proves that the right arrangement can tell a story: here’s the perfect cup of coffee, here’s the perfect mug, and together they make mornings brighter. It’s simple, stunning, and effective.
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Of course, we couldn’t write about mug displays without highlighting one of the most iconic locations to find a Deneen Pottery mug: the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. For many collectors, national park visitor centers are where their mug journeys begin. On a road trip, in the middle of an awe-inspiring adventure, they see a wall of handmade mugs and decide to take one home! Not just as a souvenir, but as a memory of their travels.
When you purchase a Deneen Pottery mug from a national park visitor center, you’re not just bringing home a keepsake, you’re supporting the parks themselves. Proceeds from visitor center sales help fund educational programs, conservation efforts, and the ongoing care of America’s treasured landscapes. Every mug sold is a small but meaningful contribution to the protection of these places for future generations.
At the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the mug display is always a highlight. Each bearing the park’s emblem, catch the light and call out to travelers. Some collectors admit that their love for Deneen mugs started here at national parks and grew into a tradition of finding a new mug at every park they visit. Displays like these aren’t just retail! They’re gateways to memories, traditions, and a lifelong appreciation for both the parks and handmade pottery.
Why Displays Matter
One thing is clear: displays make a difference. A well-crafted display highlights not only the mugs themselves but also the values behind them.
For handmade pottery, presentation is everything. Unlike factory-made products, no two Deneen mugs are exactly alike. Each one has subtle differences in glaze, shape, and feel. A thoughtful display allows those unique qualities to shine. It invites customers to slow down, pick up different mugs, and find the one that feels just right in their hands.
At Deneen Pottery, we’re endlessly inspired by the creativity of our wholesale partners. Each one takes our mugs and makes them their own, weaving them into their space in ways that are both beautiful and effective. Their displays remind us that handmade pottery deserves to be celebrated, and when you give it the spotlight, customers can’t help but fall in love.
Mug displays may seem like small details, but in truth, they’re powerful tools. They draw people in, encourage exploration, and transform shopping into something memorable. Our wholesale partners show that the right display not only boosts sales but also enhances the customer experience.
For us, seeing our mugs displayed so thoughtfully is one of the greatest joys of being makers. It means our work is being shared, appreciated, and loved in spaces that matter deeply to people.
So next time you see a display of Deneen Pottery mugs, take a moment to look closer. Each mug has a story, and together, they create something greater: a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and connection.
Faith Lo
