History
Our company started humbly in 1947, when Kyle Smith Sr. first began selling his photography as postcards from the trunk of his car. Returning home after the end of World War II, and with a passion for photography, he founded Tacoma’s Smith-Western Co. in 1947, selling his black and white scenic photographic postcards to tourist retailers throughout Washington and Oregon from the back of his Mercury Station Wagon. Kyle, with his wife Betty, laid the foundation for what has become today one of the largest wholesale suppliers of tourist items not only in the United States, but globally.
In the 70+ years since Smith-Western has grown into the premier souvenir company, serving Washington State and beyond. For over 70 years Smith-Western Co. has been creating and supplying customers all around the world with the newest products, stunning art, and amazing customer service.
The company is now owned and operated by Kyle “Skip” Smith, and currently supplies the majority of the Nation’s national attractions including The Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Universal Studios, HMS Host, Hudson News, MGM Resorts International, along with many others.
After World War II, Kyle Smith Sr. began traveling overseas to find new products that were not available in the United States to sell to his customers. Beginning in Japan and now expanding to many countries around the world, Smith-Western Co. prides itself on finding new manufacturers and customers to supply the top trending global products.
We have a world-renowned art department that is second to none and we take great pride in the art that we create. From concept origination to product development, our art team takes great pride in the cutting edge art that they develop and create. From the most current trends to core product lines, the art department at Smith-Western Co. is top-notch and the industry leader.
We consider our strengths to be not only in our art department, but with all of our staff who are dedicated to creating an exceptional customer experience. This experience does not only begin and end with our immediate customer, but goes all the way through to satisfying the final consumer. Smith-Western Co. prides itself on being a partner with each of our customers from concept to delivery and creating long-lasting relationships.
“Smith-Western is not only our vendor but our business partner. They know exactly what our needs are and most importantly execute in a timely manner.”
Meet Our Team
KYLE “SKIP” Smith
President / CEO
kyleskip@smithwesternco.com
GAYLE HAMPTON-Smith
President / COO
gayleh@smithwesternco.com
DOUG VANARSDALL
“Smith-Western is a key vendor partner for Xanterra. We work closely together on concepts, artwork, and new approaches to the destination retail industry. We can rely on them to be there whenever we need them—and it is a pleasure to work with the Smith-Western team.”
Awards
We have received dozens of awards and accolades over the years both locally and nationally.
Distributor of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015, 2017 by the Souvenir Wholesale Distributers Association
2011 Importer of the Year for Pierce County
Runner up for Distributer of the Year in 2010 by the Souvenir Wholesale Distributers Association
Distributor of the Year in 2008 by the Souvenir Wholesale Distributers Association
George Francis Train Commemorative International Business Award – presented by Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce – May 19, 1999
Small Employer of the Year – 1997; presented by Tacoma Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center In.
Employer of the Year – 1996; presented by Tacoma Goodwill Industries
Awarded for exceptional interest and pride in the appearance of downtown Tacoma property and its contribution to added community value – presented by Central Association of Tacoma
Certificate of National Merit, July 17,1984