Inter Miami Set MLS Merchandise Sales Record, Join With Fanatics
March 13, 2020
Inter Miami CF, Major League Soccer’s (MLS) new South Florida expansion franchise, and Fanatics, the global leader for licensed sports merchandise, has announced a new long-term omnichannel retail partnership.
The announcement of the deal came as Fanatics announced that since the start of the 2020 regular season, Inter Miami CF has been the top-selling MLS team across the Fanatics network with the club breaking a record for online merchandise sales of a new MLS club during its opening weekend of play, nearly doubling the previous high.
The team’s global appeal, led by co-owner David Beckham, who was responsible for instituting the iconic pink colorway throughout team apparel and branding, sparked sales of fan gear across the Fanatics network to supporters in more than 40 countries during its inaugural weekend, with the UK accounting for more than 50% of all international sales outside the USA.
As the team takes part in its maiden season, Fanatics will manage in-venue retail operations at the club’s new Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Fanatics will also run online and mobile commerce for the team through its operation of MLSStore.com, creating a seamless shopping experience for fans whether shopping online, on their phone or at the stadium.
“We are very proud of our partnership with Fanatics because of the direct value they bring our fans as an expert in managing licensed sports merchandise,” said Inter Miami CF COO & Sporting Director Paul McDonough. “Our fans are craving for more opportunities to wear our brand and represent Inter Miami and Fanatics helps them achieve this through the distribution of fan gear apparel and accessories in our home stadium and online.”
Fanatics Brands, the company’s in-house apparel division, will provide a wide-ranging assortment of high-quality team and player apparel for all members of the family, which includes a significant assortment of unique, Miami-inspired products with distinct team colours. At the team’s home location, Fanatics will operate a variety of pop-up shops, kiosks and custom trailers all stocked with the most real-time assortment of team gear, including jerseys, hats, outerwear, accessories, women’s and youth products.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Inter Miami and their innovative, dedicated ownership group that is committed to providing a world-class experience on gameday and beyond to the passionate, diverse fans across this sports-rich region,” said Gary Gertzog, Fanatics President of Business Affairs. “With Fanatics’ technology-laced, omnichannel retail capabilities, we’ll reach this local and global fanbase with an incredible assortment of unique products available whenever and wherever fans are shopping.”
