Well, Mr. Martin has done it again....It seems that MDen just got out-bid and Michigan's official athletic apparel got out-sourced. ich.
From the Michigan media mongers:
Athletic Department selects new merchandising partner
By Kim Broekhuizen
Public Affairs and Media Relations
"The university has selected eSports Partners Inc. as its new, exclusive, on-site retail merchandising partner for Intercollegiate Athletics. The new M Go Blue Shop will become the official store of Michigan Athletics.
Under a 10-year contract, the partnership with eSports will deliver exclusive products and superior online service to U-M fans and provide greater selection and quality of merchandise.
“We decided to go with eSports because of their national scope, creative marketing and superior customer service. We believe our new M Go Blue Shop will be an excellent shopping experience for our customers,” says U-M Athletic Director Bill Martin.
The new online store, located at www.mgoblueshop.com, opens Wednesday. Michigan fans will be able to shop online anytime for the largest selection of officially licensed Michigan merchandise, including Adidas football sideline apparel, T-shirts, jerseys, caps, home furnishings and much more. The online store will offer an expanded assortment of products including women’s and children’s merchandise.
Proceeds from purchases at M Go Blue Shop will directly benefit the Athletic Department scholarships and programs.
Martin also states, “Royalty revenues from these licensing endeavors help support our 25 sports teams beyond football and basketball, fund athletic department infrastructure, pay for long-term capital projects and contribute to U-M’s academic programs.”
Martin says fans will see several enhancements and new opportunities to make online shopping for “M” merchandise more convenient and user-friendly, including:
• A larger product selection including several exclusive items.
• Easier navigation allowing quicker access throughout the Web site.
• Increased product detail, including multiple views and color swatches.
• Advanced search functionality by vendor, player, color, size and price.
• Extensive customer support with links to order status and package tracking.
• Free printed merchandise catalogs, also available on the Web.
Dallas-based eSports Partners Inc. also is the official licensing partner for the NFL Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys and the University of Arkansas and Texas A&M."
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9 comments:
This may not a bad thing. While the MDen was the "best we had" in Ann Arbor - but it was far from being a one stop shop.
I can verify both the Cowboys and Aggies have great licensed stuff and sell a ton of gear.
wow---I thought for sure you would be bummed given your addiction to our trips to MDen anytime you are in town.
I think it's crappy to undercut a local business that has been supplying Mfans for years (and has 2 sites at the stadium).
here..lemme say it for you all first...free-market, schmee-market it's not right.
Andy,
I agree. M Den was a great local store that worked hard to expand & grow in the e-commerce age. However, in the end they are still just a local store trying to compete. A national company with broader experience is likely to be a better deal for the U.
It's like Wal- Mart moving into your small town. At first you fret over the local merchants but in the end everyone ends up shopping where there is the biggest selection & best price.
Walmart may not be a good analogy.....
http://walmartwatch.com/
No T9, I love M-Den. But I also think they were a small pond trying to hold onto the big fish.
You can't be both a huge university and a quaint college. M-Den was a quaint college place.
Even my wife the Tide fan has M Den stuff. We got it on line and had great service. To Doug and the rest that helped us over the years, I*'m sorry to see this.
If you want to keep your business local check out campusden.com. All official M gear is licenced and they are based in Flushing, MI with 10+ stores throughout the state. Their website leaves a bit to be desired, but visit a store and you'll be impressed with the selection.
disclaimer: Campus Den is owned by my bro-in-law
Ugh -- I'm still not over losing Nike... I think the Adidas gear is kinda ugly
Maybe they'll lower prices.
Sorry I just made myself laugh.
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