Merch

Merch, short for merchandise, refers to goods bearing the branding, logos, or imagery of a person, band, franchise, or event, sold to fans and consumers. It encompasses clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats, as well as posters, stickers, pins, vinyl records, toys, accessories, and other branded items. The purpose is to promote a brand, provide a revenue stream, and offer fans tangible connections to the experiences they enjoy.

Historically associated with music and entertainment, merch has expanded across sports, film, gaming, and online creators. Design often aims to balance brand recognition with collectible appeal, using limited editions, tour-exclusive items, and collaborations to drive demand.

Production and distribution involve design development, sourcing material, and selecting manufacturing techniques such as screen printing, embroidery, or digital printing. Often, products require licensing rights to use logos or artwork, necessitating agreements with rights holders. Distribution ranges from direct-to-consumer online stores and maker platforms to sales at live events, retail partners, and pop-up shops. Some campaigns use pre-orders or limited drops to manage inventory and create hype.

Economics vary by brand and item but generally depend on margins on wholesale versus direct sales, production costs, and demand. Merch can serve as a marketing tool and a fan-relations strategy, enabling brands to raise funds for tours, productions, or charitable causes. Increasing attention to sustainability has led some producers to pursue eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.