The University of Houston Partners with Fanatics for Online and On-site Retail Operations
The University of Houston Department of Athletics today announced a multi-year agreement with Fanatics, the global leader for licensed sports merchandise, to exclusively operate online and on-site retail for Houston Athletics. In August, the new and improved UHTeamShop.com online store was launched and this morning, the on-campus bookstore in the TDECU Stadium parking garage will be re-opened to the public as the UH Team Shop which will be operated by Fanatics.
Houston joins an impressive partner list of prominent collegiate and professional sports teams, leagues and organizations across the NCAA, NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR and MLS for which Fanatics powers multi-channel commerce.
The new e-commerce operation will provide seamless desktop and mobile-optimized navigation, faster delivery options and a smoother, more streamlined shopping experience. The on-site UH Team Shop will feature additional merchandise fixtures and point-of-sale displays to allow for an expanded selection of fan products and styles. In addition, Fanatics opened up the school’s largest-ever in-stadium merchandise location – a Cougars superstore located on the concourse inside of TDECU Stadium.
“We are delighted to partner with Fanatics to provide University of Houston fans a first class shopping experience both online and in person,” said Houston vice president for athletics Hunter Yurachek. “Fanatics has an impressive resume in delivering quality merchandise and we look forward to them doing the same for our passionate fan base.”
With multiple fulfillment centers strategically located across the world, Fanatics ensures quick delivery of merchandise no matter where customers are located and will better serve Cougar fans on campus and around the world. Fanatics’ in-house merchandise and design team, Fanatics Branded, will also produce custom gear for the Cougars throughout the year, available both online and at the team store locations on campus.
“Fanatics is thrilled to team up with the University of Houston and work with them to offer the largest selection of fan gear and merchandise both through e-commerce and on-campus opportunities,” said Brian Swallow, vice president of strategy and business development for Fanatics. “We’ve already received a great response to the new online team store and could not be more excited to open up the new UH Team Shop today for students, faculty and Cougar fans around the area.”