The Minnesota Wild have forged a dynamic new partnership with Fanatics, a renowned global digital sports platform specializing in licensed sports merchandise. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the retail experience for Wild fans, both online and at the Xcel Energy Center. By integrating the online store HockeyLodge.com and physical retail locations at the arena, Fanatics is set to create a unified shopping experience for enthusiasts of the team.
Carin Anderson, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Retail Management for the Minnesota Wild, is thrilled about this new era of partnership. She anticipates that fans will relish an upgraded shopping experience, boasting a wider selection and enhanced availability of their beloved team’s merchandise. Fanatics’ commitment to investing significantly in revamping retail spaces at the Xcel Energy Center underscores their dedication to optimizing the shopping experience for fans during games and events.
The expanded agreement with Fanatics will not only enhance the variety of merchandise available to Wild fans but also improve the overall quality. Through their partnership with the NHL, Fanatics is empowered to design, manufacture, and distribute authentic and replica jerseys, expanding the range of team merchandise available to supporters. Furthermore, Wild fans will now have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the same Fanatics-branded, Made-in-Canada on-ice jerseys worn by their favorite players during games.
Aside from Fanatics-branded products, the retail offerings will also feature apparel, headwear, hard goods, and lifestyle items from renowned brands like Mitchell & Ness, New Era, WinCraft, as well as local favorites such as UNRL, SotaStick, and Levelwear. This diverse array of merchandise aims to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of Wild fans, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience both online and in-arena.
Ed O’Brien, the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fanatics, underscores the significance of hockey in Minnesota’s culture and the company’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled retail experience for fans. With a focus on celebrating the game and supporting the team, Fanatics aims to provide a seamless and convenient shopping environment for Wild enthusiasts on game days and beyond.
As part of the partnership, Fanatics has been diligently working on upgrading The Hockey Lodge, the team’s flagship retail location. The store is poised to hold a grand opening event on September 21, coinciding with the launch of the new collection of authentic and replica jerseys. This event marks a significant milestone in the evolving retail experience for Wild fans, combining online shopping convenience with the excitement of in-arena shopping at the Xcel Energy Center.
With the Minnesota Wild joining other local sports organizations that have partnered with Fanatics, including the Timberwolves, Lynx, Vikings, and the University of Minnesota Athletics, the collaboration signifies a growing trend towards enhancing the retail experience for sports fans across Minnesota. By integrating online and in-venue retail operations, Fanatics continues to set the bar high in delivering a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for fans of all kinds.
