Fanatics steps into UK retail with a new standalone store.
- The upcoming store will be located on London’s prestigious Regent Street.
- Fanatics currently operates in stadiums, partnering with major sports organizations.
- The opening highlights Fanatics’ significant presence since entering the UK in 2016.
- Record sales were achieved during the Euros, boosting England merchandise revenues.
Fanatics, a prominent online sports merchandise retailer, is preparing to open its first standalone store in the United Kingdom. Situated on London’s Regent Street, a prime shopping hub, this move reflects Fanatics’ expansion from managing retail operations primarily within stadiums and sports venues for partner clubs.
While the specific opening date for the new store has yet to be announced, the establishment will mark an important transition for Fanatics in the UK. The company commenced its UK operations in 2016 by acquiring Kitbag, which significantly enhanced its international footprint.
Fanatics collaborates with over 900 major sporting entities worldwide, such as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Inter, Atletico Madrid, UEFA, and global leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and Formula 1. This broad partnership base underlines the company’s dominance in the sports merchandise industry.
In August, the company’s alliance with the Football Association (FA) was further solidified, retaining ecommerce rights to operate the official online England store. Additionally, Fanatics will manage physical shops at England home games, domestic cup finals, and events at Wembley Stadium.
The 2024 European Championship was a particularly lucrative period for Fanatics. The launch of the England team’s 2024 kit shattered existing sales records on the e-commerce platform, indicating robust consumer demand and successful marketing strategies.
Fanatics’ venture into a standalone retail location in London signifies a bold step in expanding its footprint beyond stadium-based retail in the UK.
