The Minnesota Wild have scored big in the retail game as they announce a new partnership with Fanatics, a prominent global digital sports platform specializing in licensed sports merchandise. This collaboration aims to take the fan shopping experience to the next level, whether they’re at the Xcel Energy Center or browsing online at HockeyLodge.com.
Fanatics, known for powering the NHL’s official e-commerce platform, now expands its reach to manage all physical retail locations at the Xcel Energy Center. This comprehensive partnership ensures a seamless and engaging shopping experience for Wild enthusiasts across all channels, from in-store purchases to online orders.
Carin Anderson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Retail Management for the Minnesota Wild, is thrilled about the enhanced offerings fans will enjoy. The upgraded retail spaces at the Xcel Energy Center promise a wider selection of merchandise options, creating a captivating experience for fans looking to gear up and show their support for the team.
Fanatics will make significant investments to elevate the retail spaces at the Xcel Energy Center, including stores, kiosks, and various touchpoints. These enhancements are tailored to optimize the shopping experience during games and events, ensuring that fans have access to their favorite team’s gear in a convenient and consistent manner.
With Fanatics’ extensive partnership with the NHL, Wild fans can look forward to an expanded range of high-quality merchandise, including authentic jerseys and fan apparel. The introduction of on-ice uniforms by Fanatics marks a milestone for fans, who now have the opportunity to sport the same jerseys worn by their favorite players during games in a Made-in-Canada quality.
In addition to Fanatics-branded products, the retail offerings will feature a mix of apparel, headwear, hard goods, and lifestyle items from renowned brands like Mitchell & Ness, New Era, WinCraft, and local favorites such as UNRL, SotaStick, and Levelwear. This diverse selection caters to the varied tastes of Wild fans, offering something for everyone to proudly show their support.
Ed O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fanatics, is excited about the partnership with the Wild and the opportunity to enhance the retail experience for hockey enthusiasts. Highlighting Minnesota’s deep hockey culture, he reiterates Fanatics’ commitment to providing fans with top-notch merchandise options, enabling them to celebrate the game and their favorite team passionately.
Fanatics has been hard at work upgrading The Hockey Lodge, the flagship retail location for the Wild, in preparation for a grand opening event on September 21. This event will coincide with the unveiling of the new authentic and replica jersey line, setting the stage for fans to get their hands on the latest gear in style.
By teaming up with Fanatics, the Minnesota Wild join a select group of sports organizations in the state that have partnered with the renowned retailer. This move solidifies Fanatics’ presence in the Minnesota sports scene, with collaborations spanning across various leagues like the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and now the NHL with the Wild, offering fans a premium shopping experience both in-venue and online.