SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Fanatics, the global leader for licensed sports merchandise, announced a new, long-term multichannel retail partnership in which Fanatics will take over in-venue retail operations for the club throughout Avaya Stadium. The deal builds on Fanatics’ existing e-commerce partnership with the team through its operation of MLS Shop, and will create a seamless, onminchannel platform for fans whether shopping for merchandise and apparel on their computers, on their phones or at the Quakes Team Store at Avaya Stadium.
“We are pleased to partner with Fanatics and utilize their expansive platform to benefit our fans,” said Earthquakes Executive Vice President Jed Mettee. “Fanatics has a great track record of creating great product and utilizing a fan-focused approach to retail both online and in their stores.”
At the Quakes Team Store, powered by Gyft, and in kiosks located throughout Avaya Stadium, fans will have access to a significantly enhanced assortment of high-quality jerseys, shirts, headwear and accessories, including real-time items to celebrate team milestones and incredible player feats.
“The San Jose Earthquakes have a proud, longstanding MLS tradition, and we are excited to begin this partnership which will provide fans an integrated, seamless shopping experience featuring the most robust assortment of high-quality products ever offered across retail channels,” said Fanatics Chief Commercial Officer Cole Gahagan.
The Quakes are the 10th MLS club to partner with Fanatics for all online and offline retail operations. The company broadened its long-term MLS deal last fall which was highlighted by worldwide rights to exclusively produce an expanded assortment of MLS merchandise beginning next year.
