The inaugural Sandwich Stampede wasn't just a milestone for professional rodeo in New Hampshire—it was also a proving ground for the Merched merchandise model.
Our goal has never been to simply sell apparel. The vision behind Merched is to become a full-service merchandise partner for sports and entertainment properties, combining thoughtful design, strategic sourcing, on-site retail, print-on-demand technology, and e-commerce into one seamless fan experience.
The Sandwich Stampede demonstrated exactly what that looks like in practice.
A Complete Merchandise Solution
For the Sandwich Stampede, Merched managed the entire merchandise experience from concept to customer.
Our team developed the official event merchandise collection, including graphic tees, hoodies, and crewnecks, while also sourcing premium custom headwear and bandanas to complement the apparel line.
Rather than focusing solely on products, we built a merchandise program designed to maximize revenue while delivering a first-class fan experience.
Our responsibilities included:
- Merchandise strategy and product planning
- Graphic design and apparel development
- Custom headwear sourcing
- Inventory management
- On-site retail operations
- Print-on-demand production
- Online store management
- Post-event fulfillment
Demand Exceeded Expectations
Merchandise sales were strong from the moment gates opened.
By the end of Friday night's performance, nearly the entire inventory had sold through.
For many events, this is where the merchandise program ends. Customers are turned away, popular sizes disappear, and potential revenue is lost.
For Merched, it was only the beginning.
Selling Beyond Inventory
With inventory nearly exhausted after the first night, Saturday's merchandise operation shifted seamlessly to Merched's print-on-demand platform.
Fans continued shopping throughout the second performance, placing orders for the products and sizes they wanted without worrying about inventory limitations.
To make the experience even better, Merched waived all shipping charges for customers ordering through the on-site platform.
Instead of hearing "We're sold out," customers heard, "We can ship it to you, and you get free shipping."
Fast Fulfillment
Speed matters.
Every order placed during the event was produced and shipped immediately following the rodeo.
By Wednesday—just days after the event—customers were already receiving their merchandise.
That quick turnaround allowed fans to continue celebrating the Sandwich Stampede while the excitement was still fresh, rather than waiting weeks for their apparel to arrive.
More Than Merchandise
The Sandwich Stampede validated something we've believed from the beginning:
Merched isn't simply a merchandise vendor.
We're a merchandise operating partner.
By combining creative design, premium products, on-site retail expertise, print-on-demand production, and rapid fulfillment, we help events maximize merchandise revenue while dramatically reducing the risk of over-ordering inventory or losing sales to stockouts.
Whether it's a rodeo, tournament, festival, venue, or live entertainment property, Merched is built to deliver a merchandise experience that keeps fans engaged long after the gates close.
The Sandwich Stampede was proof that the model works.
And we're just getting started.
