McDonald’s launched its first-ever online pop-up shop, giving its US fans year-round access to exclusive apparel and accessories that aren’t available anywhere else. The quick-service restaurant prides itself on having partnered with multiple fashion brands and retailers to create branded merchandise since the 1980s.
At “Golden Arches Unlimited,” fans can shop more than 20 casual apparel and accessories items, including a Big Mac sandwich bag, McDonald’s hair ties, Golden Arches stainless steel tumbler and “World Famous Fries Lounge Set.” A sesame seed PopSocket, Happy Meal ornament and ugly Christmas sweater are among the items in the pop-up’s winter collection.
McDonald’s says that while debut collection supplies may sell out, it plans to restock and drop new merchandise on a regular basis.
Colin Mitchell, who assumed the role of senior vice president of global marketing earlier this year, said that the brand has been ingrained in the fabric of culture for years and that McDonald’s is excited to help its customers wear their love for the brand on their sleeves.
In 2017, KFC opened a limited-edition online merch shop stocked with Colonel Sanders-inspired shirts, enamel pins, framed artwork and a 400-year-old meteorite that sold for $20,000.
Last month, Dunkin’ also launched its first online pop-up store with limited-edition apparel and accessories like fanny packs, one-piece pajamas and a custom electric guitar. Dunkin’ recently partnered with home fragrance and lifestyle brand Homesick to launch three limited-edition candles inspired by the brand’s coffee blends and donuts.
Though selling merch is nothing new to the QSR category, selling branded items year-round could help McDonald’s maintain a competitive marketing advantage during busy seasons.
