Rethinking the Customer Journey
Understanding the customer journey and experience (CX) is crucial to truly engaging customers and fans and providing an individualized experience. (IMG: Musique Mode)
Retailers Look to Music
Retailers recognized the power of music merch and have sought to incorporate collaborations to licensed goods into their mix. (IMG: Nirvana at Urban Outfitters, 2023)
The Resurgence of Vinyl
The vinyl record industry has witnessed a significant resurgence in recent years, driven by a combination of nostalgia, the desire for physical music collections, and the distinct audio quality that vinyl offers. (IMG: Musique Mode)
The Art of Merchandise Planning
Often decisions about merch are made on an “as needed” basis rather than on a fully realized sell-thru, minimizing return on investment.
Merch vs. Fashion
There are stark differences between how fashion collections are developed and sold versus music merchandise. What can be learned by connecting the two?
Music Merch: For Collectors
A recent visit to a vintage shop uncovered an original Morrissey tee, selling for $500. How much can merch be worth? (IMG: Musique Mode)
Learning from Fashion
There is much that the music merch industry can gain from fashion’s focus on customer desires and retail strategy. (IMG: The Djay Company)
Fans as a Monolith
When artists treat their fanbase as a monolithic group, they overlook critical aspects such as fit, cut, silhouette, design details, color choices, and price points.
Branded Merch, The Evolution
Screen printing on apparel became increasingly popular in the 1960s as a tool for the counterculture to express their message. Over time, innovation in printing has led to wider range of printing techniques and an important part of music merch. (IMG: Sex Pistols)
Merch retail: The Ultimate Letdown
While music merch has become more important than ever, the experience of buying has stayed largely the same—and as bad as ever. (IMG: Musique Mode)
Rethinking Merch Development
The music merchandise industry has largely stayed the same for the past 60 years, focused primarily on logos and graphics. It’s a massive missed opportunity. (IMG: Electric Zoo)
Strategically Designed
Gabi Asfour, acclaimed fashion designer and innovator, leads the Musique Mode design studio In New York City. His objective: collaborating with artists to create the perfect merch. (IMG: Gabi Asfour)
The Integral Role of Artist Managers
With the growth of touring and musicians as pop-culture icons, the artist manager emerged as a key role in the management of the full professional spectrum of a musician. (IMG: Bono and Paul McGuinness, U2tourfans)
From Royal Seals to Digital Logos
Logos have become more than just a way to protect a product or brand, it is a quick way to communicate identity. (IMG: Louis Vuitton)
The Evolution of the Tee Shirt: From Undergarment to Fashion Icon
Learn about the evolution of the tee-shirt from an undergarment to all around wardrobe style and veritable brand billboard. (IMG: Vivienne Westwood)
MERCH REVOLOTUION!
Musique Mode is revolutionizing the music merchandise industry with a unique system of designs that are fully customizable by each artist. (IMG: Musique Mode)
The Rise and Dominance of K-Pop: A Global Musical Phenomenon
K-pop bands thrive on fan engagement through social media and merchandise. (Img: BTS via South Morning China Post)