If you’re planning a team, school, or organization merch store for 2026, the question isn’t whether merch will sell — it’s what to include, and how to structure it so it actually performs.
The good news? You don’t need to chase every trend to build a successful store. The most effective merch programs going into 2026 are built on two things:
Here’s how to think about both.
Looking back at recent years helps clarify what actually works.
Across thousands of team, school, and organization stores, three apparel categories have consistently driven the majority of sales:
These aren’t trends — they’re staples.
Hoodies continue to anchor revenue because they feel premium, justify higher price points, and carry strong emotional value. T-shirts remain the easiest entry point for buyers and are ideal for events, large groups, and first-time supporters. Crewnecks sit perfectly in between, offering a clean, lifestyle-friendly option that appeals to parents, staff, and alumni.
Going into 2026, the smartest stores don’t replace these products — they refresh them with better fits, cleaner designs, and thoughtful variety.
Once you know what to sell, the next decision is how to sell it.
Successful merch programs usually rely on two store formats, and Chipply makes both easy to run.
These are time-bound stores tied to a specific purpose — fundraisers, seasons, events, or campaigns.
They work well because deadlines create urgency. Buyers know exactly why they’re purchasing and when the store closes. These stores are ideal for spirit wear drops, playoff runs, or limited fundraising pushes.
Catalog stores are always available and serve as a long-term home for your core merch.
They’re perfect for organizations with ongoing membership, new joiners throughout the year, or evergreen branding needs. Instead of rebuilding a store each time, customers can return whenever they’re ready to buy.
Many of the strongest programs use both: a year-round catalog for staples, layered with group or pop-up stores throughout the year for momentum and campaigns.
This is where many merch stores go wrong.
There’s a common belief that fewer products lead to higher conversions. But Chipply’s data shows the opposite:
the best-performing stores typically include 35 or more products.
Why? Because real audiences aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Parents, students, staff, and supporters all want different styles, fits, and price points. More products mean more chances for someone to find their item — without forcing compromises.
The key isn’t limiting choice. It’s structuring choice well.
Customers don’t struggle with variety — they struggle with clutter.
When a store is organized, visually consistent, and easy to personalize, a larger product assortment actually feels easier to shop, not harder.
This is where Chipply’s tools make a real difference.
Instead of listing the same hoodie five times with different logos, Chipply lets you offer multiple design options on a single product.
You choose from pre-set decoration zones — like Full Front, Chest, Sleeve, or Cap Front — and Chipply automatically places your PNG artwork exactly where it belongs.
No dragging. No manual setup. No messy work orders.
Customers get options without confusion, and production stays clean and organized behind the scenes.
Offering 35+ products doesn’t mean building everything from scratch.
Chipply’s store templates are curated with top vendors and refreshed regularly with new and high-performing products. They’re designed to help you launch full, well-balanced stores quickly — whether you’re building a group store, pop-up, or year-round catalog.
Templates let you scale confidently, knowing your store includes products that are already proven to sell.
If you’re building or refreshing a merch store in 2026, the goal isn’t to do less — it’s to do things more intentionally.
The most successful merch stores don’t feel overwhelming or sparse. They feel thoughtful, flexible, and easy to buy from. That’s what converts — and that’s what lasts.