Beyond the Order Form
Web stores are no longer just for retail brands or apparel companies—they’ve become one of the most effective tools for streamlining merch sales and apparel ordering across nearly every industry. From government agencies to restaurants, organizations are ditching spreadsheets and manual processes in favor of branded online stores that make ordering smoother for everyone involved.
We’re launching a blog series—“Why Web Stores Work”—to explore how different industries are using web stores to solve everyday problems, boost engagement, and simplify gear and apparel.
We’re kicking things off with one of the busiest, most merch-heavy environments out there: universities.
Between student life, staff departments, fundraising, and campus events, universities are constantly producing and distributing gear. But managing it all manually—via email threads, spreadsheets, cash collection, or last-minute orders—can be overwhelming.
Web stores make it easier for organizers and better for buyers, while keeping campus merch consistent and simple to manage.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Departments & Faculty
Orientation & Welcome Week
Campus Events
Alumni & Fundraising
Campus Retail & Pop-Ups
Team & Program-Specific Gear
Looking to break into the university market or expand your current reach? You don’t need to start at the top. Universities are often decentralized, which means individual departments and organizations may handle their own ordering—making them easier to approach.
Start small by reaching out to:
Campus clubs or student orgs listed on the university’s website
Smaller departments like housing, dining, or IT that regularly outfit staff
Event organizers for upcoming campus events like career fairs, open houses, or welcome weeks (most schools publish these on their online calendars)
On-campus retailers or bookstores that may want to launch a limited-run pop-up store
If you already work with one group—like Athletics or Alumni Relations—ask if there are subgroups or chapters you could support. For example, regional alumni groups often host their own events and would benefit from dedicated stores. Word-of-mouth goes a long way on campus, and one successful store can quickly turn into a dozen more.
Universities are just the start. In the coming weeks, we’ll take a look at how other industries—from restaurants and first responders to government agencies and professional services—are simplifying merch with web stores.
Each post will include clear use cases, real-world applications, and ideas you can apply to your own organization (or share with your customers).
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