Luxury College Merch

A business opportunity exists in creating high-end, luxury-styled college merchandise, particularly targeting Asian markets where American university brands are viewed as prestigious status symbols.

Key Points:

• Market Opportunity:

  • Asian markets view American university brands (Harvard, Yale, Stanford) as luxury status symbols
  • Current college merchandise is basic (hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants)
  • People in China buy university branded items without attending the schools

• Product Strategy:

  • Create high-fashion versions of college merchandise
  • Focus on premium, luxury-styled items rather than basic collegiate wear
  • Take officially licensed college IP and apply it to high-end fashion items

• Historical Context:

  • Post-WW2 Japan embraced "ivy prep fashion" through Brooks Brothers influence
  • Japanese interpreted American collegiate style more formally than reality
  • Created an elevated, idealized version of American university fashion

• Target Market:

  • Asian consumers who view American universities as luxury brands
  • International markets where US college brands carry prestige
  • People seeking status symbols through university association

• Business Model:

  • Use official university licensing
  • Create unique fashion categories not currently served
  • Position products as luxury items rather than standard college merchandise