# Merchandise Accessibility At first elevated by exclusivity, tour merch is made readily available. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 20, 2016 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/merchandise-accessibility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Merchandise Accessibility trend? **Merchandise Accessibility:** As the obsession with tour merchandise continues, artists are creating extensive pop-ups and even partnering with traditional retailers in order to amp up distribution. In expanding the experience to include those not attending a particular event, such artists are providing fans with a means to communicate membership to a particular group in a meaningful, divergent way. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 15 to Oct 13, 2016 - Published: Oct 20, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Merchandise Accessibility trend ### Accessible Merchandise Pop-up shops and expanding distribution of exclusive merchandise makes it easier for fans to communicate membership to a particular group in a meaningful way. ### Collaborative Retailer Partnerships Collaborations between singers/tour merchandise and luxury retailers offer unique and upscale products to loyal consumers ### Exclusive Pop Star Merchandise Exclusive merchandise lines for pop stars continue to attract fervent fans, and the products can be diversified and branched out to appeal to other audiences. ## What the Merchandise Accessibility trend means for industry ### For Retail Creating and expanding pop-up shops and offering unique collaborations with pop stars and luxury retailers can create more business in the retail industry. ### For Music Exclusive merchandise for popular tours has the potential to appeal to a wide and loyal consumer base via the rise of social media and pop stars permeating popular culture. ### For Fashion Exclusive artist merchandise offers a unique opportunity for fashion brands to collaborate with music artists in order to produce one-of-a-kind pieces with high appeal. ## Workshop question How does your brand encourage a sense of community among consumers? ## Trend signals for Merchandise Accessibility Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Merchandise Accessibility trend 5 featured examples from Jul 15 to Oct 13, 2016. - [Exclusive Popstar Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/justin-bieber-purpose-tour): The 'All Access' Justin Bieber Purpose Tour Line is at PacSun Only (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion retailers will collaborate with popular musicians to offer exclusive merchandise to fans. - [Rap Label Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cash-money-records): Cash Money Records & VFILES Joined to Offer Apparel from Hip-Hop's Biggest Names (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion retailers partnering with record labels to sell exclusive artist merchandise, creating new revenue streams for both industries. - [Worldwide Rapper Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-of-pablo-popup): Kanye West is Opening 21 of The Life of Pablo Pop-Ups Simultaneously (Category: Fashion) Implication: Incorporating pop-up stores into the fashion retail industry presents new ways to connect with customers and generate sales. - [Luxe Retail-Singer Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purpose-tour-merch): Barneys New York Will Feature Justin Bieber's Tour Merchandise (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry has seen a growing trend of collaborations between celebrities and luxury retailers as they strive to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing marketpl… - [Impromptu Rapper Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-york-popup): Drake's New York Pop-Up Store Amassed Tons of Fans Despite Short Notice (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: With the rise of music streaming and social media, pop-up shops and limited edition merchandise offer a unique way for musicians and their fans to connect and generate buzz around… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)