Any QSR restaurateur who ever wondered whether side lines of merchandise are proving profitable need look no further than the storied Golden Arches of mega-QSR, McDonald's for proof that they can be. And today, the brand is redoubling its efforts by launching its first online merchandise shop, Golden Arches Unlimited, where it said in a news release that for the first time, U.S. customers can access branded items year-round that aren't available anywhere else. 

The lineup includes a rotating seasonal selection, starting with McDonald's winter collection which includes a beanie, ornaments and holiday sweater. And though the QSR has sold branded wearables since the 1980s, it just launched its McDelivery Collection of limited-time merchandise two years ago and the new dedicated website gives this branch of the business an online home at GoldenArchesUnlimited.com.

The site has more than 20 brand-specific yellow and red items available including sandwich bags, journals, tumblers, pop sockets, T-shirts, hair ties, socks, umbrellas, lounge sets and others, all sprinkled with images of everything from sesame seeds to Big Macs.  

"McDonald's has been ingrained in the fabric of culture for years, and there's a long history of fans wearing our brand with pride," McDonald's Corporation Senior Vice President, Marketing Colin Mitchell, said in the release. "We're excited to help customers wear their brand love on their sleeves with the unveiling of Golden Arches Unlimited as we continue to inspire feel good moments with McDonald's."

Just yesterday in the Restaurant Operator Daily newsletter, we asked our readers whether their brands are planning to add new merchandise items next year and the majority responded that they were or were planning to do so. 

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