Fanatics’ New Collection of Murakami-inspired Merchandise Sells Out in the First Hour
Fanatics’ limited-edition collection of Takashi Murakami-inspired apparel completely sold out in the first hour following the drop’s launch on Friday. The collaboration, by Complex and Fanatics, was part of the Major League Baseball’s Tokyo series. The collection was created in celebration of the games that will be played at the Tokyo Dome between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 and March 19.
Roughly 100,000 fans downloaded the Fanatics app last week in anticipation of the launch, with even more tens of thousands of fans signing up specifically for a “drop” in the app in order to purchase a Dodgers or Cubs Murakami Nike Limited jersey, according to a representative from Fanatics.
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“Drops” from the brand give fans an opportunity to clinch highly coveted, limited-edition releases. Fans enter the product drop, select the item they want from the available quantity and check-out, but are only charged if they are selected.
WWD previously reported on the limited-edition collection on Feb. 27, ahead of MLB’s Tokyo Series in March. “I think this new collection builds upon the historical friendship between Japan and the United States,” Murakami said.
“I feel lucky to be able to work alongside Complex, MLB and highlight Shohei Ohtani, an outstanding athlete who has emerged from Japan and made a name for himself on the global stage. This is something I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of.”
Along with pieces of apparel from the limited-edition capsule, the collection included Topps trading cards; New Era 59FIFTYs, knits and adjustable caps; Rawlings baseballs and gloves; Victus bats; totes; keychains, and other products.
A pop-up event in Tokyo commemorating the limited-edition collection is currently happening until March 21, featuring merchandise from the collection, Murakami-inspired installations and historical MLB vignettes.
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