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MERCHANDISE
PROJECT

I was tasked with building Improv's first official national merchandise program from the ground up. Through product sampling, vendor partnerships, creative marketing, employee sales programs, and cross-department collaboration, our team transformed a blank-slate concept into a profitable, scalable program that drives revenue growth and strengthens brand engagement across all venues.

PROJECT
OBJECTIVES

Create a scalable, profitable, and brand-aligned merchandise program from the ground up, designed to enhance guest experience, grow our brand, and generate consistent revenue growth across all Improv locations.

PROJECT
SCOPE

Develop and launch the company’s first official national merchandise program with no existing vendor partnerships, or operational framework, and very limited sales history. Collaborate with the Creative Director, Marketing, IT, Accounting, and Training teams to establish every component, from product sourcing and fulfillment systems to in-venue sales processes, inventory controls, and internal ordering tools.

KEY DELIVERABLES

  • Project managed the selection and onboarding of a national merchandise vendor, ensuring capabilities aligned with quality standards, fulfillment needs, and multi-venue distribution requirements.
     

  • Led the development and rollout of a branded merchandise line, coordinating with Marketing and vendors to ensure premium-quality screen printing and consistent brand representation.
     

  • Oversaw the creation and implementation of SOPs and training materials for in-venue sales, inventory management, reordering procedures, and operational best practices across all locations.
     

  • Directed the launch of an internal online ordering portal that allows managers to browse, order, and track merchandise, uniforms, and glassware, improving efficiency and transparency.
     

  • Coordinated cross-functional integration of merchandise workflows with existing accounting and inventory systems, aligning Finance, Operations, IT, and vendor processes.
     

  • Drove significant financial growth by managing rollout timelines, venue onboarding, and ongoing performance tracking, helping grow in-venue merch sales by 490% with strong year-over-year gains.
     

  • Supported digital sales expansion and cross-department marketing efforts, helping achieve a 186% increase in online sales from 2022–2023.

SUMMARY

What began as a blank-slate initiative evolved into a thriving national merchandise program that now serves as a key brand and revenue driver. By focusing on quality, operational efficiency, and cross-department collaboration, I helped transform merchandise from a side project into a fully systemized business line. The program continues to grow, now expanding into comic-specific merchandise designed to strengthen artist relationships and extend brand visibility across the comedy network.
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