Fanatics is a professional sports official licensed merchandise company. Born in 1995 in Jacksonville, Florida (the 13th largest city in the United States). It started by franchising local rugby team equipment and derivative products, and gradually developed from a local brick-and-mortar store into one of the top 50 Internet retail companies in the world. Today, on this platform, you can find everything from professional leagues to licensed clothing, shoes, and apparel from hundreds of colleges and universities.
In the 2013 Internet e-commerce list launched by the transaction consulting publication "Internet Retailer", Fanatics ranked 42nd in the United States, with sales of US$990 million. From 2009 to 2013, the company maintained an average annual growth rate of 29.6%. An eye-catching statistic is that Fanatics is the highest-ranking Internet sports goods company on this list, even the sports giant Nike is 18 places lower than it.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal in June 2013, Fanatics' valuation in 2013 exceeded US$3 billion, making it one of the largest Internet e-commerce companies in the United States. In addition, IVP (Insight Venture Partners), Alibaba, and Silver Lake have all invested in Fanatics (unlisted).
Fanatics was founded in 1995. The company's founders, Alan Trager and his brother Mitch Trager, are both avid sports fans. Mickey graduated from Jacksonville University in 1969 and Allen graduated from the University of Florida in 1975. Both received bachelor's degrees in science and worked in the retail industry for many years.
In 1995, Jacksonville, Florida had its own football team - the Jacksonville Jaguars. After years of business accumulation, the two brothers realized that the opportunity to start a business had come. The Traeger brothers seized the opportunity and acquired the rights to franchise Jaguars products. They established Fanatics, a small store specializing in home team peripherals, on Jacksonville's shopping street.
Initially, Fanatics' business projects were focused on football equipment and there were few employees. But 20 years later, the company has transformed from a small offline store into an online e-commerce giant with more than 6,000 employees and a warehouse area of ??1.5 million square feet (approximately 209 acres) across the United States.
Fanatics’ partners are not just the local Jaguars, but cover almost all professional teams and college leagues in the United States. The product line has also become rich and diverse. In addition to launching adult versions of clothing, hats and shoes, Fanatics has also developed family wear, children's wear and other products together with the team.
Currently, Fanatics’ online platform is divided into four parts. In addition to the main website Fanatics, it also includes Fanatics Authentic, which specializes in products signed by football stars; FansEdge, a premium discount area that specializes in licensed products launched by major sports brands; in addition, There is Fanatics Outlet, the discount section of the website.