Attention shoppers: FedExForum expands Grizzlies Den
By Drew Hill – Daily Memphian
October 21, 2023
When the Memphis Grizzlies open the season on Wednesday, Oct. 25, against the New Orleans Pelicans, fans will notice a major change on the left side of the FedExForum lobby.
After more than six months of planning, the franchise has expanded the Grizzlies’ team store, adding more space and significantly increasing the amount of merchandise available.
“We have refreshed the Grizzlies Den,” said John Pugliese, the team’s vice president of marketing communications and broadcast. “In working with Fanatics, our key partner, we’ve expanded the store into our television studio space for a larger footprint that allows us to offer more products in an engaging and thoughtful way.
“We have a lot of new spaces, fixtures, and lighting, along with new gear. We wanted to present everything in the best way possible, and that’s what this expansion allows. It will create a better shopping experience for fans coming to FedExForum.”
In addition to Fanatics, the Grizzlies partnered with San Francisco-based Engin, a company with experience in expanding team retail spaces.
“Over the last two or three years, we’ve seen tremendous success in merchandise sales,” Pugliese said. “As our fan base has grown—both in the arena and online—it’s translated to increased demand for merch. It became important for us to improve the shopping experience for fans who want to wear the bear.”
The redesigned space also allows fans to view merchandise from outside the arena, and it features an expanded jersey selection along with a new hat display.
191 Collabs returns with more local designers
The Grizzlies also announced on Oct. 19 the return of 191 Collabs, a program that partners with local fashion designers to create exclusive, limited-edition merchandise sold on select gamedays.
Last season, the team collaborated with three Memphis designers. This year, that number has grown to seven.
The first collaboration will feature Good Hippy on Friday, Oct. 27, when the Grizzlies host the Denver Nuggets.
Additional collaboration dates include:
Nov. 24 vs. Phoenix Suns — Odds Atelier
Dec. 15 vs. Houston Rockets — Prep Curry
Jan. 26 vs. Orlando Magic — Rowdy Dept. & Immortal Ink
Feb. 23 vs. Los Angeles Clippers — UNAPOLOGETIC.
March 16 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — Alexis Miché
April 5 vs. Detroit Pistons — Designer to be announced
Fans can still watch the Bally Sports Grizzlies pregame show, which will now be broadcast from the expanded Grizzlies Den.