How much say does FC Bayern have with adidas in the design of its jerseys? How many special edition jerseys for the tenth championship in a row were produced for the members? How is the issue of sustainability handled in the German record champions’ merchandising department? These questions and many more were discussed at FC Bayern's first official members' ‘Stammtisch’ (‘regulars’ table’), which took place at the Clubheim *1900 at the FC Bayern Campus.
At the start of the new dialogue format, which will be held at regular intervals and on different topics from now on, the merchandising team led by director Peter Romics answered questions from 50 members - for 90 minutes plus added time. The participants had been drawn by lot from those who registered, and questions were allowed to be submitted in advance about what was particularly on the members' minds.
First, the merchandising team introduced itself and gave an overview of the different collections and collaborations, explained the new direction in which FC Bayern has been developing from classic merchandising since 2019, illustrated the special FC Bayern World location and addressed the feedback from members and fans. Afterwards, the question and answer session began, which focused primarily on the topic of sustainability. Unfortunately, it is not possible to produce kits exclusively in the EU due to the large number of units, Romics replied to a corresponding question, and adidas generally decides on the location. However, it is adidas' goal to move production to Europe as far as possible in cases where it is possible - the special jersey for the 10 titles in 10 years, for example, was produced in Portugal. In the case of this special kit, there is also good news for members: due to the enormous demand, the limited edition shirt, which sold out so quickly, will be produced again in a second run. Members who missed out will now get another chance.
Face-to-face discussions
The merchandising team was also happy to take other concerns and suggestions from members back to the offices on Säbener Straße. The request to also consider outsizes in the range in the future will be kept in mind and implemented selectively, for example in the members' collections, they said, whereas a graduation of discounts for members only, for example according to club affiliation, is unfortunately not possible because the non-profit law doesn’t allow this. At the end, the team exclusively presented the new members' collection planned for August and took suggestions from the members for the future.
“Having face-to-face discussions with our members in a good atmosphere is extremely important to us," said Benny Folkmann, managing director of FC Bayern eV, explaining why the club introduced the Stammtisch. “We want to inform and also find out what concerns our members, so we will continue these themed meetings after this successful start."
The new number 17 shirt of new signing Sadio Mané is available in the shop now:
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