Merchantwise and AOC awarded Best Sports, Fashion, Celebrity & Lifestyle Brand

This year, the Australian Olympic Committee was awarded Best Sports, Fashion, Celebrity & Lifestyle Brand at the recent Licensing International ANZ Excellence Awards.

The distinguished brand, represented by Merchantwise as an official partner, was selected from an esteemed list of finalists at the black-tie awards evening held in Melbourne, Australia.

Entries were judged by a diverse panel of international industry leaders, bringing insight, integrity, and sector expertise to the evaluation process.

Celebrating the innovation, creativity, and commercial success of the Australian New Zealand licensing community, from licensors and licensees to retailers, agents, and rising talent, the ANZ Excellence Awards are part of the globally respected Licensing International Awards program.  

As the Australian Olympic Committee’s official partner in 2024, Merchantwise built upon and expanded on the licensing and consumer products program in Australia.  

Launching an expansive consumer products portfolio in over nine categories - including apparel, accessories, plush, sporting goods, publishing, drinkware, lunchware and gifting along with a number of other licensing and retail initiatives, Merchantwise helped the Australian Olympic Committee achieve its widest retail and category reach to date in 2024.  

With new retail partners including Kmart, BIG W and Fanatics, plus a Looney Tunes collaboration, the brand achieved $4M in sales in eight weeks and 98% sell-through.  A new style guide, strong licensee network and national PR campaign secured its position as a standout Olympic program.

Cementing the Australian Olympic Team as a year-round sports brand which champions the spirit of Australian sport, the licensing program attracted broad appeal for children and adults across all tiers of retail.