Two years ago, FC Barcelona procured their own kits in case the Nike deal had ended abruptly. A look at the online store of the club shows that an in-house Barça kit set could have been something very good.
Barcelona In-House Collections
Barcelona is launching new self-manufactured merchandise and lifestyle collections every few weeks, and almost every item is receiving widespread acclaim for exceptional design quality. The Barcelona in-house products are created through BLM (Barça Licensing and Merchandising). BLM was established in 2016 when Barcelona reacquired merchandising rights from Nike, regaining control over the brand management and retail operations that had been managed by the American sportswear giant since 1998.
The current FC Barcelona in-house collection features multiple standout items, including a stunning polo jersey that would make a very classy kit, available for just 60 euros. The range includes in-house remakes of iconic Kappa kits, a modern collection that would easily pass as a Nike one if it featured the Swoosh, as well as some 1970s reimaginations.
The fakers even copied Barcelona's in-house kit
What Barça does particularly well is that the product images feature their best players, which creates a premium effect. This is particularly useful because the Nike deal does not allow the club to let players wear the gear during official duties, both off and on the pitch.
Barcelona In-House "Polo" Kit
Another praise, even though from an unlikely source, is that fakers have produced Barcelona's popular in-house kit. The club might not like this, but it is an exceptional sign.
Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with us declaring "Barcelona's in-house products are SO GOOD" alongside images of the premium lifestyle pieces, and receiving very positive reactions from our followers.
Showcasing the popularity, the products now appear prominently in Barcelona's official store bestsellers section - just behind the official match kits but ahead of Nike's own gear.
Still, the biggest concern of many people, including us, is the quality of these in-house products. While we did not have any of these products in hand, they seem to be of solid quality. What is not as good, however, is the plastic Barcelona crest, which is simply flat plastic and not intricate with 3D details.
The plastic crest could look much better
BLM has grown to more than €100 million in revenue. However, that sum also includes sales of Nike gear in its own stores, so we do not know how much revenue Barça makes with its in-house stuff. Still, Barcelona is proving that its independent manufacturing capabilities can produce commercially successful; high-quality in-house merchandise that competes with traditional sportswear partnerships.