New Venture for FMU: Online Athletic Store

Students, faculty and alumni can now show their Francis Marion University (FMU) pride with just one click of a mouse. The official online athletic store “Athletic Patriots Shop” is up, running and open to all. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, hats and much more can now be purchased on the official website, www.fmupartriotsshop.com.

FMU’s athletic department is in charge of the online store which has been a venture the department has wanted to create for years. Finally, it became a reality Nov. 3, the grand opening of the online athletic store.

The athletic department collaborated with the Swamp Fox Club and the Alumni Association in order to generate a customer base beyond students, but also cater to faculty, staff, alumni and fans that would like to show their support for FMU athletics by purchasing products available on the website.

Michael Hawkins, associate athletic director for media relations and marketing, is in charge of the website was optimistic about this new online store.

“Being the first real endeavor the athletic department has done concerning the website, we are not sure what to expect, but we have high hopes,” Hawkins said.

Since its grand opening, the Athletic Patriot’s Shop has offered numerous sales and promotions including a Riot at the Rim sale on Nov. 14-18 with 20 percent off every purchaseand a Black Friday promotion of a free mug with any purchase over $50. The various sales offered to the online athletic store shoppers seemed to be popular.

“Sales for the first week have been tremendous, as well as the response from alumni, students and staff,” Hawkins said.

This online store shows the FMU athletes that they have the support of their fans and peers, but the store also serves as a way for FMU athletes to purchase some keepsakes for themselves that could be reminders of their college days when they transition to careers.

Clark Major, junior Business major and forward, center on the FMU men’s basketball team, is glad the athletic department decided to create the Athletic Patriot’s Shop website.

“I think the website is great. They offer a lot of apparel. I am glad they offer clothing for the taller customers. Being 6-10, it’s kind of hard to find clothes that are an actual match for my height,” Major said.

Major is not the only athlete who is excited about the Athletic Patriot’s Shop.

“The website got a lot of positive feedback from my teammates, too. It’s a great feeling to play a home game and look in the audience and see so many FMU supporters with the Patriot’s logo on,” Major said.

All students, faculty, staff and fans wishing to purchase some FMU apparel for themselves or as gifts can visit the Athletic Patriot’s Shop online.