How Mobile Ordering Boosts Merchandise Sales and Fan Experience at Venues

The New Standard for Fan Convenience

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Fans today expect fast, seamless ways to shop—whether they’re grabbing a drink or picking up exclusive tour merch. For arenas and stadiums, that’s where mobile ordering comes in.

By enabling fans to browse and buy merch on their phone before or during the show, venues like Scotiabank Arena are seeing significant results.

• Fans spend more: Average per-head merch sales have increased 15–25% when mobile ordering is enabled.
• Lines move faster: With fewer fans waiting in line, operational bottlenecks are reduced, and staff can focus on in-person customers.
• Happier fans: More time enjoying the show, less time waiting in line—leading to a better overall event experience.

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Why Fans Love Mobile Ordering

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More Time, More Freedom

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Fans can browse merchandise before arriving or during the event, without sacrificing their seat or missing a key moment. For general admission fans, mobile ordering removes the “buy now or miss out” panic that often comes with long lines.

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Guaranteed Access to Merch

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Fans no longer worry about their favorite item being sold out by the time they reach the front of the line. Their order is secured, ready for pickup, and they get to enjoy more of what they paid for—the show itself.

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The Operational Wins for Venues

• Reduced congestion: Fans who mobile order can pick up their purchases at designated areas away from the busiest merch stands.
• More efficient staffing: Teams can reallocate staff to high-demand areas and improve in-person service.
• VIP suite enhancements: Instead of setting up dedicated VIP merch booths, venues can offer concierge-style delivery directly to suites. This not only saves time but creates a premium experience worthy of VIP status.

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Revenue Boost & New Opportunities

Mobile ordering isn’t just a fan perk—it’s a revenue driver.

• Fans spend an average of 15–29% more per transaction when ordering from their phone. A significant driver of this increase is that the average number of items purchased increases with the use of mobile ordering. Fans don't feel rushed in deciding what they are interested in.
• Mobile ordering converts fans who otherwise skip the merch line entirely, capturing incremental sales.
• Suite delivery opens the door to sponsorship integrations (e.g., branded delivery bags), creating an additional revenue stream.
• Venues average a +23% increase in merchandise Gross Sales when having mobile orders available for everyone

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Why It Matters for Your Venue

Fans expect elevated, tech-enabled experiences. Mobile ordering helps you deliver exactly that—while increasing per-head revenue and giving your operations team breathing room. Instead of fans standing in line, they’re buying food, exploring sponsor activations, and engaging with the event—all while knowing their merch is waiting for them.

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Bottom line: Mobile ordering doesn’t just improve sales—it improves how fans feel about your venue and the overall event experience.

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Learn more about atVenu and get a free mobile ordering demo today