Ohio State Fair Official Merchandise Provider

The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds (OEC) is seeking a qualified vendor to serve as the exclusive Official Ohio State Fair Merchandise Partner through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a three-year contract from award date through June 30, 2028, with a potential five-year extension option. The selected vendor will be responsible for designing, producing, selling, and managing merchandise across multiple retail locations, including one indoor and two or more outdoor venues, as well as developing a comprehensive e-commerce platform for year-round sales. Key deliverables include merchandise design in collaboration with OEC's Visual Communications Department, product sourcing, retail operations management, staffing, and online sales execution. The proposal requires maintaining Ohio State Fair branding and creating exclusive merchandise to enhance visitor experience. Proposals are due on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Noon EST, with vendor selection anticipated between November and December 2025. The evaluation will likely focus on the vendor's ability to meet financial requirements, demonstrate merchandise design capabilities, and propose a strategy for maximizing sales potential at the fair, which attracts nearly one million visitors annually.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The financial model for this opportunity includes an 18% commission rate on gross sales, with minimum annual guarantees of $16,000 in the first year and $18,000 in subsequent years. Historical merchandise sales have ranged between $90,000 and $100,000 annually, with significant growth potential through expanded locations and a refreshed strategy. The vendor will need to integrate with the Ohio State Fair's comprehensive brand guidelines, which include specific color palettes, typography, and iconography requirements. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the RFP suggests the potential for a transformative approach to merchandise sales. The total contract value could potentially exceed $300,000 over the initial three-year term, with additional revenue possible through the optional five-year extension. Interested vendors should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in retail operations, merchandise design, and e-commerce platform management.