Case Study: How Team Shops Are Transforming Apparel Sales for Dance & Gymnastics Teams

Since launching our free Team Shop service at the end of April 2024, we have seen over 115 shops open, close, and successfully deliver orders. Throughout this journey, we’ve gathered invaluable insights into what works best for team owners when using this tool strategically.

From timing your shop openings to maximizing revenue with curated product selections, teams that approach their Team Shops with intention are seeing incredible results—both in streamlined ordering processes and significant financial returns.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far about how to make the most of your Team Shop.

1. Selecting Open & Close Dates That Make Sense for Your Team

One of the key factors in ensuring a smooth process is timing your Team Shop appropriately. The most successful teams allow 10 weeks from the shop’s closing date to their desired in-hand date. Here’s why this timeline works:

• Shop Closes → 4-5 weeks for custom production time
• 1-2 weeks shipping time
• 1 week for order distribution
• 1-week buffer for any unforeseen circumstances

This structure ensures that orders arrive on time for key events such as competitions, showcases, or training season launches.

Best Practices for Open/Close Dates:

Keep your shop open for 2-3 weeks max – This keeps momentum high without dragging out the process.
Avoid long ordering windows – A shorter timeframe helps create urgency and ensures early buyers aren’t waiting too long for their orders.
Take advantage of unlimited shop openings – If a dancer misses the order window, you can easily reopen the shop without hassle.

Pro Tip:
Rather than worrying about a single long-ordering period, open your shop multiple times throughout the year (e.g., pre-season, mid-season, competition time) to meet demand efficiently.

2. Opening with Purpose: How Intentional Shops Drive More Sales

Team owners who use Team Shops strategically—rather than simply leaving them open indefinitely—are seeing the best results.

Example: A Studio That Maximized Their Shop Openings

Recently, one dance studio opened a curated Team Shop exclusively for their competitive dancers, featuring:
Jackets
Training apparel
Accessories designed specifically for their company dancers

As soon as that shop closed, they reopened a new shop the next day, this time with a collection aimed at their recreational students that included:
Studio tees
Dress code apparel
Fun accessories for young dancers

Why This Works:

1. No confusion – Each group gets products tailored to their needs.
2. No pressure – Families only see products relevant to them.
3. Increased sales – Recreational students who might not purchase competition gear still have items available that makes them feel included.

3. The Power of a Permanent Team Shop Link

One of the biggest advantages of Team Shops is that your shop link never changes—even when the shop is temporarily closed between order cycles.

How Teams Are Using This to Their Advantage:

• QR Codes at the Studio – Displayed in common areas so families can scan and shop.
• Direct Website Links – Studios add the shop link to their websites, making it easy for families to find.
• Automated Emails for New Students – Including the shop link in registration confirmation emails allows parents to purchase dress code apparel instantly.

This permanent link means you can promote your shop continuously, even when it’s closed, ensuring dancers never miss an order window and making the process more seamless for studio owners.

4. Generating Revenue with Minimal Effort

One of the most exciting insights from our first 115+ Team Shops is just how much revenue team owners are earning with very little work.

• 45% of teams earn over $500 every time they open their shop
• 17% of teams earn over $1,000 per shop opening

By simply curating a selection of products and promoting the link to their team, studio owners are generating additional revenue while providing their dancers with high-quality branded apparel.

5. Key Takeaways for Maximizing Your Team Shop Success

1. Set Smart Open/Close Dates

• Keep your shop open for 2-3 weeks max to keep urgency high.
• Plan your orders with a 10-week buffer to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Be Strategic About Who You’re Selling To

• Open separate shops for competition teams vs. recreational dancers for targeted sales.
• Offer dress code essentials for new students during peak registration times.

3. Leverage Your Permanent Link for Easy Access

• Add it to emails, websites, and QR codes to maximize accessibility.
• Keep promotion consistent to remind families when new orders open.

4. Make It a Revenue Stream, Not Just an Ordering Tool

• The best-performing teams are making $500-$1,000+ per order cycle.
• Treat it as an ongoing sales opportunity instead of a one-time purchase event.

Final Thoughts: Team Shops Are a Game-Changer

With no setup cost, no order minimums, and full automation, Team Shops are making it easier than ever for team owners to outfit their dancers while generating additional income.

By using intentional strategies—from setting smart order windows to leveraging the shop link for year-round promotion—dance studios and gymnastics clubs are streamlining their apparel sales and enhancing team spirit like never before.

Haven’t launched your Team Shop yet? Now is the perfect time to get started and see the benefits firsthand.

Ready to open yours?  Set up your free shop here and start earning!

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