YouTube has just announced the launch of 'The Merch Store', Symbolizing 'Merchandise'. The store gives artists and content creators the ability to sell merchandise right from their YouTube Channel Page. Fans visiting their favourite channels do not need to go to an external website to buy T-Shirts they can do so right from YouTube. Artists and content creators can offer digital downloads, concert tickets and even unique experiences like meetups. This comes as a boon for all those popular YouTube Channels, who till now had to rely on external websites to see merchandise to their fans. YouTube says all this is made possible through strategic tie-ups with Topspin for merchandise, concert tickets and experiences; Songkick for concerts; and iTunes and Amazon for music downloads. YouTube has also indicated that only a small percentage of sales will be taken to cover costs of the new feature. YouTube will be rolling out the merch store over the next several weeks and announcing Global Partnerships.
Source: YouTube Blog