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Committee forms work group to explore San Antonio–branded merchandise, staff to report back
Summary
The committee approved forming a small work group to study selling San Antonio–branded merchandise (virtual storefront, licensing or curated products) to raise the city's visibility and generate potential revenue; Chair Villagran and Councilmember Castillo volunteered for the initial subcommittee.
The Economic and Workforce Development Committee on Jan. 27 authorized staff to form a work group to explore selling San Antonio–branded merchandise, including options such as print-on-demand/virtual storefronts, licensing to existing retailers or a curated product program.
Alex (staff) described sample items brought to the meeting — "These are court coasters with the city's quatrefoil on them," he said — and noted city departments and Visit San Antonio have produced items for dignitaries and special events but there is no systematic retail offering. Staff suggested a virtual presence or print-on-demand approach to avoid inventory costs and described a range of possible products (T-shirts, commemorative ties and scarves, art prints and functional items produced by city departments).
Chair Villagran said branding at the new airport and other venues could raise global visibility and that legal and trademark review will be necessary before decisions on revenue use are finalized; he said any significant net revenue would likely be discussed for allocation to the general fund. Committee members discussed departments and partners to include (Arts & Culture, Visit San Antonio, World Heritage, libraries, marketing/design teams) and agreed the initial group should be small and convened by staff.
Councilmember Castillo volunteered to serve on the subcommittee with the chair. The committee took a motion and approved formation of the work group by voice vote; staff said they will convene the initial brainstorming group and report back to the committee (the chair indicated a March report-back target).
