The University of Manchester: Bicentenary
Since 2012, Infinity Inc. has proudly operated the University of Manchester’s online and campus gift shop.
Over the years, we have evolved from a supplier into an integral part of the university’s retail operation, becoming trusted brand guardians and a key extension of their team. Our commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation has solidified our role in managing and curating merchandise that embodies the university’s heritage, values, and identity.
What started as a supplier relationship quickly transformed into a strategic partnership. By understanding the university’s culture and branding needs, we have continuously developed product ranges that align with their vision. From everyday student essentials to graduation memorabilia, our merchandise has served students, alumni, faculty, and visitors alike.
As brand guardians, we ensure that every product aligns with the university’s identity, maintaining consistency in branding, colour schemes, and quality standards. This commitment has fostered trust, allowing us to take on more significant projects and play a proactive role in shaping the university’s retail experience.
In 2024, the University of Manchester reached a momentous milestone—its bicentenary. Recognising our expertise and long-standing partnership, the university entrusted us with the task of developing a special celebratory merchandise range to mark the occasion.
Collaborating closely with the university, our in-house design team crafted a collection that incorporated the official bicentenary branding, prominently featuring the distinguished gold and purple colour scheme developed for all bicentenary communications. We ensured high attention to detail in every product, applying event branding immaculately, including the use of glitter inks to enhance visual appeal.
Keyrings, Pin Badges, and Fridge Magnets – Classic memorabilia for students, alumni, and visitors.
Notebooks and Water Bottles – Practical and stylish accessories for everyday use.
Umbrellas – Perfect for Manchester’s unpredictable weather, featuring elegant bicentenary branding.
The whole range was available to buy in the on campus gift shop as well as online and at university events throughout the year. By ensuring a high-quality, cohesive range, we have helped the university create lasting mementoes for students, faculty, and visitors to cherish this historic milestone.
The bicentenary merchandise collection was a big success for the University, with over 25,000 items sold in 2024. With fridge magnets, pin badges, and keyrings being the top selling items.
Celebrations continue for the University in 2025 with their business school, AMBS, reaching its own 60-year milestone. To commemorate this achievement, we have collaborated with the university once again to develop a special merchandise range for AMBS. This collection will feature premium branding elements celebrating the school’s legacy and impact, providing students, faculty, and alumni with meaningful keepsakes to mark this important anniversary.
We've made vital contribution to the marketing campaigns and retail offerings of many of the UK’s top universities, including London Business School, University of Warwick, University of Manchester and Northumbria University (just to name a few!) with:
- Gift shops on campus
- Online stores
- Branded merchandise
- Leisurewear, sportswear and team wear
Find out how we can bring your university's brand to life with our merchandise and retail solutions here.