University of Warwick - Tender to Cap and Gown
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, a member of the Russell Group, and well known for its excellence in research and teaching.
On June 18th, 2025 they announced their refreshed “evolved” brand to the world with a planned roll out across all channels within the next three years. At the core of the relaunch is the distinct brand positioning around ‘beyond’ or the spirit of ‘unconventionalism.’
It’s that central driving force that led the University to need a new retail platform and 2026 graduation collection that reflects the Institution’s evolving identity. Following several competitive rounds of the procurement bid process, Infinity Inc. was selected to develop a bespoke solution that would provide a strong foundation for Warwick's future retail ambitions.
The University required more than a standard ecommerce solution. It needed a retail experience that aligned with its refreshed brand identity while supporting the immediate demands of the graduation season.
With a compressed timeline, the project involved designing and developing a bespoke ecommerce solution, creating a custom graduation collection, and ensuring the platform onsite and online was fully operational before graduation. The launch also needed to establish a scalable framework that could support the University's longer-term retail strategy, including a future physical store that will be opening on campus in the Spring of 2027.
Working closely with the University's Marketing and Brand teams, we implemented Infinity Inc.’s Enable Plus Model, a tailored solution designed specifically for Warwick's requirements and launch timeline.
The project began with the creation of a custom graduation collection, providing a distinctive range that embodied the University's new visual identity while acting as the future cornerstone of its wider merchandise offering.
Alongside product development, we designed and built a bespoke ecommerce website that delivers a seamless customer experience and reflects the University's premium brand positioning. Through close collaboration and agile project management, we successfully accelerated development, launching the site not at the start of Welcome Week as originally planned but on July 17th, 11 weeks ahead of the original schedule.
In line with the University’s strong commitment to sustainability and its focus on practical sustainability advancements, Infinity Inc. ensured that the central part of the University’s new range prioritised quality and sustainability.
The core branded clothing range the University is offering is sourced exclusively from the premium sustainability brand Stanley/Stella. Made using organic cotton and recycled materials, with a strong focus on ethical manufacturing, supply chain transparency and reducing environmental impact, Stanley/Stella offers high-quality clothing without compromising on sustainability. By choosing these products, the University is not only investing in premium, long-lasting merchandise, but also supporting a brand that prioritises people, the planet and responsible production every step of the way.
The initial collection focused on a bespoke graduation range, carefully designed to celebrate students' achievements while reinforcing the University's refreshed brand identity.
Rather than creating a standalone seasonal offering, the collection was developed as the launchpad for Warwick's broader retail programme. It establishes a cohesive product direction that will inform future collections and provide consistency across both digital and physical retail channels.
The collection includes:
- Class of 2026 T-shirt and Hoodie
- Graduation Certificate Holder
- The Crest Clothing Range with a Quarter Zip, T-shirt, and Hoodie
- The Crest Merchandise Range with Water Bottles, Mugs, Pin Badge, Tote Bags, Keyring, Umbrella, Rolltop Backpack, and Baseball Cap
- Black and Silver Tie
- University Plush Bears
The project delivered immediate and measurable success. The University of Warwick was able to increase merchandise sales at the Summer 2026 Graduation by 13.5% from the previous year. The combination of custom product development, ecommerce design, and brand collaboration resulted in a successful launch ahead of schedule and paved the way for a wider retail offering.
- Successfully secured the partnership following multiple rounds of competitive tendering.
- Designed and launched a fully bespoke ecommerce website in collaboration with the University's Marketing and Brand teams ahead of schedule.
- Established a scalable retail platform and product range that will support the development of a full merchandise collection and the opening of the University's physical shop in Spring 2027.
Next steps for the University of Warwick include an expanded collection with multiple ranges of premium branded products and an exciting step forward into the design of their physical shop.