Google Set To Launch YouTube Merch Store In Coming Weeks

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Anyone else remember that episode of South Park in which major YouTube names were waiting around for their “theoretical dollars” to transform into the real thing, and the boys used said theoretical dollars to break up the Canadian strike? Well, YouTube fame is about to get a whole lot less theoretical and possibly much more tangible thanks to the new Merch Store, set to roll out over the course of the next several weeks.

Set to be offered up to YouTube partners first, the Merch Store allows YouTube partners to offer up exactly what the name implies: merch. Or, if you prefer, merchandise, like DVDs, CDs, T-shirts and other such items bearing the brands and logos and whatnot associated with the video. For instance, the next time a new “Chocolate Rain” emerges, you’ll be able to buy the MP3. Word is that YouTube is already set to partner with a variety of vendors to make the merch happen like Amazon, iTunes, Topspin and more.

YouTube is also looking to set up a meetup out in New York City on Thursday to provide more details, and no doubt one of the top questions asked will be “why do I have to be a partner to get in on this? I’d like to sell merch for my band / studio / spoken word / what have you”. And of course, it’s got more than a few people wondering if maybe Google’s spreading itself a bit thin taking on all these different projects at once. But still, I can definitely see where something like this would be welcome, and abundantly so, especially if the whole “you have to be a partner” thing is just for the short term while they get it all off the ground.

So what do you guys think? Would you buy a Dramatic Look Gopher t-shirt if the opportunity presented itself? Or do you think this will quickly become cluttered with the tired detritus of cover bands that think they’re the next Death Cab For Cutie? We definitely want to hear from you, so head on down to the comments section and tell us what you think!