Albany, NY - December 9, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of a new I LOVE NY webstore, providing New Yorkers and visitors 24/7 online and mobile access to purchase I LOVE NY merchandise. The new online store – accessible through www.ILoveNY.com – includes The Collection, featuring special takes on the classic I Love NY logo, designed to promote the state’s tourism assets.

“Decades after it was designed by Milton Glaser in 1977, the I LOVE NY logo today is one of the most beloved and recognized symbols representing the Empire State in the world,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the launch of this exciting new online store, we are taking our promotional efforts to the next level. With just a few clicks, New Yorkers and people from markets around the globe can view and purchase a wide variety of I LOVE NY merchandise that illustrates the many spectacular recreational and tourism assets available in all corners of our great state. As a proud New Yorker, I am particularly pleased to unveil The Collection and share with others the best of what we have to offer.”

The Collection includes the classic I LOVE NY, I LOVE NY LGBT logo and limited edition merchandise featuring variations of the I LOVE NY logo that are meant to be proudly worn and shared around the globe. The variations represent loved New York State recreational activities and attractions, including biking, camping, golfing, fishing, horse racing and equestrian riding, motorcycling, sailing, skiing, theater, wine tasting in New York State. Shipped with each Collection item will be statistics and insightful “Did You Know” fun facts, highlighting the state’s featured tourism asset.

“The launch of the I LOVE NY online store expands New York State’s tourism footprint through merchandise,” said Gavin Landry, Executive Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Tourism. “The goal of The Collection is to motivate visitors to experience the wonders of New York State for themselves. This new line of merchandise provides another opportunity for domestic and international travelers to love New York.”

Through a special licensing arrangement with the NFL and the Buffalo Bills, The Collection will also have t-shirts featuring a “I Buffalo NY” mark, using the vintage 1962 Buffalo Bills logo, to promote growing tourism to the Buffalo area. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State and full of exciting things to do. This co-branded mark resonates with Bills fans all over the country and world. This new partnership helps tout all the great assets of Buffalo for Bills fans and visitors, spurring increased tourism to the region. From the Canalside district featuring a perfect balance of history and family fun, to architecture by the prolific Frank Lloyd Wright, to the majestic Niagara Falls, Buffalo is a great Western New York destination.

“The Buffalo Bills management asked the league to be a part of the I LOVE NY logo campaign and we thought it was a great way for Buffalo Bills fans to combine their love of the team and their affection for the great state of NY,” said Leo Kane, Senior Vice President, NFL, Consumer Brands.

In addition to the traditional souvenir t-shirt, users can also find in the webstore items for sale such as baseball caps, pins, magnets, journals, mugs, totes and messenger bags. As popularity grows, more merchandise options will be added. Within The Collection, customers will also find merchandise featuring Milton Glaser’s original I LOVE NY logo as well as the I LOVE NY LGBT logo that celebrates New York’s proud LGBT history, including passage of the state’s marriage equality law.

Users can visit the webstore from the ILoveNY.com website, where they will be redirected to the online retail portal, or they can go directly to www.shopiloveny.com. Pop-up shops are also planned throughout the year to allow visitors to purchase these new items and further promote the I Love NY brand outside of New York City and New York State.

The iconic I Love NY mark is owned solely by the State of New York to promote its 11 vacation regions -- Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, The Catskills, Capital-Saratoga, The Adirondacks, Central New York, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara, and Chautauqua-Allegheny. All usages of the classic, LGBT and Collection logos must receive licensing privileges and prior consent. The I Love NY mark is a registered trademark of the New York State Department of Economic Development. All uses must be with permission. Through The Collection, the logos will facilitate even more recognition for the promotion of New York State travel and visitor experiences. The new variations seek to instill pride for all that New York State has to offer in its vacation regions.