DOMAIN EXTENSION GUIDE
.merch Domain Names
Applied-for, not delegated.merch is a proposed generic top-level domain for merchandise, retail and branded commerce. Publicly announced information identifies organisations associated with the string, and ICANNβs 2026 round materials show that applied-for strings are not delegated at this stage. The extension is therefore best treated as a prelaunch namespace with illustrative rather than live-use examples. (icann.org)
.merch registrations are not available yet. Search related extensions or get a launch alert.
Application and status facts
Verified status information is kept separate from illustrative naming ideas.
- Extension
- .merch
- Current status
- Applied-for, not delegatedICANN 2026 Round Closes with More Than 1,600 New gTLD Applications - ICANN
- Root-zone delegation status
- No root-zone delegation confirmed in recorded public sources.
- Announced applicant or applicants
- Link Freedom Group, Phoenix Domain PartnersPress Release: ICANN Opens Application Window for New Generic Top-Level Domains - ICANN lfg.link - lfg.link
- Number of publicly announced claims
- 2
- Contested
- Yes
- Public disclosure date
- 2026-08-13Press Release: ICANN Opens Application Window for New Generic Top-Level Domains - ICANN
- Application round/programme
- ICANN application programme information recorded.ICANN 2026 Round Closes with More Than 1,600 New gTLD Applications - ICANN
- Registry operator
- Not verified
- Registration availability
- Public registration is not confirmed by this guide.
- Last fact checked
- 2026-08-25
A public application, applicant identity, approval, registry operation, root-zone delegation and live registration availability are separate facts.
Illustrative uses
What could a .merch domain be used for?
If delegated in future,.merch could suit commerce built around products, drops and fan-led retail.
Domain name ideas
Example names only. Illustrative examples only. Availability has not been checked.
Possible audiences
Who is .merch for?
- Retail brands
- Creators and performers
- Sports teams and clubs
- Entertainment studios
- Agencies and merch partners
- Event organisers
Benefits and considerations
Benefits
- Clear commercial signal
- Compact brand alignment
- Campaign-friendly naming
Considerations
- Not delegated at present
- Possible string contention
- Commercial meaning may be narrow
Related domain extensions
Marketplace listings
Relevant public DomainUI listings are separate from registry availability results.
Frequently asked questions
Is.merch a live domain extension?
No. It is currently best treated as a proposed or prelaunch string rather than a delegated live extension.
What does.merch suggest?
It suggests merchandise, retail goods and product-led branding.
Who would use.merch?
Brands, creators, sports teams, entertainment properties and merchandising partners could all be natural fits.
Can I register a.merch domain now?
Not on the basis of the public status shown here; delegation has not been established.
Why is.merch interesting for commerce?
It gives an immediate retail signal and can help separate product pages from a main corporate site.
Is.merch suitable for non-retail sites?
Only if the content is genuinely tied to merchandise, product drops or branded goods.
Sources and review information
- ICANN 2026 Round Closes with More Than 1,600 New gTLD ApplicationsICANN - accessed 2026-08-25
- Press Release: ICANN Opens Application Window for New Generic Top-Level DomainsICANN - accessed 2026-08-25
- What happens on String Confirmation Day?ICANN New gTLD Program - accessed 2026-08-25
- lfg.linklfg.link - accessed 2026-08-13
- rapidwombat.comrapidwombat.com - accessed 2026-08-17
