Okay, so here's my thoughts about the new merch shop; and these thoughts are directed towards wc/sg so I do hope they take an introspective look at it because if they do then it will be helpful constructive criticism.
My point is this: wc/sg, you did indeed have an online merchandise storefront up and running at one point in time (I think it was about 5 or 6 years ago now) and I have the proof of this by the 2 (3D Printed) dinosaur figures that I bought from it. One a T-Rex, and the other a Fire Wyvern; both of which are very cool although printed with very early 3D printing technology so they of course would look cooler now if reprinted with updated tech. But I'm very happy to have them as they are unique statues due to when they were printed(Printed with SandStone instead of Resin). You had other merch for sale at that time to, but instead of expanding the online merchandise store like everyone in your community enthusiastically suggested you do, you just closed it up randomly one day without a further word on the matter.
So, fast-forward 6 years later and now you're trying to make it sound cool that you're finally opening up an official Ark merchandise shop. (One that supposedly won't randomly close in the near future).
I will be fair and admit that some of the stuff I see in your new shop is nice. However, will I buy any of it?
......The answer is no.
The reason why? Because you had your chance to make money with Ark merch 6 years ago like we all suggested you do. Other video games have merch, tons of other various businesses have merch, the thought that Ark with its amazing merch potential did not have official merch confused and astounded your fans; which is why we suggested you make money with merch to help fund you; a suggestion to which you silently said, "No".
So then, why exactly should I buy any of your new "Official Merch" when I've been going to other businesses online for the last 6 years to get my Ark Merch. Other merchandise businesses that capitalized on the success and popularity of your game when you refused to do so. Other businesses that not only have a vastly wider array of merchandise for sale, but that are better quality.
I, like many of your original fans, want you to succeed and want to help make you better. So take the five minutes it takes to read my constructive impression of your online shop and think about it for a second. Because ever since your announcement of ASA I've been waiting for you to give me a reason for why I should care about any part of the future of your company. Why I should keep caring about one of my most favorite games. The 2nd game ever that I bought for my Steam Account. And you have yet to give me a reason. Give me a reason; why should I buy merch from your shop instead of my usual sources that I've been going to for the last 6 years?
Edit: Okay, I will say this also though that I truly expected the poop plushie to sell out first but wow did the Dodo plushie sell out fast. How many of them did you guys make in preparation for opening day? I know it's Christmas season to but still the online shop open for just approximately 2ish days and the Dodo is already sold out?