ANN ARBOR – Mich. (Michigan News Source) — In what should have been a year of triumph for Michigan Wolverines fans, M Den, the retailer for University of Michigan merchandise, is caught in a financial web that threatens its reputation and operations. With stores in Ann Arbor, Novi, and Detroit, M Den has long been the go-to spot for Michigan merchandise; however, recent lawsuits reveal unpaid bills and significant debts, with several suppliers accusing M Den of financial delinquency. 

Branded Custom Sportswear Inc., based in Kansas, is suing M Den for $4.2 million, citing unpaid invoices and accrued interest.

MORE NEWS: University of Michigan Team Zeroes in on Tumor Resistance to Immunotherapy to Combat Cancer

“For months, plaintiff has made numerous attempts to get defendants to become current on their invoices and repay the outstanding amounts owed,” attorneys for Branded Custom Sportswear said in their filing.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s KCI Sports Publishing LLC claims M Den owes nearly $26,000 for shipments of “Blue Breakthrough,” a hardback book celebrating Michigan’s championship victory.

“It’s a mess, to put it kindly,” Peter Clark, publisher at KCI Sports Publishing, said to The Detroit News. “This should have been a record-breaking year with Michigan’s championship, yet we’re left wondering, where’s the money?”

Scott Hirth, M Den’s owner, insists that payments to KCI Sports Publishing were issued earlier this month. Yet, Clark remains skeptical, reporting no further communication or payment from M Den.

Further compounding the retailer’s troubles is a state tax warrant for over $13,000 filed in Indiana. Legal skirmishes extend to the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor with Friesing Investments Inc., DBA Gulf, also taking M Den to court.

Despite these financial controversies, M Den’s website states that each purchase directly supports University of Michigan athletic programs. The university, however, maintains a clear separation from M Den’s legal and financial matters. UM spokesperson Colleen Mastony said, “While M Den has been a longstanding vendor to U-M for many years, it is a completely separate legal entity from the university.”

MORE NEWS: Flint Schools Dismiss Teacher After Ouija Board Lesson Spells Disaster

For Michigan fans, the situation is perplexing.

As Clark aptly put it in invoices he sent to The Detroit News, “This should have been a record-breaking year. Michigan’s won a national championship in football. It’s one of the biggest brands in all of sports. And so it’s just very, very, you scratch your head. Where’s this going?”