Bulls and Blackhawks merchandise scores big
As the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks fight to make it through the playoffs, sports retailers are battling to keep their shelves stocked with the teams' merchandise.
Fans were thrilled when the teams clinched playoff berths, and stores that sell jerseys and memorabilia are ecstatic. The winning seasons have helped at a time when overall retail sales are suffering with the economy.
Sports Fanatic store owner Ray Laning said sales are up about 300 percent from a month ago at his stores in West Dundee and Palatine. "The Hawks jerseys are selling like crazy," he said.
"And the longer a team is in the playoffs, the better it is for the retailer selling their product," said Larry Weindruch, director of communication for the National Sporting Goods Association in Mount Prospect, which monitors the $11- to $13-billion professional sports licensed products industry.
Which playoff team ranks higher when it comes to retail sales? The Hawks are winning that game, according to local store owners.
"There are more Blackhawk fans than Bulls fans in the suburbs," Laning said.
He recently sold out of his red Hawks jerseys that range in price from $115 to $165. He's expecting another shipment at any time. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews rank on top when it comes to the hottest players, followed by Patrick Sharp and Martin Havlat, Laning said.
"The Bulls stuff just doesn't sell that well," Laning said.
Local MC Sports stores are also finding Hawks merchandise going through the roof. Many of the sporting goods stores have only jerseys without a player's name left on the racks.
Meanwhile, a sign along Golf Road in Arlington Heights informs shoppers that Gadjets Galore souvenir store carries Hawks and Bulls merchandise.
"The Hawks are the most popular right now," owner Alex Zajac said Wednesday while sporting a No. 9 Bobby Hull Blackhawks jersey.
Scotts Brewery Collectibles has also seen a hike in the sale of Hawk's memorabilia. With locations at five malls, owner Scott Svehla expects sales with the team name are up 50 percent. He expanded his line when the team made it past the regular season.
"It always helps sales when a team gets in the playoffs," he said.
"When a team is winning, sales are fabulous," agreed Jeff Collins, owner of Cubs Clubhouse with locations at Woodfield Shopping Center and Water Tower Place.
Sporting retailers are finding that Cubs and White Sox merchandise has been strong since the season started. "Everyone wants to get their jerseys for when they go to the game," Laning said.
Retailers are hopeful for continued growth in sales for all Chicago sports teams.
"This is the first time in 60 years that all five Chicago teams have a good chance to make it to the playoffs," Laning said. He's hopeful that the new quarterback and strong baseball teams will lead to a lot of fan excitement and sales.
Collins agreed that momentum is building when it comes to Chicago sports teams.