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Retro is the current craze in the licensing business, and not just because Mitchell & Ness apparel is more in demand than a CPA on April 14th. Retro is the [...]

For a little pair of clothing, cheer shorts certainly do get a lot of attention these days. This attention can be attributed to a 'coming of age' of the sport [...]

Selling wrestling is as easy as 1-2-3 for team dealers, whether they know much about the sport or not. 1 You learn the key vendors. There aren't a whole lot [...]

I don't mind competition. It's stupid competition that really pisses me off. That about sums up the mood of traditional team dealers towards their competition as the calendar turns to [...]

Jocks and poseurs alike are digging out their wallets to buy the latest and greatest in sporting goods and athletic apparel. And while clothing still is the biggest player in [...]

Owners of gun and archery equipment stores can increase their profits by offering related sporting goods in their premises. Sales of sports clothing, for instance, reached $9.7 billion in 1995. Most firearms stores that include sports clothes in their merchandise gain more profits from their clothing section as compared with their stocks of guns and bullets. These merchandise easily attract customers' attention. Furthermore, customers consider rugged sports clothes as versatile attire and may even appeal to people not actually involved in hunting and shooting., How would you like to make 25 percent on your next sale? How about 30 percent? Does 40 percent sound attractive? That may seem extravagant, given today's slow sales throughout [...]

Forecasts for women's clothing trends in spring 1996 include wider use of linen, plus embroidered rayon crepe for a very feminine look. Manufacturers who reveal their new contemporary lines include Mica, Emil Rutenberg, and Robin Piccone. Also described are junior styles, which feature bright prints. Lighter weight denim clothing will be used for jeans, dresses and shorts. Also, swim suits will vary from vivid tones to flowered prints., CONTEMPORARY Contemporary manufacturers have come to realize what an important role linen plays in developing their spring lines. Not only are designers offering linen in a variety of weights, they [...]

Retailers of motorcycle apparel can learn from fast-food giant McDonald's when it comes to marketing. Leather apparel retailers can adopt such successful marketing strategies of McDonald's as the 'value meals' concept and package marketing. For instance, salespeople should be made to focus on helmets, jackets, pants, boots and gloves, while the parts and accessories department concentrates on sprockets, chain and pistons. Four basic guidelines in leather retailing are discussed., Dealerships can learn a thing or two from McDonald's 'value meals' concept. Eight years ago, the strategy utilized by the fast food king was to add on to the initial [...]

Team-inspired looks are now scoring big in the fashion arena. Licensees of Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL and the NCAA are going beyond the usual T-shirts and sweatshirts, [...]

NEW YORK -- Major branded sportswear classification companies are finding that they can't rest on their laurels. In addition to the same pressures the rest of the industry is facing [...]

Traditionally, during Olympic years, media buzz builds to a crescendo leading up to the Games. As this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, approach, there are certainly plenty of Olympic-themed [...]

There are rules for everything, and selling sporting goods to girls and women is certainly no exception. For the most part team dealers have grudgingly learned and accepted these rules, [...]

There are 10 times the number of people watching a sporting event as the number of people actually playing. Wouldn't it make sense for team dealers and their suppliers to [...]

Sports good manufacturer Nike has opened a 70,000 sq ft sports store in London, UK. NikeTown London is being billed as a major London attraction, equal to Madame Tassauds. The three-storey store incorporates a mix of architectural styles which houses sport pavilions dedicated to football, golf, basketball, tennis and outdoor gear.

Multisports giants are dominating the soccer wear sector at the expense of niche brands, such as Umbro. To gain competitive edge, manufacturers are infusing the glamour of Fashion Avenue into their product lines. In acknowledgement of the sport's European origins, several soccer companies are combining function and style in their designs and customizing warm-ups and jerseys for streetwear. They are also eyeing younger consumers with trendy fabrics and casual designs., Soccer's key apparel brands are fighting to play center on an increasingly shrinking field of brands, with Umbro and other niche brands surrendering market share to multisport giants like Nike [...]

Many retailers of men's and women's Western wear reported that sales improved in the latter part of 1997. The International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market in Denver, CO, attracted industry retailers looking for trendy clothing. Footwear sales declined at such stores as Miller Stockman of Denver, but jeans sales soared, in spite of competition from brand-named merchandise., RETAILERS FIND NEW TRENDS, PRODUCTS THEY HAVE BEEN SEEKING AT DENVER SHOW DENVER -- It may not be like the heydays of the early 1990s, but the Western wear business [...]

Seventh Avenue, New York, NY, designer clothes manufacturers of have been successful in marketing their snowboard-inspired collections mainly because skiwear and boardwear are increasingly becoming high-fashion clothing. Among these Seventh Avenue design houses are Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Nautica, Armani, Ralph Lauren/Polo Sport and Boss. These companies hope to improve their market share through the introduction of new product lines together with massive marketing promotion.

Manufacturers of activewear are updating their offerings in an attempt to ward off the growing competition posed by such designers as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. This new approach is expected to be reflected in the exhibits of such activewear specialists as Crunch Menswear and Ocean Pacific. The approach strives to enable wearers to project an active image, even if they did not live active lifestyles., NEW YORK -- As more and more designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren continue to penetrate the activewear market, active companies are fighting back with updated lines giving [...]

Manufacturers of activewear are planning to increase their production of clothing for women golfers a growing market. Jockey International Inc., Nicole Miller Inc. and Reebok Golf are among the companies that plan to sell their products in clothing and department stores as well as golf shops, where women's gear may be relegated to the back of the store. Also gearing up to enter the market for women's golf wear are Nike Inc. and Adidas AG., NEW YORK -- Most people watching the current women's golf tour have their eyes on Kelli Kuehne, the reigning U.S. and British women's amateur champion. Vendors of golf apparel, however, [...]

The reemergence of classic fashion trends in conjunction with Tiger Woods' victory at the Masters tournament is propelling golf apparel into becoming one of the best selling men's sportswear categories. High-end category specific brands such as Supreme International, Lacoste, Ashworth, and Cutter and Buck are competing with more generic sportswear companies such as Haggar and Hugo Boss as well as several private label brands from retailers such as Federated Department Stores and Nordstrom to harness this surge in golf apparel sales., Five or six years ago, times were so good in the golf business that if you weren't making money, you should simply find another line of work. Or so it [...]

Many companies in the activewear business sign sports personalities to promote their products and sponsor players in major sporting events to give their products visibility and credibility with the public. All segments of the industry participate, noting that when athletes wear their products on the field, it gives wide exposure to these products and lends authenticity to their use. Among the companies that spend heavily on such promotions are Fila, Nike and Reebok., NEW YORK (FNS) - In the world of activewear, there's nothing like signing an athlete to an exclusive endorsement deal to build up and add authenticity to a company's brand. [...]

Better specialty stores and men's clothing stores such as Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Glik Stores are increasing their offerings of highly functional and technical sportswear and accessories. Fashion designers such as David Chu, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have launched performance accessories and polyester fleece collections including mufflers, scarves, caps, sport bags, sport-specific footwear, hosiery and eyewear. FilaSport, Mossimo and FreeStyle U.S.A. also offer sportswear items made of outerwear-inspired fabrics and a wide assortment of performance-related items., NEW YORK (FNS) -- Performance accessories are going mainstream. Highly functional items like nylon weather-resistant bags, diving watches and Polarfleece cold-weather gear have been available in specialty sporting goods stores [...]

The Mambo surfing clothing company has decided to expand into the international sales scene with the grand opening of new stores in London and new licensees in the US. The store and company managers feel that freestanding stores will better explain and display the entire line of Mambo clothing products than separate licenses for outlet stores. The London shop will offer t-shirts, women's wear, watches, hats and other accessories, and children's clothing., SYDNEY, Australia - Mambo, the irreverent Australian surfwear label that has revolutionized the Australian surfwear market over the past 10 years, is set to make waves in the U.S. and [...]

The number of companies dealing in golf apparel is expanding rapidly as the popularity of golf increases. Golf shirt manufacturers and retailers are trying to distinguish themselves from rival companies by experimenting with new designs and fabrics, opening specific display and sales areas, and marketing their products through superior service and attractive packaging. The boom in golf knit shirt sales has been accompanied by an increase in golf bottom sales and especially of golf shorts., NEW YORK - The golf knit shirt business is booming in both the green-grass channel of distribution and department stores, due in large part to the rising popularity of golf [...]

Footwear makers are spending a total of over $100 million on advertising linked to the Olympics, although many executives agree that such promotions may not significantly boost sales. Nike Inc, Reebok International, Adidas America and Fila Holdings are launching major campaigns to market red, white and blue merchandise. Several companies which are Olympic sponsors are discussed in addition to firms, such as Nike, which are not official sponsors but are hoping to capitalize on consumers' enthusiasm., ATLANTA -- It is the grandaddy of all sporting events. When the Centennial Olympic Summer Games open in Atlanta on July 19, the tense competitive dramas are sure to grab [...]

Polo Jeans Co, a new firm founded by Ralph Lauren, just opened its first showroom for women's jeans at 575 Madison Ave, New York, NY. Shipments of the line, which includes fleece and sportswear based on denim, will begin Aug 1, 1996 to around 600 stores. The basic jeans will compete with Calvin Klein and Guess and are priced at $48. Sales of $300 million are eventually expected, although results for the first year were not projected., NEW YORK -- 'It's very interesting to be out there on every level,' said Ralph Lauren as he toured the floor of the new Polo Jeans Co. showroom at 575 [...]

Designer and collection menswear firms attribute their extraordinary sales and earnings growth in 1995 to their customer-oriented focus, their unique brands and image and an exciting presentation at the retail level. In addition, they do not generally compete on price, because more affluent customers are not as affected by the current US economic climate as those shopping at department stores. Designer firms, therefore, concentrate on high-quality, high-fashion items that carry an identifiable image, and they market them relentlessly., NEW YORK -- Thanks to bang-on product, inviting shop concepts and compelling, relentless advertising, many designer sportswear and collection firms are defying the dismal apparel market and reporting annual sales [...]

Manufacturers of jeanswear are expecting that rethinking their marketing efforts will improve sales and customer loyalty in 1996. Guess Inc. plans on restricting the distribution of their jeans, and will also expand its product line. Lee is planning a big advertising effort centered around the 1996 Summer Olympics Levi Strauss jeans for women division reported a 33.5% rise in sales during the 3rd qtr 1995., NEW YORK - For the jeans crowd, growth isn't coming easy anymore. Denim manufacturers are finally seeing a dip in their numbers after three or four go-go years when, it [...]

Women's sportswear designers for the bridge and designer markets are planning their strategies now for 1996, including aggressively pursuing affluent consumers. Expansion of product lines overseas has encouraged many companies to increase their production for 1996, and are predicting 20-30% growth on the year. Many companies are still fighting for market share, and some, such as Donna Karan and Escada, are opening early to catch customers willing to pay more for designer clothing., NEW YORK - As retail continues to shift, manufacturers in the bridge and designer markets look for new territories for expansion. Not everyone has the same approach. For Ralph Lauren, [...]

Western-style jeans remain distinctly different from their non-western counterparts, and extremely popular in some areas of the US. The jeans' differences are marketed as prime attractions, including changes made for horse riders such as longer inseams and snugger backsides. Colored denim had been popular for some years, and seems to be fading in favor of blue, black, and some bi-color jeans. One popular western look are jeans without back pockets, to better display, according to retailers, women's butts., DALLAS -- Some of the biggest names in jeanswear don't carry much clout with rodeo gals and country music fans. These women like their jeans high-waisted, overly long and tight [...]

The surf style, featuring retro looks such as madras, stripes, classic logos, and earth tones, is back, to the benefit of specialty surf shops. North Hollywood, CA's Val Surf, in reaction to the mainstream surf look that was prominent starting in 1989, is offering a more subtle look featuring earth tones, plain colors, and retro influences. The marketing activities of four other surf shops are discussed., After a downturn in the late Eighties, the surf business is riding the waves again, touting retro looks like Fifties- and Sixties-inspired stripes and madras, earth tones and classic logos. [...]

The advent of the casual clothes at work trend has lead to increased sales and product lines for manufacturers of casual slacks and trousers. Most manufacturers are offering softer constructions and fabrics for their customers in 1995, expecting sales to account for as much as 20% of total volume. Some makers are mixing their casual and sportswear lines, using fabrics commonly found in weekend wear in their FridayWear lines. Executives expect that business will be steady as long as men are concerned and uncertain about what to wear., NEW YORK -- Dress slacks aren't so dressy anymore now that FridayWear has invaded every part of the men's wear business. Not only are tailored dress slacks softer and fuller, [...]

Western clothing manufacturers believe that their market share has begun to dwindle after the recent boom. Manufacturers foresee market share going to larger and more established companies at the expense of smaller ones. Some retailers believe that improved information systems can improve consumer awareness and purchase of key items. Others attribute the slowdown to a combination of the economy and the expected glut after the immediate surge in western clothing purchases during 1992 and 1993., NEW YORK -- There's a battle being waged in the Western wear industry -- a battle for market share. Business has been sluggish for some time now and retailers and [...]

Fans of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding have several outlets in southern California from which to buy both their technical clothing and their streetwear. Owners of these stores, which go by such names as Adrenalin and Val Surf, say that vendors that have broadened their selection to include streetwear are doing best. The success of these stores highlights the fact that clothing is intimately connected to lifestyle for many young people in the area., LOS ANGELES - For many young men in southern California, their lifestyles dictate what they wear. And for those who follow the 'three S's - surf, skate and snow,' there [...]

The spring 1995 International Sports Equipment Fair in Munich, Germany, featured clothing for snowboarding and hiking, which are expected to increase the market for ski wear. Sport clothing manufacturers showed loose jackets and baggy pants in durable fabrics such as Polartec fleece and Cordura. Products described include the men's sports collection from Ride Snowboard Inc, an American company that wants to increase sales in the European market., Munich, Germany (FNS) - The spring ISPO here was more than ever all about the great outdoors. The hot sports at the four-day International Sporting Goods Show, which closed Feb. [...]

Women in the 1990s long for fashion that is more comfortable, and that can be worn for more than one occasion. Activewear manufacturers are responding by creating new categories of dress, but retailers are slow to catch on to marketing implications. Department stores focus on sport themes when marketing apparel, and sporting goods stores play up activewear's technical advantage. Activewear manufacturers are finding more ways to sell their merchandise., Retailers try on a new way of outfitting women The sight of Florence Griffith-Joyner flashing across the finish line during the 1988 Summer Olympics one long fingernail at a time [...]

Coffee is fashionable. While the fashion of coffee is changing to darker roasts and milk enriched espresso based beverages, the fashion of dress is following the national love affair with [...]

Lately, sports apparel has been one of the bright spots at retail. According to figures from the NPD's study of consumer purchases, women's sports apparel was up 11 percent in [...]

The National Sporting Goods Assn survey for 1992 found that the popularity of outdoor sports has increased tremendously with bicycling ranked third in popularity with 54.6 million participants, in-line skating ranked 27th with 9.7 million participants and hiking ranked in the top 30s. Rollerblade is marketing skating clothes that include large t-shirts, canvas shorts and mesh jersey tops. Hiking clothing includes hiking shorts, camp shirts and vests with numerous buttoned and zippered pockets., NEW YORK -- 'Just Do It,' Nike says. And Americans are -- only increasingly they're doing it outside. Some of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. today are those that [...]

Boys might want to 'be like Mike,' but every little girl at Hill's Gymnasium in Gaithersburg, Maryland, wants to be like Dominique - Dominique Dawes, one of six female gymnasts [...]

A drop in sales of casual clothes for young misses has prompted department store retailers to cut prices and to center their marketing thrust on popular items. Spring 1992 figures have actualized expected sales gains, and at least a 5% increase in sales is predicted for autumn. Aside from lowering the prices of basic leisure wear, fashion merchandisers have capitalized on innovative designs to encourage consumers to shell out more money for quality goods. Value-pricing of clothing essentials has also affected manufacturers, boosting sales in certain product categories.

In Addition Manufacturers and importers who showed during the recent Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) show had something special up their fashion sleeves. Whether it was expanding an [...]

NEW YORK -- It's getting tougher for tenniswear marketers to serve up an ace in the court of endorsements from the sport's elite athletes. That's largely because in America's increasingly [...]