UO Sports Product Management Master’s Program’s Post

【Why is the Cap Brand ’47, which has Grown from Wagon Sales to Officially Licensed by MLB, so Popular?】 The brand '’47', which was born in Boston, America in 1947, now has a strong presence among competing cap brands. This article tells the story of how a brand, which started with wagon sales near Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, grew into an official licensee of MLB. Alongside revisiting the not-so-well-known history of '47, I interviewed Taizo Date, the brand's general manager, to introduce their product line and to understand why it has been so popular among young people. ...please read the continuation of this article here. Article link 🔗 #Fashiontechnews #Cap #Fashion '47 https://lnkd.in/gQuA2hir

Why is the Cap Brand ’47, which has Grown from Wagon Sales to Officially Licensed by MLB, so Popular? The brand '’47', which was born in Boston, America in 1947, now has a strong presence among competing cap brands. This article tells the story of how a brand, which started with wagon sales near Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, grew into an official licensee of MLB. Alongside revisiting the not-so-well-known history of '47, I interviewed Taizo Date, the brand's general manager, to introduce their product line and to understand why it has been so popular among young people. ...please read the continuation of this article here. Article link 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gQuA2hir

【Why is the Cap Brand ’47, which has Grown from Wagon Sales to Officially Licensed by MLB, so Popular?】 The brand '’47', which was born in Boston, America in 1947, now has a strong presence among competing cap brands. This article tells the story of how a brand, which started with wagon sales near Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, grew into an official licensee of MLB. Alongside revisiting the not-so-well-known history of '47, I interviewed Taizo Date, the brand's general manager, to introduce their product line and to understand why it has been so popular among young people. ...please read the continuation of this article here. Article link 🔗 #Fashiontechnews #cap '47 https://lnkd.in/gQuA2hir

👟 New Balance is proving that when it comes to athlete partnerships, less is truly more, according to Tuesday's discussion at the 2024 CEO Summit hosted by the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center - The Wharton School - US. Their "fewer, bigger, better" approach focuses on deep collaboration and authentic storytelling, and it's paying off. 🏀 By carefully selecting top athletes like Cameron Brink and Coco Gauff, New Balance is building genuine connections with Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. Their strategic approach includes: 📊 In-depth athlete analysis: Two years of watching Brink play and analyzing her social media impact before signing. 📈 Data-driven results: A 22% lift in engagement on posts featuring Brink, and valuable product feedback. 📣 Amplification through leagues: Leveraging athlete partnerships to secure broader deals like their recent multiyear partnership with the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association). 💡 This "athlete-first" strategy highlights the power of authentic storytelling and strategic partnerships in reaching new audiences and driving brand growth. Read all about it in Shoshy Ciment's insightful Footwear News article here: https://lnkd.in/epGD9gUv #NewBalance #AthletePartnerships #MarketingStrategy #Authenticity #WNBA #CameronBrink #CocoGauff #GenZ

JD Sports has just announced its acquisition of Hibbett Sports, subject to regulatory approval. With $4.1B in sales, JD Sports will more than double its retail locations in the US sports retail market. However, the company still has some catching up to do with Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. The $1.1B acquisition is a bold move, and JD has its work cut out for itself to improve product margins and achieve ROI. It will be interesting to watch how the company navigates product pricing moves and potential supply chain synergies gained. #JDSports #HibbettSports #SportsRetail #Acquisition #BusinessGrowth

In the fast-paced world of athletics and marketing, collaborations between iconic figures and brands have the power to transcend mere sponsorship agreements. The recent partnership between track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson and global beverage brand Sprite is a testament to this transformative potential, inspiring a new generation of trailblazers. At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to authenticity, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression. Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her electrifying speed on the track and her unapologetic embrace of individuality, embodies the spirit of breaking barriers and defying expectations. Her journey, marked by triumphs and challenges alike, serves as a powerful narrative of perseverance in the face of adversity. Likewise, Sprite, with its legacy of championing authenticity and celebrating diverse voices, emerges as the perfect partner to amplify Richardson's message of empowerment. Joining forces allows them to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change on and off the track. In today's world, consumers crave authenticity. They seek brands and personalities that are genuine, transparent, and unafraid to speak their truth. As authenticity continues to reign supreme, partnerships should be built on shared values in order to be more impactful than ever. #marketingstrategy #empowerment #brandpartnerships #shacarririchardson #spritecampaign #authenticmarketing #brandcollaboration

DICK'S Sporting Goods has kicked off the year with a bang, reporting a robust first quarter marked by a 6.2% increase in net sales to $3.02 billion, and a notable 5.3% rise in comparable-store sales, well above expectations. Despite a slight dip in net income, the company outperformed earnings estimates with $3.30 per share. This growth was fueled by increased transactions and higher average ticket values, showcasing the strong demand and loyalty from athletes. The expansion of the House of Sport experiential store concept and a well-curated product pipeline from top brands like Nike have been pivotal in driving this success. With the company raising its full-year outlook and expecting continued robust demand, it's clear that strategic initiatives and a commitment to innovation are paying off. Kudos to Lauren Hobart, Ed Stack, and the entire Dick’s team for their exceptional performance! What are you doing to drive higher foot traffic? How are you leveraging innovation to drive differentiation in your assortment? Let cda Ventures LLC help shape your strategies and drive transformational growth! #RetailSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #SportsIndustry #DicksSportingGoods

JD Sports, Foot Locker and Dick's reported 2Q trading in recent weeks. All reported to LSD/MSD LFL's (JD +2.4%, FL +2.6%, Dick's +4.5%) on softer comps than 1Q, maintained FY guidance and inventory seems reasonable. The US premium market seems strong with JD N America +5.7%, Foot Locker US +5.9% (offset by lower tier Champs and WSS) and early comments on Back To School seem cautiously optimistic. There wasn't much help on brands with JD joining Dick's by not commenting (much) on individual brands, and FL somehow implying that just about all partner brands were great or about to improve, especially Nike, where everyone seems very on-message about new ranges. The one notable trend seems to be everyone pushing into premium Lifestyle, which seems to be Dick's new avenue for growth, and a key part of FL's Lace Up plan. Some food for thought for JD Sport as it starts to integrate Hibbett.