Hot New Products for Fall 2011
As students head back to school and the college football season kicks off, fans everywhere are getting their tailgate gear and best college paraphernalia ready to show their team spirit. Every year, there are new product ideas and manufacturers joining the $4.3 billion retail market for collegiate merchandise, all vying to capture the attention of the more than 172 million college sports fans.
The Collegiate Licensing Company works with nearly 3,000 licensed manufacturers across the country to help collegiate institutions get their branded merchandise to market. Here is a highlight of some of the top officially licensed college products coming to a store near you this fall:
My Pillow Pets by Fabrique
Last year the Collegiate Snuggie was the craze, but this season it’s the college version of Pillow Pet. Available at JCPenney, Walmart, and various other retail outlets, this item will sell for around $30 and is available for 55 schools.
Maui Jim Sunglasses
As the number-one selling polarized sunglasses in the U.S., Maui Jim projects 60,000 collegiate units will be sold in its first year in the market. The company is currently licensed for 11 schools including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas, with more to come later this fall. The logoed shades, which retail for $169-$179, are sold at Sunglass Hut, bookstores, sporting goods stores, and more.
Cowboy Boots from Justin
These cowhide and ostrich boots come with laser-engraved logos and are sold in high-end cowboy outfitters, online retailers and some bookstores. Justin debuted in 2009 with 25 schools but is expected to expand its license agreement to 40 colleges and universities by the end of this year.
Youth Team Uniforms by Holloway Sportswear
Holloway is launching its baseball and softball collection this fall with 32 schools and has plans to extend to basketball and football in the future. This initiative is a unique way to court the next generation of fans and also bring additional exposure to institutions, which can help grow revenue and drive sales of other licensed products.
Hello Kitty by Top Line Screen Printing
This new apparel line combines the classic Hello Kitty logos with some of the country’s best college brands in a collection featuring youth girls’ and women’s T-shirts, along with youth girls’ hoodies and cheer skirts. The new collection is currently available at department stores, fan shops, and bookstores across the nation. Over the next six months, the co-branded program is slated to make a large appearance at Old Navy and will include toddler, youth, and women’s T-shirts.
Dri-Duck Apparel
This work wear and performance apparel product, which rolled out with 12 schools, is targeted to male consumers age 18-60 that have a diverse interest in outdoor activities. These outerwear items are available in farm and fleet, sporting goods, western, outdoor, specialty, and department stores.