Hot New Products for the College Market
T-shirts, hats, and fleece have traditionally been the staple of college fans to show their affinity to a particular collegiate institution. While those items are still big sellers in the college market, consumers are demanding more innovative ways to show their school spirit.
Collegiate licensed products are now lifestyle products. College logos can be found in kitchens, bedrooms, offices, and patios around the country, not to mention game rooms and tailgate parties. The collegiate licensed product industry has become a cradle to grave industry with alumni passing on the tradition through baby and infant products, to the ultimate fan farewell through collegiate-themed coffins and urns.
As the demand for college merchandise grows, the challenge is on the manufacturer to come up with new and exciting products to showcase college logos.
Non-apparel collegiate products, such as Rally Face, now account for more than 38 percent of all annual CLC Consortium royalties. Domestics, housewares, gifts and novelties, furniture, and home furnishings are some of the company’s premier product categories experiencing tremendous growth. The products come in all shapes, sizes and prices points, and can be found anywhere from online retailers to high-end luxury department stores.
“The collegiate market has products that fit the tastes of almost any consumer,” said Kit Walsh, SVP of Marketing for the Collegiate Licensing Company. “Licensees have shown a lot of creativity in recent years in trying to capture this new demand brought on by the collegiate shopper.”
Wendt adds, that once you have an idea for a new or unique product you must be committed to developing the product, and overcome all obstacles in your way. And according to Wendt, the old saying holds true when it comes to bringing your product to market “the harder you work the luckier you get.”
Unique Collegiate Products in the Marketplace this Fall
(Many of these products were featured on Fox TV’s Good Day Atlanta Show)
Scoreboards – Save time to cheer for your favorite team with this LED readout scoreboard. Cleverly displays time, temperature, and date on a team-themed display board. Ideal for game room, bar, and family room, but also weatherproofed for outdoor use. Visit http://www.teamsportsamerica.com for additional information.
Battleheads - At the pep rally, the tailgate party, the game, or celebrating the victory with friends, Battleheads are a true way to show your team spirit. And, the collectible figurines are great for the dorm room, office, TV room or a perfect gift. Visit http://www.battleheads.com for additional information.
Rally Face – Be the #1 fan! Rally Face lets the casual game goer get their game face on without the hassle and mess of make-up. Visit http://www.rallyface.com for additional information.
Whitman Publishing’s Football Vault™ Books - Whitman Publishing’s Football Vault™ books combine the thrill of opening a time capsule with the excitement of watching today’s gridiron action. Learn about your team’s early history, relive the glory days, scrimmage with your favorite players, and celebrate every steamrolling win. These big, full-color books are packed with engaging text and insider stories. And each volume is loaded with replicas of team collectibles: old tickets, game programs, vintage photos, pennants, and other rarely seen memorabilia. It’s better than a season pass and an autographed jersey all rolled into one! Visit http://www.collegevaultbooks.com or wwwfor additional information.
The “Original” Grill Pad Collegiate Edition - The “Original” Grill Pad Collegiate Edition is the perfect solution to the unwanted byproducts of outdoor grilling: grease, barbecue sauce, and unidentifiable stains that somehow find their way on your deck or patio surface! A patented flexible fiber cement pad, available in three sizes and five lifestyle compatible colors is now available as a licensed collegiate product. Visit http://www.grillpad.com for additional information.
Fire Pit/Cooler/Grill - This wonderful product is a great centerpiece for all your outdoor needs. Whether you are tailgating with friends or sitting back relaxing in your backyard, you will love this product. Don’t be the last fan without one! Visit http://www.landmann-usa.com/ for additional information.
Collegiate Kids Recliner – This easy to clean recliner has a sitting and a reclining position with a cup holder built into the arm. It is made of soft and cleanable backed micro fiber suede fabric with poly cushions with a Dacron fiber wrap attached for neat appearance. Each recliner has a sturdy engineered hardwood frame with a steel reclining mechanism and features team colors with decorative secondary fabric color on the arm and contrast welt. Visit http://www.blsports.com/ for additional information.
Glidden Team Colors - The Home Depot and Glidden Paints have teamed up to create the perfect game plan. Now, you can bring the excitement of your team's colors to a den, recreation room, bedroom, or home office. Choose from several schools. Visit http://www.mostcolorfulfan.com/ for additional information.
Collegiate Bed-in-a-Bag - Turn your dorm room or bedroom into sports central! All Bed-in-a-Bag kits come in your favorite colorful college logos and include a logo comforter, pillowcase, pillow sham, dust ruffle, and flat and fitted sheet. Visit http://www.logochairs.com/ for additional information.
Collegiate Stationery – Noteworthy Collections is now stocking note pads, note cards, gift boxes and correspondence cards for over 26 universities with an additional 30 schools in the pipeline. Visit http://noteworthyonline.com/ for additional information.
Sports Spuds – For over 50 years, fans of all ages have loved this character. Now Mr. Potato Head toys have ventured into collegiate licensed goods. Sport Spuds collectables have been a hit as a sports giveaway at games across the country, and they are now available at a store near you. Please visit http://www.sports-spuds.com/ for additional information.