Hunters and Gatherers Unite!
Back when we were living in caves, hunting mastodon with pointy sticks and drawing on walls the hunt was all about survival. We gathered to create stockpiles of sustenance to propagate the species – survival of the fittest. Today… we hunt for the coolest collectibles, the rarest trinket to brag about in circles and e-mail groups... creating a catalog of prized possessions adorned with logos or some unintelligible scrawl from a sports hero. Be it apparel (even the dreaded alternate 3rd jersey replicas) or some bauble that sits on our desks we live for licensed stuff – to prove our allegiance to our tribe, our sports family, our “nation” of fans!
When I was a kid I collected Lego blocks and Hot Wheels (wasn’t much of a Matchbox kid back then). Tons of them! I should have seen the writing on the walls that I’d grow up to be a collector – my wife says “pack rat”. I go on searches for licensed product to support my teams – local sporting goods stores, shops at stadiums or a kiosk outside the gate, the occasional pass at e-Bay. I gotta have my stuff! I have a bit of it here at the office but the bulk is in my “museum” at home or in large hermetically sealed containers in the basement – again, my wife… “If it’s in boxes in the basement why keep it?!” Because I gotta have my stuff! It’s my addiction, like some of you I am sure. My collection is not nearly as extensive as some I’ve seen – but they give me inspiration!
What are the fans looking for to demonstrate their loyalty? What can you collect? Better question might be what CAN’T you get with your team’s logo firmly attached? Besides the obvious tees and hats, beer steins and shot glasses… Plush mascots, just about everything for your grilling experience, hitch and spare tire covers for your ride, bobbles for your antennae, laundry hampers and tooth brushes. You can even pick up a 1:2 scale replica hood with your favorite NASCAR driver's sponsor. Every sport is available whether it be pro or collegiate, even the minors! MLB, NBA, MLS! As a fan myself I am looking for the newest as well as the most eclectic. The odd bobble head, an autographed 8 x 10 of a rare pose of my favorite player, some silly figurine to set on my computer monitor… anything with a story behind it. I am really looking forward to seeing the goods at the SGMA Team Sports and Sports Licensing show in June - need more stories to tell! I gotta have my stuff!!!
See you in June!
fish
Steven Fisher
Buyer Relations Manager
800-947-7873 x 7903
stevenfisher@dmgworldmedia.com
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