Acquiring Apparel

By Author: Larry Collins
Total Articles: 4
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Baseball caps, football t-shirts, team flags waving carelessly on cars as they drive by -- sports merchandise is very much a part of the culture of sports today. It is not uncommon for fans to wear team shirts to express support. There are several other options in sports merchandise as well for fans to show their allegiance. One might ask how the sports merchandise industry evolved into the mainstream vehicle it is today.
The emergence of athletes as rock stars contributed to the increase in sales of sports merchandise. Athletes in the past were revered by fans but treated like indentured servants by team owners, making it impossible for them to live a lavish lifestyle. Athletes of today are multi-millionaires and are able to flaunt their luxurious lifestyle. In Ancient Greek aristocrats did not want to be associated with popular sports because it would have lowered their social status. In contemporary times, through the workings of modern media, athletes are elevated to superstar status because of the hype surrounding their abilities to play the game and their off-time ...
... antics. Because kids want to be “like Mike,” they wear basketball tee shirts and shoes that are endorsed by Michael Jordan.
The establishment of teams as viable brands also makes the business of merchandise sales a very good one. Because of the success of teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox of the MLB, the Bears and Cowboys of the NFL, and the Celtics and the Lakers of the NBA, their team logos become staples in many people’s wardrobes. Many fans wear merchandise with NFL team emblems emblazoned on them, everything from hats and scarfs, to shirts and shoes.
Sports teams are always a source of pride for the cities that host them. Cities are very proud to call teams their own, something the entire city can rally around when life is troubling or the economy is struggling. Sometimes, the team becomes part of the cultural identity of the city itself. One can’t mention Pittsburgh without thinking of the Steelers, and as one would expect many Pittsburgh residents can be seen wearing Steeler apparel around town. The good people of Pittsburgh are proud of their hometown team, even when it’s struggling.
The combination of athletes as celebrities, the marketing of teams as brands and the overwhelming support of the citizens for the local team have all contributed to the increase in sports merchandise sales. Fans flock to buy products that proclaim their allegiance and allow them to complete their wardrobes with the colors of their favorite team.