The NBA Champion Miami HEAT have been named the 2006 Team Retailer of the Year by the National Basketball Association for their successful merchandise sales during the 2005-2006 NBA season. The HEAT is the first two-time winner of the award, which has been given annually since 2002 to highlight the accomplishments of team merchandise sales and operations. The award recognizes the NBA’s most successful merchandising operations in the categories of arena, internet and external sales, customer shopping experience, merchandise presentation and licensee support.

Sales success was driven by creative fan apparel items in both men’s and women’s styles, as well as a broad selection of non-apparel and hardgood items. The HEAT implemented unique promotional campaigns such as the “White Hot” playoff program, “Crazy Andy” items of the game, and the “Miami Floridians” Hardwood Classic Nights themed programs to help drive sales.

The HEAT also expanded their “Miami Hoops Gear” store to two additional Miami area locations (three outside locations total – Dolphin Mall, Sawgrass Mills, Dadeland Mall) that lead to a 175% increase in sales over the prior season. The three outside retail shops complement the flagship store at AmericanAirlines Arena and the online store at www.miamihoopsgear.com

“The Miami HEAT have once again demonstrated their ability to effectively merchandise, sell, and market a wide assortment of products in-arena, online, and in the local marketplace” said Brian Keegan, NBA Senior Director of Licensing and Team Retail Development. “Their innovative retail merchandising and marketing practices, as well as their ability to provide superior customer service to fans, makes them a deserving repeat recipient of this award.”

“The Miami HEAT are thrilled to be named Team Retailer of the Year for the second time in five years. Thanks to the efforts of “Crazy” Andy Montero and his team of dedicated retailers, we are able to provide a great shopping experience to HEAT fans here in South Florida and worldwide and execute successful marketing and retail-driven promotions like the “White Hot” playoff campaign” said Michael A. McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Miami HEAT.