The Sports Authority last week signaled that it intended to fight for Americas golf dollars as the retailer signed a deal with Hilco TAG, LLC (HTAG), a unit of Hilco Consumer Capital, to become the exclusive retailer in the U.S. for the Tommy Armour, Ram, TearDrop, and Zebra golf brands. Terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.
The exclusive licensing/retailing licensing agreement calls for HTAG and Sports Authority to partner in product design and development as well as merchandising and marketing of all four brands. The agreement's scope encompasses hardgoods, including golf clubs, balls, bags and carts, as well as gloves, footwear, apparel, training aids and both golf-related and non-golf-related accessories and merchandise, such as luggage.
“This is a win-win for Hilco, Sports Authority and the Tommy Armour and RAM brands,” said Jamie Salter, CEO of Hilco Consumer Capital. “We have a major retailer partner that understands their consumers very well and knows how to sell them golf equipment, apparel and other lifestyle products. Our initial role is to help Sports Authority develop the product line, particularly the hardgoods, and provide strategic brand-building direction.”
“Sports Authority and HTAG have mapped out a comprehensive hardgoods product line strategy that positions RAM at an entry level price point to provide quality equipment to beginning golfers,” said David Campisi, president of Sports Authority. “We will then position Tommy Armour at a mid-level price point to provide the more accomplished golfer with a broad range of advanced technology options in irons, metalwoods and hybrids. You can expect softgoods and accessories to follow the same positioning strategy,” added Mr. Campisi.
