Not so surprisingly, traffic was lighter than many exhibitors were hoping for at the SGMA Team Sports & Licensing Shows held June 9-11 in Last Vegas. But some saleable items emerged in the aisles and business got done. One major overall trend was the continued expansion of performance fabrics across all apparel lines, particularly in team uniforms and caps. Many products looked to fill an increasing demand for more customization on both the team and consumer side. Finally, better cuts and looks for the female athlete continue to arrive in the marketplace.
Many participants seemed pleased with how general business has been going so far in 2008, especially those on the team side.
“The sports medicine business is kind of recession proof because parents will do anything to get their kids to that next level,” said Jeff Endres, national sales manager for soccer care for Mueller.
Scott Rydholm, regional sales manager on the team side for Mizuno, likewise believes that the team business is somewhat recession proof.
“The team business has been pretty steady. It's is relatively inexpensive cost to the family budget,” said Rhydholm.
But there were more than a few glum faces as attendance by retailers was scant at the show. Exhibitor presence was also down, with many estimating that about half as many exhibitors attended the show this year compared to last year.
Indeed, many participants agreed that the primary business being done was at the accompanying TAG team dealer show. Among the busier booths at TAG were A4, Alleson Athletic, Cramer Products, Diamond Sports, Easton, Majestic Athletic, Louisville Slugger, Markwort, Mueller, Russell Athletic, Schutt and Worth.
Under Armour had by far the largest presence at TAG, including two adjacent booths for licensees. Moving well beyond its football and lacrosse roots, Under Armour showcased a wide selection of team uniforms and accessories for baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and basketball – with much more extensive offerings for women. Overall apparel collections continued to be tweaked with different colors and stripes, including stylish racer back tanks for women. A particular focus has been making sure seams remain comfortable during play.
One overall major change for Under Armour this year has been the addition of anti-microbial and UPF 30 features across all its lines. Previously, only a few of Under Armour's lines carried these technologies. At the collegiate level, Under Armour now has contracts with Maryland, Auburn, Texas Tech and South Carolina.
Majestic Athletic has likewise expanded its cool-base technology across its team collections, including recently moving into softball jerseys and jackets.
“The players want the same material that they're seeing the professionals wearing on the field,” said Michael Riha, national sales manager for team sports.
Troy Corbin, director of sales for The Game, the cap line acquired by Ashworth four years ago, says performance fabrics and more customization are driving trends in the caps business. A particular focus for The Game has been fast-pitch women's softball.
Customization is also driving sales in team uniforms, according to Bill Legge, Hind's VP of team sport sales. Hind makes volleyball, track & field and swim uniforms.
Schutt Sports is finding particularly strong demand for its Kwik-Release baseball bases both in Little League and, increasingly, adult leagues.
