Early holiday shopping stats are in.  On "NBR," Paul Kangas
reported that analysts are saying sales for the Thanksgiving
weekend rose 7-8% over last year (PBS, 11/28).  On "Moneyline,"
Lou Dobbs reported that the International Council of Shopping
Centers announced that retail sales on "Black Friday" were 9%
ahead of last year (CNN, 11/28).

     NIKE:  On Wednesday, Braves infielder Fred McGriff and
Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell will dedicate a new P.L.A.Y. court
made from recycled Nike shoes in Atlanta.  This is the sixth U.S.
city this year to have a court donated as part of P.L.A.Y. --
Participate in the Lives of America's Youth, Nike's national
youth sports and fitness initiative (Nike).
     CONVERSE:  The company has introduced a new TV spot created
by Houston Effler Herstek & Favat, for its new Sky Rider
basketball shoe starring Timberwolves forward Isaiah "J.R" Rider
(ADVERTISING AGE, 11/28 issue).
     REEBOK:  Today in Orlando, Reebok endorsers Shaquille
O'Neal, Emmitt Smith and Frank Thomas shoot a TV ad that will air
"globally" -- although Thomas and baseball references will not be
included in European airings (Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY,
11/29).  The company has also introduced a new line of basketball
shoes and apparel built around NBA star Shawn Kemp.  A TV spot by
Leo Burnett began running last week (ADVERTISING AGE, 11/28
issue).

     According to a survey by the Sports Apparel Products
Council, sports apparel -- a $32.2B industry -- "is
revolutionizing the fashion industry and is directly responsible
for trends that affect both sexes spanning all age groups."  Only
8% of the population uses sports apparel strictly for sports or
fitness activities, while 35% of the population wear sports
apparel exclusively for casual wear; 56% use it for both.  Among
other results:  86% of consumers own sports apparel; Teens (13-17
year-olds) represent only 8.9% of all sports apparel wearers, but
account for 29% of sports apparel dollars spent.  Teens own the
most licensed wear, basketball apparel and outdoorwear.  The
average consumer shops for sports apparel 10 times a year and
spends an average of $193/year.  Teens, however, shop for sports
apparel 22.9 times per year and spend an avg. of $311/year.  Men
spend $201/year versus $187 for women.  The top three categories
of sports apparel owned by men are licensed wear (65%), swimwear
(42%) and running wear (36%).  For women, it's swimwear (63%),
followed by licensed wear (45%) and bodywear/aerobic wear (41%).
Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Exec Dir Maria Stefan on
the impact of teens on apparel: "Teens are trendsetters and what
they wear ends up influencing the entire fashion industry"
(SGMA).