The Bulls 70-win chase is over. Now the concern in Chicago
is among retailers worried about getting team merchandise fast
enough. Many Midwest logo graphics companies are working on
similar projects for the Red Wings, who broke the NHL win record
last weekend (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/17)....More from SPORTING
GOODS BUSINESS: Sportmart Exec VP/Merchandising Mark Scott has
three goals in their revamping: to make the goods "sexy," market
to women, and make Sportmart a brand. ... The Sports Authority
has become the first sporting goods chain to surpass $1B in
annual sales. ... 49ers head coach George Seifert has signed a
deal with UT-based Chums Ltd. to wear their eyewear retainers.
... Sports & Recreation Chair and CEO Stephen Bebis, on criticism
of the chain's lack of a cohesive brand name: "We need to develop
an integrated marketing campaign. And if that means we have to
change the name to do that, then we'll do it.". ... The NBA has
created a new playoffs and finals logo, to be incorporated into
point-of-purchase materials (SGB, 4/96 issue)....IMG Senior
Corporate VP Bud Stanner said the Florida Grand Prix of St.
Petersburg will return in '97, despite this year's poor financial
showing (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 4/17)....CMG Worldwide President Darci
Ross on Greg Norman's Masters performance and its impact on
marketing related activities: "I'm sure he would have had a few
more endorsement deals if he had won, but I don't think this hurt
him too much" (THE DAILY)....Nets star Rick Mahorn joins former
Knick Dave Dubusschere as an official spokesperson for The RIGG,
a device that allows users to keep hands free while carrying
athletic balls and gear (NUMAR Tech)....The Boston Athletic
Assoc. and city officials believe the economic impact of the
100th Boston Marathon and expo to have been $140.11M (BOSTON
GLOBE, 4/17)
