Couch Trip: Furniture Store Promotion Gets MLB’s Attention

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Illinois-based Park Avenue Home Furnishings Owner Gary O’Reilly, whose company is offering a full refund for all goods bought March 30—April 29 if the Cubs win the World Series this season, got a letter from MLB indicating that the league is “concerned that he’s not a paid Cubs or MLB sponsor,” according to Laura Petrecca of USA TODAY. In a statement, MLB said it is “taking steps to address the matter.” But O’Reilly said that he was “careful not to infringe on Cubs trademarks and that his print ads make clear that the retailer has no affiliation with MLB or the Cubs.” O’Reilly: “I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing.” Petrecca notes Massachusetts-based Jordan’s Furniture, a Red Sox sponsor, is running a similar promotion around the Red Sox. Both Jordan’s and Park Avenue bought insurance to cover the possible giveaways (USA TODAY, 4/5).