Marketplace Roundup

Nuggets Sell Several Hundred Chris Andersen T-Shirts A Game

In Denver, Benjamin Hochman reported the Nuggets debuted a T-shirt of F Chris Andersen at their team stores five weeks ago, and "in the past two weeks they've come out with youth sizes and women's cuts, in five different colors." Nuggets Dir of Consumer Products Bill McAdoo: "We've sold several thousands of these T-shirts, and we sell several hundred a game. As fast as we print them, I've had to triple the orders" (DENVER POST, 5/9).

PEDAL TO THE METAL: Cyclist Lance Armstrong said that he has "already been approached by sponsors keen to back his Astana team" should it fold after the Giro d'Italia, which is currently underway. Armstrong: "Considering the economy and considering global sports sponsorships, it's a tough climate. You're not going to find one in a week and say, 'By the way, we need [$10M], please come on (board).' They don't jump that quick" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 5/8).

BREAK ME OFF A SLICE: In Toronto, Lisa Wright reported Toronto-based Pizza Pizza is offering a free slice of pizza to fans at Blue Jays games when the Jays "rack up seven strikeouts or more in a Friday, Sunday or holiday Monday game." The club has hit the mark in "three out of four eligible occasions" this season, and Pizza Pizza VP/Marketing Pat Finelli "calls the promotion a 'win-win' situation, because it means the chain gets to pitch its brand to the Rogers Centre multitudes." However, attendance has averaged just 20,000 for the three games when the pizza has been won (TORONTO STAR, 5/9).

BEST FOOT FORWARD: LaCrosse Footwear has entered into an agreement to acquire END Footwear for approximately $500,000. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the month (LaCrosse).