Marketplace Roundup

Even Yankees Hats A Tough Sell For New Era This Year

In N.Y., Ken Belson notes Buffalo-based New Era's sales are down 10% this year, and the company in the past week laid off 40% of its workers at factories in Alabama and New York "because of low demand." New Era President Peter Augustine: "Even Yankee hats are down despite the year they are having." But industry experts said that this is "only a pause in the hat market, which has more than doubled in the past decade."  Belson notes baseball caps "remain the standard-bearer of the sports apparel market, and New Era, like its competitors, is trying to adapt to changing tastes and tightening purse strings." The company "has been pushing its Authentic line of caps worn by the pros," and sales of "simpler designs, like hats with various solid colors, remain strong." New Era also is "pushing into Japan, China and Europe and expanding its product line" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/27).

LOVING THE LIMELIGHT: In Chicago, Kyle Koster writes IRL driver Danica Patrick is a "face for the sport -- and a willing one." Patrick: "I really take it all in stride and try to do a good job with all of it." But Patrick added fans "don't really get a chance to know the personalities in IndyCar very well." Patrick: "I think that there's a lot of really interesting people that race, but I don't think everyone gets a chance to see that because we don't have enough publicity, have enough drivers with sponsors that get them out there and show a different side of them" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/27).

Puma Inks Deal To Advertise In "Forza Motorsport 3"

IN THE GAME: INCGAMERS.com's Andy Alderson reported Microsoft and Puma have signed a deal to for "prominent Puma branding" in a new computer game, "Forza Motorsport 3." The deal includes a "number of cross promotional initiatives including exclusive Forza preview nights" in selected Puma stores, as well as a "limited edition Forza branded shoe." Alderson noted Puma "makes motorsport footwear and accessories as well as sponsoring racing teams from F1 and MotoGP" (INCGAMERS.com, 8/26).

FANS FROM AFAR: In Atlanta, Alexis Stevens reports some stores around the city are selling Eagles QB Michael Vick's No. 7 jersey, and for some fans, Vick's return to the field tonight "can't come soon enough." Kennesaw, Georgia, Sports Fan-Attic Manager Matt Owen said the store is "having a hard time keeping all the sizes" of Vick jerseys in stock. A shipment of 36 Vick jerseys "hasn't even arrived yet" at the Sports Avenue at Underground Atlanta, but store Manager Tonya Newberry said, "If I had [them] right now, I would probably be sold out" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 8/27)

COME FLY AWAY: Premiere Global Sports (PGS) has signed a deal with the Bears to become the team's official fan travel partner, and has launched "Bears Fan Travel" (PGS).