NFL Cardinals Apparel Going Fast During Team's Playoff Run

Stores Selling Cardinals Apparel Likely To See Big Boost In Sales

The NFL Cardinals' playoff run has "brought a post-holiday boost" to local businesses "at a time when they continue to grapple with a rough economy," according to Andrew Johnson of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The businesses "likely seeing the biggest boost on a consistent basis are team-apparel stores." Sales of Cardinals gear are "up as much as 60[%] this year" for Arizona-based sports apparel retailer Sports Venture Inc., which operates 17 stores in Arizona under the name Just Sports. Co-Owner Kelly Roberts said that Cardinals jersey sales specifically are "up [40-50%] over last season's sales." Meanwhile, Anthem, Arizona-based Outlets at Anthem Marketing & Special-Events Manager Allison Friedrichs indicated that the shopping mall's Reebok store "sold over 70[%] of its in-stock NFL Cardinals merchandise Monday," the day after the team's overtime win against the Packers in an NFC Wild Card game. Friedrichs in an e-mail said customers "have been buying anything that they can get their hands on, even if it's not their size." Johnson noted sales of Cardinals merchandise have "helped buoy sales in a down economy." But Phoenix-based Fans and Fashionistas co-Owner Chir Kiff said that retailers, "especially smaller ones" such as her store, "have had trouble locating extra inventory because some apparel cut production this year to save money" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/14).

GET YOUR TICKETS: In Phoenix, Mike Sunnucks reported the Cardinals are "seeing an upswing in season ticket demand in the wake of their second straight playoff appearance" and the team's win over the Packers. Cardinals VP/Media Relations Mark Dalton said that the team is "fielding more calls about season tickets and has added staff to meet the demand." Dalton noted that existing season-ticket holders will "have the chance to renew, after which sales staff will contact those" on the team's waiting list. Dalton "did not say how many fans were on the season ticket list" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/13).

LICENSE TO DRIVE: In Phoenix, Bob McManaman reported Cardinals license plates "will be available to Arizonans" beginning January 31 through the state's Motor Vehicle Division. Of the annual $25 plate fee, $17 "will be donated to Cardinals Charities" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/14).