THE DRUM's Tony Connelly noted UFC fighter Conor McGregor has "agreed to an endorsement deal" with Beats by Dre. McGregor's marketing appeal has "grown exponentially since his UFC debut" in '13. His list of sponsors "currently include Monster Energy, Reebok and Bud Light." He has also "worked with Rolls Royce, which gave him a custom made car last year, as well as appearing in the popular videogame series 'Call of Duty'" (THEDRUM.com, 5/28).
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Nationals RF Bryce Harper wore a Memorial Day edition of his Under Armour Harper 2 shoes Saturday. The cleats "pay tribute to military members who have lost their lives in service" with the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and "'Honor the Fallen' imprinted on each side of the camouflage-printed shoe." Harper wore the cleats against the Padres at Nationals Park (BALTIMORESUN.com, 5/28).
GOING FOR GOLD: Walmart and other retailers are attempting to compete with Amazon by "tapping experts to make sure they are stocking the best merchandise." Walmart added Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimmer Nathan Adrian to "offer advice on everything from swim caps to goggles." Walmart said that it will be "hiring hundreds of specialist over the next two months in categories ranging from fishing gear to shoes" (USA TODAY, 5/30).
