IMG Worldwide and Brooks Brothers have reached an agreement for a “line of licensed college merchandise,” according to Scott Soshnick of BLOOMBERG NEWS. The partnership, the first of its kind for Brooks Brothers, “allows for the sale of merchandise from 15 schools” -- Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Cornell, Georgetown, Georgia, Harvard, Navy, Notre Dame, NYU, Ohio State, Princeton, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Virginia. The merchandise line is “a vehicle for Brooks Brothers to reach fans of college sports who, according to IMG, earn more money than followers of any professional sport,” including the NFL. Brooks Brothers VP/Strategy & Business Development Karl Haller said, “We have a pretty well-educated customer and there’s a built-in opportunity with alumni who are already our customer base.” Soshnick noted neither Brooks Brothers nor IMG would disclose financial terms of the agreement. The men-only clothing line “will comprise sweaters, dress and polo shirts and ties.” Haller said that Brooks Brothers “plans to add eventually a children’s and women’s line as well.” Merchandise will be available beginning Aug. 15 (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/24).
