Fresno State Univ. is "on pace to shatter records at the cash register" with retail sales of school merchandise projected to gross more than $11M in the fiscal year that will end in June, according to Bryant-Jon Anteola of the FRESNO BEE. The school since July has "seen a 41% growth in sales -- the third-largest boost in the nation" among FBS schools represented by Collegiate Licensing Co. Only Texas A&M, aided by QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, and Louisville, which "won the men's basketball national championship, have seen larger increases." However, the school "still is far from joining the nation's top-selling brands," as it was 58th nationally and third among Mountain West Conference institutions. But Fresno State has "caught the attention of retailers this fall and more are carrying Bulldogs merchandise in the central San Joaquin Valley and beyond." The school's peak merchandise sales came in '08-09, when it had $10.75M in sales "aided by the baseball team's national championship." The school beyond winning on the field has "helped grow its brand and sales by building relationships with companies, developing them as licensed vendors and encouraging them to offer a diverse collection of Fresno State merchandise." The school's total number of licensed vendors "has grown from 75" in '00 to 175 currently. Fresno retailer Sports Station GM Jill Crecelius said the school is "by far" the store's most popular college brand. She estimated that sales of Fresno State apparel "have at least tripled since August." Fresno State Sales & Licensing Coordinator Clarence Chiong "tries to be cautious when it comes to approving new products for the school's name or logo to be attached to, nixing ideas such as Fresno State poker chips or beer" (FRESNO BEE, 11/21).
