Vera Bradley is the latest brand "bursting into the collegiate space" with a new line featuring "five different options for each school: a tote, a backpack, a duffel bag, a cross-body bag and a wristlet," according to Kristi Dosh of FORBES. Through a licensing deal arranged by IMG College and CLC, Vera Bradley "currently has items for Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Ohio State, Stanford, TCU, Tennessee, Texas Tech and USC available for purchase." Women’s handbag designer Dooney & Bourke last year "launched a line of collegiate merchandise" through IMG College and CLC "for 17 schools." After "experiencing early success, the line is expanding to an additional 15 schools this fall" (FORBES.com, 8/12).
VOLUNTEER WORK: Knoxville-based WVLT-TV noted local stores yesterday "started selling" Univ. of Tennessee Nike shoes, and they "sold out within an hour and 20 minutes." The design of the shoe was "sent back to Nike five times in order to get the exact shade of orange." The shoes also "feature the Power T and the classic checkerboard design" (LOCAL8NOW.com, 8/12).
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT: In Birmingham, Mike Herndon notes Alabama and Auburn are "limiting the numbers available on officially licensed jerseys sold in their team shops," joining Ohio State, Miami, Nebraska, Michigan, Mississippi State, Arizona, Duke and UConn. Alabama is "offering only No. 15, a reference to both the current season (2015) and the 15 national championships claimed by the school." Auburn is "offering Nos. 1, 15 and 34, the number worn" by former RB Bo Jackson. Both schools "do also have stock available featuring the numbers" of other former players (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 8/13).
