More Starter-branded AAF merchandise is set to be released over the course of the seasonGETTY IMAGES
Former NFLer Carl Banks has "spearheaded" the resurrection of the Starter brand, which is "back in the gameday spotlight as the official uniform and sideline attire supplier" for the AAF, according to Jason Munz of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Banks, who is now president of sports apparel licensee G-III Sports, called early sales of Starter's AAF merchandise “very impressive” and said there was a “huge spike” after the opening week of games. He said reorder numbers that Monday were "just shy" of $1M. Throughout much of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Starter was the "leader of a movement unlike any other before it that created a union between sports, entertainment and the American consumer." At its peak, Starter reported sales of more than $350M in '93, before it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in '99. Banks: “From the minute I took over the license (in 2013), my goal was to bring Starter back to prominence. ... Outside of the shoe companies ... it’s still the most iconic brand in all of sports.” Banks and AAF Head of Brand Marc Jacobson said that the league "will continue to roll out more merchandise as the inaugural season continues." Jacobson: "Our goal is to add a piece or two every few weeks. ... We're already planning for next year, and we will be better" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 2/23).
