Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1510838
DTC sales and finding a way to grow the busi- ness efficiently. Technology is also top-of-mind. "We're looking for logistics and other solu- tions that are geared to small/medium sized businesses and the challenge is to find the right tech at an affordable price," he says. Soccer Locker's Zighelboim says his main challenge is figuring out how to get uniforms to teams in a timely manner. "Although we do a lot of business with online team stores, it can be difficult because there is no single uniform coordinator, meaning we have to deal with hundreds of parents. Selling direct to parents is an inventory nightmare because we have to have things in stock," he explains. "You sell more products to the parents – such as the mom who buys multiple jerseys and shorts so that she won't have to constantly do laundry – but you also get stuck with more inventory at the end of the selling season if the forecast is wrong. It probably won't happen, but it would be nice if clubs would go back to bulk ordering." Falcone Jr., at DMK Sports, believes the barrier to soccer's growth is that there are so many choices of sports for kids. "ere are a lot of options, from the rec level to travel teams," he says. For his business the challenge is not having access to all of the major brands. For Sinclair, at DuPree Sports and Screenprinting, weather – which in Oklahoma swings from boiling in summer to freezing in winter – is always a challenge, as is online soccer specialty that takes a lot of business away. He also laments, "ere is no MLS team here, meaning that there are no games or players for kids and fans to follow." Nevertheless, most dealers are optimistic about the opportunities, both large and small, that that await. "We are growing our reach and for the past 10 to 20 years we've evolved," says Aubert. "Our online presence is growing and we're expand- ing our footprint beyond Wisconsin — our online business now serves teams in Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa." Falcone Jr. also touts online activity, spe- cifically online team stores. "It's our biggest opportunity to grow since we're mostly a regional business and we currently service four clubs online," he says. At California Pro Sports, Karsh lauds im- proved access to products. "Shoe manufacturers are now offering year-round availability, which is a positive since soccer is played year-round here. Brands including Joma, Lotto, Umbro and Hummel are showing more interest in the team business and are using more local dealers, so it's a positive outlook." Shoes are a big opportunity for Lloyd's Soccer, too. "It's our biggest category at our retail store and on our website," says Walter. "Footwear is what kids want, and they have to replace shoes two to four times a year because they outgrow them." e retailer's online team stores and brick- and-mortar stores are also firing on all cylinders and the dealer is working to improve its website. "Coming off of the pandemic, nobody knew what to expect, but we were cautiously opti- mistic. Business has been really great for the past couple of years and it's aligned well with southern migration. Our business is based on local communities and the growth of those communities." n teaminsightmag.com November/December 2023 ~ Team Insight • 26 TEAM HEADWEAR Custom built. Nike branded. Nike.Teamheadwear.com