Team Insight

It's hot up top and team dealers are riding the fashion and performance trends. By Judy Leand TEAM HEADWEAR FIRST UP: At e Game, national sales manager Chad Kennedy, says, "We have only seen increases in headwear sales. Headwear is the universal team item that is in demand no matter the sport. e big focus is on baseball, but almost all sports have an in-game need. Even if they don't have that on-field need, it is one of the main items for fans and team stores, as well." According to Kennedy, headwear is mostly a team sale, but the growth of online team stores allows for more individual sales of some items. "Dealers that take advantage of that opportunity allow for incremental sales that can help grow the headwear category for them," he says. Regarding style trends, Kennedy says that "we are seeing more creativity within uniforms spilling over to head- wear in design and color. We initially introduced the first caps that we are sublimating, so we can color-match any PMS." For Fall '24 and Spring '25 e Game began sublimating special patterns or designs on those styles. Looking ahead, Kennedy sees opportunities in fanwear and booster clubs. "Team deal- ers do a great job with coaches and getting their team needs met, but all teams have some opportunities to make money for their programs by selling to parents and fans. ere are early buy incentives that could be taken advantage of at the time you are getting that team order. is is a big growth op- portunity," he says. " NEXT AT BAT: Cap America, which is also experiencing growth. "e demand for our team head- wear assortment continues to increase and many customers are just beginning to recognize Cap America as a leader in on-field team headwear," says national sales manager Carter Newman. "Our partnership with Flexfit has allowed us to promote a top-of-the-line product assortment, suitable for any level of player from recreational leagues to high schools and colleges. We expect to reach record growth levels in 2025 and are building inven- tory to support it." In Newman's experience, headwear is both a team and an individual sale. "Typically, on-field headwear is a team purchase ordered and shipped together. Caps in general, not specific to a uniform purchase, will be sold individually by dealers and retailers at events, fundraisers, or via web stores," he explains. "In many cases, teams will now purchase multi- ple hats for each season. Home and away caps are extremely popular, as well as options for military appreciation or causes benefitting those in need." For 2025, Cap America's 22 • Team Insight ~ January/February 2025 teaminsightmag.com Photo: Cap America HAT TRICKS HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS — THE TEAM HEADWEAR CATEGORY IS HOT. NEED PROOF? JUST ASK A FEW VENDORS AND DEALERS ACROSS AMERICA.

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