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focus includes a mixture of performance Stretch Fit and snapback options, as well as an expanded color selection in its top-selling perforated back i8503 on-field style. Brown, cream, natural and camo color- ways are all trending, according to Newman. Cap America doesn't foresee any major supply chain issues in the near future. "For us, the key is to continue delivering custom decorated headwear in one to two weeks, every time guaranteed and our domestic operation is built for speed with over 550 embroidery heads running 24 hours a day, six days a week," says Newman, who adds that the biggest opportuni- ties lie in its ability to prove this time and time again. ON DECK: "We saw increased demand in 2024 and are already seeing that trend continue in 2025," says Richardson sales director/ team Todd Bradney. "e col- lege and high school markets remain stable. e demand in the travel ball space is strong given their appetite for regular on-field, alternate and special event caps." Bradney notes that teams are typically buying one to two caps per player, plus caps for coaches and parents. Moreover, caps remain primarily a team pur- chase and the company's sales in the team space "are driven by preferences for authentic on- field headwear." Bradney also calls attention to the fanwear space with on-trend features such as ropes and perforation. Bradney reports that there have been minimal disrup- tions in the supply chain as the company has ramped up for Spring. "Our inventory posi- tion in our top-selling on-field models remains strong. We've also increased our inventory commitment in key models and colors across product lines," he says, adding that "the biggest challenges lie in managing labor costs and scaling production to keep pace with growing demand." Team Dealers Like It Hot For team dealers, the news is also positive for team headwear. "Inventory is available and there are no issues," reports Michael Bodart, owner of Hoosier Sporting Goods in Columbus, IN. "We sell more to businesses, but on the team side it's more of an organiza- tion sale [rather than selling to individuals]. "We're growing because we've picked up more organizations," he adds. "e coming year will hold steady with high school and travel teams buying mainly on-field baseball hats. Some teams are buying three hats for every kid, but two is pretty much the rule." Popular now is trucker mesh, decorated with embroi- dery, cloth patches and leather patches. At Jack Pearl's Sports Center in Battle Creek, MI, owner Keith Manning has been successfully managing demand. "We use three to four vendors, which allows for faster turnaround with custom caps. e turnaround now is about four weeks, which helps us sell more," he says. "Lots of companies have deals such as 'buy two dozen, get one dozen free,' which prompts THE TEAM HEADWEAR COLLECTION FOR 2025 FROM THE GAME. teaminsightmag.com January/February 2025 ~ Team Insight • 23

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