On the field records are important to every team in the NFL and so are retail sales of team-branded merchandise. Sales of so-called hardline goods (items including housewares, glassware, bedding, jewelry, toys and tailgating items) are vital to teams' year-round revenue streams.
That is why the National Football League, NFL Properties and the Green Bay Packers will host the first ever "NFL Hardlines Retail Expo" in Green Bay, Monday, February 24th through Wednesday, February 26th, 2003.
Representatives from all 32 NFL teams, and key NFL personnel, will be on hand to learn first hand how the Green Bay Packers have become an incredible success in the pro football retail market. The Packers currently rank second in all NFL team sales.
Paul Sparrow, Director of NFL Properties says Green Bay was selected for the expo site because it has a great story to tell. "The Packers organization is recognized as having established a superior model for club retail and marketing," he said. "They have an outstanding, newly reopened Pro Shop, they do a fantastic business on their Web site and with their catalogue sales. We believe all of the NFL teams can learn from what the Packers are doing."
Those attending the event will hear from Packers President Bob Harlan, Executive Vice President & C.O.O. John Jones and Packers Senior Manager of Retail, Kate Hogan. Attendees will also tour the new Packers Pro Shop and Game Day stores, and receive a behind the scenes tour of Lambeau Field, which is in the final stages of a $295-million redevelopment project.
In addition to meeting with key Packers retail personnel, a trade show will be held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, featuring 70 NFL approved vendors. "This is a rare chance for all of us in NFL retail operations to get together, compare notes, learn what works and doesn't work and meet first hand with the vendors we use," explained Hogan.
"While the teams are competitors on the field," said Jones, "we are united in our efforts to make sure the NFL and its franchises stay strong financially. Retail sales are an important component of that effort."
