EP10 Part 2 | Dressing A Nation - Cristina McAloon, Las Vegas Raiders

S2 E4 | Intelligent Use Of Data, Testing & Benchmarking - Gauthier Vervaeke & Thomas Rypens (Club Brugge)

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In Episode 4 of Season 2, we chat to Gauthier Vervaeke & Thomas Rypens of Club Brugge.

Club Brugge play their football within the Belgian Pro League and regularly within European competitions. With a rich domestic history, they are one of the most successful teams within Belgium.

Within this episode we discuss the club's intelligent use of fan data, testing and benchmarking as they grow their retail operation. With a pioneering approach to commercial strategies and a willingness to listen to their data analysis if they need to pivot, the club set their own high benchmark in terms of their approach.

Driven from the top, the club openly encourage testing to determine their strategic decision making. Consistent testing, measuring and analysing, alongside a smart tech-stack, intelligent use of digital solutions and true fan engagement are all helping to revolutionise the retail business unit.

Hear how the club have;

• brought together leading European clubs to form an alliance under the Gamechangers eCommerce banner
• introduced AI within their eCommerce operation
• asked fans to suggest and create their own merchandise ideas through the 'Shape Our Club' campaign
• allowed one of their own junior fans to realise the dream of a lifetime!

In partnership with Streaker Sports, the official podcast sponsor of That Sports Merch Podcast. Check out www.streakersports.com and use code SPORTSMERCH15 for 15% off site-wide.

Support the Show.

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

S2 E3 | Standing Out In A Crowded Space - Pete Lucchesi & Cory Fahey (Streaker Sports)

In Episode 3 of Season 2, we chat to Pete Lucchesi & Cory Fahey - Creative Director & Co-Owners of Streaker Sports.
Streaker Sports are a young start-up with some serious USP's, operating in a very crowded space within US-sports apparel supply and manufacture. Dedicated to telling the unique stories of sports culture, with their own unique vintage style, they're starting to find some great traction in a number of US markets. We hear how the first years have been for Streaker, and how staying true to themselves is a core part of allowing them to stand out from the crowd.
We discuss the unique appeal of their vintage collections, as well as their focus on a number of key niche licensing opportunities. Hear how the brand have tapped into licensed partnerships with USA Hockey, USA Lacrosse & Wiffle Ball. We dive deeper into their chase for the licensed IP of Peanuts and what it took to get a response to their long-game approach.
Recently the brand have had major success with a vast number of college licenses. We find out how these opportunities come about and what it takes in order to bring their unique style to these iconic educational brands. You won't believe the access Streaker Sports get to the archive vaults!
We also discuss one of the more obscure licenses - Zamboni, and how the brand are hooked by the cultural impact the Zamboni has had on the beloved game of hockey. Their passion runs deep with every license they operate.
Purveyors of Sports Culture is a very apt tagline to this brand. You'll truly love their story.
In partnership with Streaker Sports, the official podcast sponsor of That Sports Merch Podcast. Check out www.streakersports.com and use code SPORTSMERCH15 for 15% off site-wide.

Support the show

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

S2 E2 | Supporting Sustainable Merchandising - Nicole Bekkers (FC88)

In Episode 2 of Season 2, we chat to Nicole Bekkers - Founder and CEO of FC88.

FC88 are challenging the status quo with clubs, federations and global sports brands on the subject of sustainability. Having identified a huge issue with dead-stock during her role with KNVB (Dutch Football Federation) and being unsatisfied with the response she got, Nicole knew she had to do something about this.

Founded in 2020, FC88 are pushing the needle firmly towards a sustainable solution for this current issue which is endemic to the professional sports industry, by creating an upcycling opportunity which takes redundant dead-stock/overstock (call it what you like!) and creates locally, hand-made, new product collections extending the life of this redundant stock, saving this from landfill and/or incineration.

Hear what sparked the FC88 business (and what's behind it's name!) and how that concept has evolved into a multi-national operation, with local studios supporting local markets to lessen the impact of redundant stocks and contribute to driving a more sustainable operation within professional sport.

In partnership with Streaker Sports, the official podcast sponsor of That Sports Merch Podcast. Check out www.streakersports.com and use code SPORTSMERCH15 for 15% off site-wide.

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

S2 E1 | Product, Licensing & Consumer Muses - Robbie Sarton (Nick Auditore Represents)

Season 2 of That Sports Merch Podcast has arrived!

In the first episode of S2, we talk to Robbie Sarton, Head of Product at Nick Auditore Represents. Robbie, based in Australia head up the product division of NAR, which holds the rights for the Mitchell & Ness brand (and others) for the ANZ market.

We discuss the brand's rights management, product ideation and go to market strategies. You'll hear how NAR have scaled quickly and how they work with well-placed distribution channels and retailers to maximise the success of the brand.

We touch on the impact of popular culture and how this is defining the modern consumer muse. You'll find out the impact of the Netflix seriesThe Last Danceand theAIR movie on this heritage-inspired lifestyle brand.

There's a couple of great anecdotes in there from Robbie too... oh, and hey, did we mention we have an official podcast sponsor? That's right! Welcome to Season 2

In partnership with Streaker Sports, the official podcast sponsor of That Sports Merch Podcast. Check out www.streakersports.com and use code SPORTSMERCH15 for 15% off site-wide.

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

EP10 Part 2 | Dressing A Nation - Cristina McAloon, Las Vegas Raiders

TSMP continues the feature interview with Cristina McAloon, Sr. Manager of Buying at Las Vegas Raiders. Part 2 of the interview focuses on the protection of the Raiders brand, team values and more in depth detail around managing the buying team at this NFL giant. Cristina speaks with passion about the industry, being a true cheerleader for merchants across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices