That Sports Merch Podcast

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.

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Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

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.

Support the show

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

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.

Support the show

Join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

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

TSMP chats to Cristina McAloon, Sr. Manager of Buying at the Las Vegas Raiders. In Part 1 of this feature interview, you will hear about Cristina's background in the fashion industry and the transition into working for some iconic names within licensed sports merchandise. Cristina talks to the podcast about the size of the Raiders retail business, Raider Image and the fluctuation in size between in-season and off-season. You'll also hear how her team remain competitive against the licensed giants, Fanatics. Cristina is a true champion of the sports merchandising and licensing sector and speaks with real passion for the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSMP talks to ex-professional footballer Jake Howells. Jake takes us on a whistle-stop tour of his career in football before sharing his experience and insight into the journey from professional sportsman to the world of sports business. A fascinating listen which covers the reality shock of the world of business outside of the sports 'bubble' and the quick learning curve and mindset reset needed to be able to carve out a new career after a successful, but short, sports career. Hear how Jake has managed to take his love of the game into his new career in sports merchandise and licensing. Listen to the vast number of transferable skills taken from the dressing room to the boardroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSMP chats to The Terrace director and co-founder, Carl Sewell. Carl takes us on The Terrace's journey from Facebook page to post funny football content, to 'cult' merchandise brand and to today's position as the go-to supplier of On-Demand merchandise supply within UK sports merchandise. Hear of the unique approach to the formation of the business, the reaction to a 92-page 'cease & desist' letter from the Football Association, and the fan-first culture which weaves it's way through the day-to-day business operation.

Offering a unique insight with wholesome transparency, Carl allows you to understand the approach they're taking, the philosophy behind the brand and the direction it's heading in the near future. The desire to disrupt an industry which is "broken" is strong with The Terrace, but how will they fix it?

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Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

TSMP chats to Sam Swanton, Head of Retail at Wigan Athletic FC. We hear how Sam has been battling against some of the toughest conditions - a global pandemic AND the club falling into administration at the same time!

Sam's retail business was changed overnight - with the team finding out at the same time as the general public, on Sky TV. The challenge for Sam and his team was to then become self-sufficient. Innovative leadership battling through some dark times saw Sam navigate the challenges and maintain the only revenue stream for the football club - ensuring the first team could have some kit, and the club kept breathing.

You think it was tough operating a football club through the pandemic, try this...

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Follow us on socials:-
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Or join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

In this 2-part episode of That Sports Merch Podcast we speak to Joan Carrera López, Head of Retail & Licensing at Italian football giants, AC Milan. During this first part of the episode, Joan introduces his varied career to date and explains how he managed to find himself living in Milan, working for one of the biggest global names in sport. We cover life at AC Milan and talk about in-depth licensing and brand positioning strategy as well as covering some of the more eye-catching announcements that have come out of Milan in the last 12 months, as Joan and his team work to close the gap between AC Milan and other global football giants.

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Follow us on socials:-
Twitter - @sportsmerchpod
Instagram - @sportsmerchpod
Facebook - @sportsmerchpod

Or join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson

Part 2 of our interview with Joan Carrera López of AC Milan. 

Joan chats to That Sports Merch Podcast about the wider strategy around AC's brand licensing. We hear how new licensing opportunities are established and how full Joan's email inbox is! We round off the episode discussing how pop-up stores and clever brand positioning has driven growth and awareness for the AC Milan brand, and how Joan ans his team have tapped into knowledge from other European Clubs and other sports to widen their knowledge and understanding. We also get to hear of a very prestigious shortlisting honour that Joan has just received.

Support the show

Follow us on socials:-
Twitter - @sportsmerchpod
Instagram - @sportsmerchpod
Facebook - @sportsmerchpod

Or join our LinkedIn community by following our ThatSportsMerchPodcast page.

Host: Lee Hyde
Co-Host: Matt Hudson