Game On

For retailers, merchandising these spirited styles means creating thoughtful assortments, not only cross-category, but also across lifestyles from casual to dress, to fit consumer preferences. “‘Game Day’ plays such an important role in retail sales, especially when you are located in a college town,” noted Shelby Cohan, General Manager and Buyer, Charming Oaks Boutique in Auburn, Alabama. “It gives consumers a way to show personal style while supporting their team. ‘Game Day’ fashion in the SEC [Southeastern Conference] is about the outfit more than the college jersey and cute over the comfy team tee. Dresses, rompers and cute tops in school colors are always best sellers. If a customer tends towards more neutral clothing, accessories are the perfect way to incorporate team spirit. You can never go wrong with a great statement necklace to pull an outfit together. And, if a little black dress is more your style, just don a team button.”


Abby Payne, Owner of Josie’s Boutique in Powell, Tennessee, concurred, adding that due to a packed social schedule around sports-centric tailgates, work events, and or even just watching the game with friends at home, customers are always checking in-store for new “Game Day” styling ideas, but also, updated takes on tried-and-true classics. “Our customers are so interested in ‘Game Day’ apparel because there is always an occasion to dress up and support your team… and feel special doing so,” she said. “We are known for our sequin jersey…a staple that we sell every year and always have customers asking throughout the year for it. All of our glitzy items are always super popular.”


Brands agree; the most important feature consumers are consistently seeking in their “Game Day” wardrobe is unique and personalized styling. According to Tamara Moran, President and Owner, and Jean Fasanello, Vice President, Sales, Town Pride, “We understand clients want new options to wear to different events and love to have a piece to accessorize in a new way.” The team notes that with a desire to express their camaraderie, social events are constantly driving their customers to find new ways to wear their school spirit, boosting interest in their customizable styles in knits and apparel, all of which can be customized in desired color combinations and fits. “We strive to listen to our retailers; observe and lean into the trends we see and ultimately be the go-to for our retailers for custom sweaters and accessories.  They love that they can customize all our knits in their ‘Game Day’ colors.”

For those who do make it to the field, uncompromised “Game Day” styling also means aligning with stadium needs and safety requirements. “Customers have been loving our Jacie Clear Sling Crossbody,” said Shellie Slade, Wholesale Manager, Modern + Chic. “It’s a stadium-approved size with neutral vegan leather trim that will go with any ‘Game Day’ look.” As well as the brand’s Madison Belt Bag, she calls out game-goers’ need for pocket space to fit essentials, keeping “your hands free for cheering, dancing, and holding yummy stadium snacks.”


In eyewear, Timothy Mack, CMO of DIFF Eyewear shares, "While 'Game Day' is about feeling and looking good, it's also about functionality. Our DIFF Sport collection is the definition of fashionable and functional. Our active-inspired sunnies are designed for - and defined by - you and your active life. With sleek, sporty styles, lightweight frames, and enhanced features designed for optimal comfort. So whether you are at the game, at a tailgate, or just cheering on your team with friends, our sunnies will keep you protected and comfortable until they bring home the big win. The Heat, Flash, and Storm are among the top-selling styles from our brand-new DIFF Sport collection. DIFF Sport sunnies are the perfect way to find your game day energy."


Never overlooking the importance of comfort - especially for a long day of team support – apparel brands like LivyLu encourage their customers to find a balance of spirit and wearability. “Each item in our Thrifted Collection is individually distressed for a vintage, nostalgic feel [while] oversized and pre-shrunk to create the ultimate level of comfort,” said Kristen Campbell, Sales Director. Keeping in line with consumer needs for personalized style, she notes that within the collection, a range of bodies, colors, and collegiate graphics allowed for unique customer customization.