Third annual Kat vendor 'Trunk Show' Feb. 5
2/4/2016 6:47:00 AM | Athletics
The third annual Sam Houston local licensee “Trunk Show” will be held Friday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.
The event represents an opportunity for local Huntsville area vendors to showcase their best licensed Sam Houston State University products to campus buyers. This year's “Truck Show” will be the largest yet with 17 vendors. The event is designed to have campus buyers meet local vendors in a private, personal setting.
Rather than correspond through e-mail or telephone conversations, vendors have the opportunity to meet with campus buyers face to face. Vendors pass out business cards, meet potential new buyers and see what other vendors are selling.
Vendors are offered one to two standard eight feet tables but many will bring extra props including clothing racks and pop-up tents to display their goods. Several vendors will offer giveaways to campus buyers.
Sam Houston campus buyers will sign in by simply swiping their Bearkat OneCard. There is no cost for campus buyers or local vendors to participate. Sponsored refreshment tables also will be available for their enjoyment.
Vendors set to participate in the event include Advanced Online (BearkatGear.com), Advantage Specialties, All Out Graphics, Amazing Awards Inc., Barefoot Athletics, C.C. Creations, Inscriptions of the Heart, Jardine Associates, M&M Designs, Manyan Color Shop Inc., Monograms & More, NW Digital Works, LLC, Halo Advertising (Formerly Harvey-Daco), Reid Office Supply, The Urban Circle, Tie & Fashion Guy and Tough Shirts.
Within the last three years, Sam Houston merchandize has seen a vast expansion of sales through regional retailers such as Academy Sports, Walmart, Walgreens, Macy's and Target have helped Sam Houston's licensing revenues to more than double since 2009-10.
"The Bearkats' presence in area retailers now is as strong as the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M," SHSU director of athletics Bobby Williams said.
SHSU associate athletic director for external operations David Paitson said this year's “Trunk Show” will be bigger and better than the first two gatherings.
“The Trunk Show is a great opportunity for our local licensees to build interest in their products,” Paitson said.
Success on the field of play with consecutive Commissioner's Cup championships, national ESPN television exposure and NCAA playoff appearances has played a part. But a concerted effort to increase SHSU licensed apparel and merchandize sales has resulted in more than 170 licensed vendors for Bearkat gear.
"The athletic department has been very systematic in our approach to increasing income from licensing," Paitson said. "Hard work and a cooperative effort behind the scenes has been just as important as winning championships."
