January 24, 2005

Call it the NHL lockout trickle-down theory: What about all those companies that make hockey gear -- skates, sticks, pads, sweaters. This is only a sample of how the lockout affects more than the players and owners.

posted by roberts to hockey at 05:58 PM - 7 comments

While it certainly and predictably affects companies like these, however the greater effect is almost nil to the economy as a whole. Just more support to the thoery that the consumer has a set entertainment budget, and when one option is taken away, another fills the space. Yes, even billon-dollar sports are a replaceable product.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:04 PM on January 24, 2005

Sorry - better link

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:05 PM on January 24, 2005

I just saw a report on one of the Canadian sports channels (probably Sportsnet) that showed the daily life of a hockey equipment sales rep. He mentioned that he's doing better this year than any previous year. He's making more money selling to minor league players and local leagues/stores than he did to the NHL players. However, he did say that he's not enjoying it as much because he misses hanging out with the NHL players.

posted by grum@work at 07:54 PM on January 24, 2005

I've just purchased a sports cards and collectibles store in Barrie, Ontario (come visit, Grum and Dr.John!), and we'll see how horribly the lockout affects sales of hockey memorabilia. I will say, though, that sales of game-worn jerseys and equipment have not been affected in the least. In fact, people being forced to turn to the juniors and minors has created more demand for those types of collectibles.

posted by wfrazerjr at 09:00 PM on January 24, 2005

Fraze! Way to be - living the junkie lifestyle. I too am a Toronto-boy and will make my pilgramage when the sun aligns correctly. Email me your store name and location if you want to avoid the internet-blog style publicity.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:33 AM on January 25, 2005

good luck dude. that's awesome.

posted by garfield at 08:47 AM on January 25, 2005

wfrazer, good luck and let us know when you build the web storefront.

posted by billsaysthis at 02:22 PM on January 25, 2005

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