[1]The Bulls are set to play in Hamilton next year, creating a rise in the team’s merchandise sales. Photo by Samantha Reed
By Samantha Reed [2]
BELLEVILLE – It seems as though everyone wants to hold on to a piece of the Belleville Bulls.
Sales at the team’s proshop have shot up since they announced in March that it will be moving to Hamilton.
Bulls director of business operations Andrew Kerik said store employees have been busy.
“A lot of people (are) just stocking up on some memorabilia, especially jerseys,” said Kerik. “They went quick and we just aren’t able to quickly replenish them.”
He said it takes up to 4 months to get more jerseys in stock. With the jerseys nearly soldout, shoppers are now buying collector’s items.
Now that the deal is done and the season is over, a big concern around the pro shop is if it will close.
“As of right now the plan is that the pro shop will stay open,” and business will continue as usual, said Kerik.
Before the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre opened, the team had a small pro shop in the Yardmen Arena. The new location sells a lot more than Bulls merchandise. It sells swimming equipment and also sharpens skates.
Kerik, who has been with the team for three years, said it will continue to sell Bulls merchandise, but there will be a smaller selection and many familiar items won’t be available.
“We will continue to carry (Bulls product) for the history of the team and for people that want to collect items,” he said.