Cubs Merchandise Stops Other MLB Team Production, Plus New Official Store
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Cubs merchandise has gotten so big this year, it seems to be the only Major League Baseball team that's selling.
That's what Cubs VP of Sales and Marketing Colin Faulkner said at the grand opening of the new official Cubs store on Michigan Avenue. WBBM's Michele Fiore reports.
"Records all over the place, not only with us, but with our national partners in apparel," Faulkner said. "Cubs interest is at an all time high."
Faulkner said it's so high, in fact, companies that make MLB team merchandise have focused this holiday season on Cubbie gear alone. Companies like Under Armour, Majestic and New Era, that make team merchandise for all MLB teams, have essentially shut down production of everything except for Chicago Cubs' gear.
The new Cubs store is temporarily being housed at the corner of Michigan and Erie, at 633 North Michigan Avenue in the Gold Coast district. Faulkner said that's because of the construction around Wrigley. It's being operated by Wrigley Field concessions and Levy Restaurants.
"They can't keep stuff on the shelves," Faulkerner said. "We wanted to have another place for Cubs fans to come get Cubs gear while they are down here on Michigan Avenue."
The store will remain open in that facility at least until opening day in April. At that time, Faulkner said the Cubs will evaluate whether it makes sense to keep the Michigan Avenue store open.
The official Cubs store joins a store for the three-times-Stanley Cup winning, Chicago Blackhawks, also on North Michigan Avenue.