Timberwolves' championship chase exciting fans, businesses alike
MINNEAPOLIS — Everyone is howling with the Minnesota Timberwolves as they chase the team's first-ever championship.
Anthony Edward's viral invitation is giving local businesses a big assist.
An electric game, followed by "bring ya ass," has taken the state by storm quickly becoming the unofficial state slogan.
"I think it's an exciting time for Minnesota sports fans," said Maddie Schmitz, owner of Something Sweet by Maddie Lu.
Schmitz said after watching the interaction and hearing Edwards' quick response she knew it would be a golden opportunity. She created two designs: a basketball one and a sugar cookie with the infamous words.
Schmitz posted the design on social media, and it's been busy at the store ever since.
"We have sold out of these cookies twice already and we opened at 11 this morning it's only 1 p.m. right now (laughs)!" Schmitz said.
From cookies to T-shirts, it's not hard to find businesses in on the state's new catch-phrase. Landon Johnson owns SotaStick, an apparel company paying homage to great sports moments.
"As soon as he said that I laughed out loud and instantly knew social media is going to go crazy," Johnson said. "When there's moments like Sunday night, we will jump on and release a shirt."
He designed three shirts each with the slogan, but different backgrounds. Since posting on Monday, Johnson said more than 3,000 orders have been placed — a major win for his small business.
"Moments like this can really make the year," he said. "We haven't had a big pop-off like this for probably a year."
With a thrilling season so far, Schmitz said it was easy to join in on the fun.
"I think it's kind of hard not to get on board with it because we've all just been deprived of a good sports team for so long," she said.
As she continues to keep up with the demand for cookies, she has this message for Charles Barkley.
"If you're in the area and you have a sweet tooth, why don't you "bring ya a--" to Something Sweet (laughs)!" she said.
Both business owners say they will take orders through the week and reassess.