As part of the agreement, Texas A&M and HBI are reimagining on-campus fanwear hubs and creating elevated brand experience shops that will expand access to innovative, on-trend fanwear.
Recognised as one of the world’s most ethical companies, HBI is committed to sustainable, transparent manufacturing and has world-class, in-house design expertise and manufacturing proficiency. The expansive collections will include men’s, women’s, unisex, youth, infant and toddler fan apparel.
“There are few places in the world with fans as passionate as those in College Station,” said John Fryer, HanesBrands president of licensed sports apparel. “Champion apparel and College Station, both loved and revered, fit together perfectly, and we are committed to bringing innovative apparel to Aggie fans with an enhanced retail experience that captures the tradition and energy of Texas A&M.”
New branded shop-in-shops at local retailers as well as collaborative on-campus activations around special events will enhance the shopping experience for both Aggie students and fans, the company said in a press release.
Kicking things off last week, the university unveiled “Champion Station,” the newest way to shop for exclusive Aggie-branded Champion gear. Located in the Memorial Student Centre Barnes & Noble Bookstore, fans will find a wide assortment of Aggie apparel, including unique vintage designs.
“Texas A&M and Champion are both iconic brands with storied histories and traditions,” said Shane Hinckley, A&M’s vice president for brand and business development. “Welcoming Champion Station into our great university bookstore, directly across from Kyle Field, makes it more convenient than ever for Aggie fans to show their spirit. And this is just the beginning. We have much more on the horizon, including a vintage collection rolling out in 2024.”
In addition to the iconic Champion and Hanes brands, the eco-forward Alternative Apparel and ComfortWash brands are also included in the company’s collegiate apparel programme. Alternative Apparel is known for its soft, stylish and sustainable products, and the ComfortWash collection features vintage-washed tees and sweats made with the US grown cotton.
The new partnership with HanesBrands follows a detailed analysis of the university’s trademark licensing programme and a competitive proposal process completed in conjunction with the university’s exclusive licensing agent, CLC. The partnership with Champion does not include team uniforms or sideline apparel.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)