Ohio University to consolidate apparel licenses

28 Apr '11

2 min read

Ohio State University is mulling to consolidate all its apparel licenses with one company, to ward off declining sales.

The University of Texas is moving in that direction and the University of Southern California has recently announced a similar deal.

“We are looking for ways to increase our revenue, considering that, the trademark wear has begun to level off, after years of accelerated growth”, said a University spokesman.

However, a few local licensees and shopkeepers are worried that, just one giant supplier, has the potential to harm small businesses.

Ohio University is vetting proposals received from potential suppliers, who have offered many ideas, which could generate more money for the university, in turn, for scholarships, the spokesperson said.

Scholarships amounting $8 million are given away annually at Ohio University, from the money received from the licenses.

With passage of time, it has become more important to generate more revenue, the spokesman added by saying.

The university has given away 120 apparel licensees and about 370 licensees making other products such as posters and mugs, apart from its 2007 deal with Nike, making it the exclusive supplier of Ohio State replica jerseys.

Ohio University gear is available in supermarkets like Wal-Mart and even specialty boutiques.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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