Lambeau chic: Packers gear popular as ever as new styles are

freeagent

Six-man pro
Only in Green Bay. The average northeast Wisconsin resident probably has an average of at least 20 Packer apparel items in his/her closet, not including bedspreads, calendars or other items. I just got my Packer Pro Shop catalog yesterday -- 52 full color pages.

Take a look at the link and notice the locals happily modeling the gear. Hey, and I used to deliver the Green Bay Press Gazette years ago. Many years ago.

Anyway, happy reading. And Go Pack Go.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/GPG04/709050544/1250

Lambeau chic: Packers gear popular as ever as new styles are introduced

By Sean Schultz
Green Bay Press-Gazette correspondent

Fans of the Green Bay Packers can't get enough team gear.

They want it on their heads, their feet and everywhere in between. That just might be why the Packers Pro Shop at Lambeau Field is expanding again five years after moving into two-story digs.

While waiting for the unveiling of the new space, the staff shifted menswear and jerseys near the doors of the Atrium and Harlan Plaza. Ladies and mini fans get to shop for sportswear and sparkles on the other side of the main floor.

As the season begins, the Pro Shop is filled to the brim with new merchandise, and shoppers had a field day during training camp.

"We can't get the things out here fast enough," said Carol Hooyman, assistant store manager, who works with longtime director of retail operations Kate Hogan.

Of course everybody wants what Brett and Coach Mike are wearing on the practice and playing fields — the sideline caps, T-shirts, mesh shorts and, of course, the jerseys.

No. 4 is still No. 1 when it comes to jersey sales, but A.J. Hawk (50) is breathing down his neck and Donald Driver's (80) is right behind them. That's in the green and white jerseys AND the pink sparkly one.

"We had Donald's, but they walked right out of here," Hooyman said. "Everyone loves Donald."

Brett Favre's favorite cap ($23.95) is a flex fit this season, Hooyman said. (Adjustable hats are two years ago.) Another hot hat is the Packers Military Support Hat, an American Family Insurance logo and a red, white and blue ribbon as a nod to our troops. Billed as "The hat worth tipping," it's $15.

"Anything 'On Field' is moving out of the shop," Hooyman said. The mesh shorts for guys ($31.95) in black, white, gold and green are great for workouts and cookouts, tossing a ball or watching the game.

When the sun goes down on a game, the On Field zip-front jacket in white or green ($69.95) is a great cut for men or women in sizes small to double extra large.

Lambeau Field gear is in demand this season, too, as the team marks the 50th anniversary of its move to the famed 1265 Lombardi Avenue address. The must-have purchase: a commemorative item from the collection designed by artist Charles Fazzino.

If Fazzino isn't your thing, there are plenty of other 50th anniversary styles, including short and long-sleeved tees ($16.95 and $23.95), caps ($16.95) and a toasty throw ($34.95).

Just blocks away from the Pro Shop, The Jersey Store at 1931 Holmgren Way was selling sweatshirts in August, a sure sign, manager Mike Walters said, this season is going to be a big one for the Pack and its fans.

"Usually that doesn't start happening until late September and into October," he said.

Some new items have blown out of the store already, including player name and number caps.

"We've sold out of Hawk and Favre hats," said Walters. But more are on order and there are also Favre and Hawk T-shirts at $25 with mesh front and back — brand new this season and sized from toddlers to men.

Best of all, they're affordable for "someone who wants something more economical, and they want to still support their team."

"They don't detract from the jersey sales, but if you can't spend $70, you can outfit four or five kids at $17 for the youth sizes."

So, what's up with brown? Is it the new green for guys?

"Brown's huge this year," said Walters, pointing to a plain T-shirt with white Packers lettering ($18).
 
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