Early Winning Streak Draws Strong Fan Response
Initial Stock of Items Like Jimssek and Headbands Sold Out
Hyungji Elite is reaping significant benefits from the early surge of the professional baseball team Hanwha Eagles. Expectations had already risen before the season started with the return of Ryu Hyun-jin, and the number of fans seeking Hanwha goods (planned merchandise) offered by Hyungji Elite has greatly increased alongside the team's early winning streak.
Hyungji Elite announced on the 5th that sales at the Hanwha Eagles offline goods store increased by 250% compared to the same period last year during the 20 days from the 9th to the 28th of last month. The company explained that while sales of the representative popular product, replica uniforms, rose by 330%, new products planned and launched in collaboration with the team led the sales growth trend.
Fans are purchasing goods at the official merchandise store inside Hanwha Life Eagles Park, the home stadium of the Hanwha Eagles in Jung-gu, Daejeon. [Photo by Hyeongji Elite]
In particular, two types of gym sacks using the Hanwha Eagles orange uniform and the Hangul logo legend uniform, as well as the team character 'Suri' headbands and bracelets, sold out their initial production quantities and have entered mass additional production. Fans continue to visit the official merchandise store at Hanwha Life Eagles Park on game days, and online purchases are also pouring in, so the upward trend is expected to continue.
Hyungji Elite signed a contract with Hanwha Eagles in 2021 for sports merchandising and has been producing and selling replica uniforms, clothing, cheering tools, baseballs, and more as the official merchandise licensee for four years.
Hyungji Elite's newly released Hanwha Eagles merchandise for this season. Eagles Orange Uniform Gym Sack, Eagles Legend Uniform Gym Sack, Suri Bracelet, Suri Baseball Headband. (From the top left, clockwise) Photo by Hyungji Elite
The company plans to sequentially introduce newly planned goods this season in addition to the products currently on sale. A Hyungji Elite representative stated, "Based on a deep understanding of the sports merchandising field, the goods planned in close cooperation with the team are receiving a hot response, coinciding with the positive momentum of the team's improved performance. We will continue to develop and present high-quality goods that meet fans' expectations."
Meanwhile, besides Hanwha Eagles, Hyungji Elite is supplying goods for SSG Landers and the sports entertainment programs 'The Strongest Baseball' and 'Gather and Kick' new seasons. Additionally, the company has signed sponsorship contracts with the Lotte Giants and the Hanwha Life eSports team 'HLE,' supporting the players' uniforms and clothing.
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