UPDATE: Chicago sports retailers are experiencing a shopping frenzy as the Bears gear up for the playoffs, resulting in a staggering 41% increase in merchandise sales compared to last year. This surge follows the Bears’ thrilling comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers last week, marking their first playoff appearance since January 2021.
At Clark Street Sports, which operates eight locations across the Chicago area, co-owner Jason Caref reported that the team’s recent success has created a significant boost in business. “Christmas came early for our company this year,” Caref stated. The demand is so high that finding a parking spot at their busiest store in Albany Park has become a challenge.
Store manager Fatima Reynoso described the last week as the busiest she has ever witnessed in her four years at the shop. Shoppers are flocking in to grab Bears gear, with fans like Camilo Cumpian purchasing hats as gifts. “If we’re lucky, history will repeat itself,” he expressed, recalling the Bears’ Super Bowl win in 1986.
The excitement isn’t contained to just one store. Wrigleyville Sports, located at 959 W. Addison St., is also reporting booming sales. “Sales have been crazy,” said general manager Devin Carlstrom, noting that Bears merchandise was a top item on many Christmas lists. Customers have been actively ordering online and rushing into the store for last-minute gifts, especially on game days.
The Bears’ winning streak has sparked renewed interest in various products, including popular “Good, Better, Best” T-shirts and sweatshirts. “Anything with the Bears is flying off the shelves,” Carlstrom added. The boost in sales has also positively impacted local small businesses, particularly those selling sports memorabilia, which have faced numerous challenges this year, including inflation.
Fans are thrilled about the team’s turnaround, with many, like Addam Haynes from Jefferson Park, eager to buy more gear despite already receiving Bears merchandise for Christmas. “You’re always nervous when you’re a Bears fan,” Haynes admitted, but now, “it’s exciting to wear their clothes.”
At Clark Street Sports, jerseys of standout rookies such as Kyle Monangai and Colston Loveland are in high demand, selling out within 48 hours. Monangai jerseys are priced between $130 and $175, with orange jerseys also proving popular. Caref noted that merchandise featuring the “Good, Better, Best” slogan is consistently out of stock.
As colder weather hits Chicago, winter accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves branded with Bears logos are also flying off the shelves. Clark Street Sports is poised to release new division champion merchandise, contingent on the team’s continued success.
Associate Wes Nunez has observed a palpable sense of pride among fans visiting the store. “The atmosphere was electric,” he said, recalling the excitement after last weekend’s victory. “Football brings the community together. Everyone is proud to be a Chicagoan now.”
With the Bears marching towards playoffs, the excitement among fans and retailers alike is palpable. As the season progresses, expect to see even more Bears gear flying off the shelves, driven by the hopes and dreams of Chicago football fans eager for a championship run.
