UL’s retail partners help spread the Ragin’ Cajun spirit across Acadiana.
It’s tough to walk into a local retail outlet these days and not see an assortment of UL Lafayette merchandise. With 34 shops signed on as retail partners, not to mention 30 more establishments offering Ragin’ Cajuns Strong Championship Blend coffee or Ragin’ Cajun Wines, fans don’t have to travel far to support their home team.
For apparel and sporting gear, outlets like Academy, Bengals & Bandits, Hibbett Sports, Lipari Sporting Goods and Specialties, and Bell’s Sporting Goods have a nice assortment. Ken Siebold at Bell’s says partnering with UL is just good for business. “The merchandise draws a strong alumni base and also allows us to give back, because a percentage of what we sell funnels back to the university,” he says. With a collection of men’s, women’s and youth shirts, outerwear and caps, Bell’s has become a go-to place for Cajuns apparel.
Over the summer, Brother’s on the Boulevard began offering the Ragin’ Cajun Southern Marsh line of branded items from the clothing company that reflects the culture, people and style of the South. UL Ragin’ Cajuns Southern Marsh attire at Brother’s includes tattersall, check and gingham dress shirts, along with caps, printed with the logo. Brother’s also has an entire “Sports Center” shop within the store and online that offers Ragin’ Cajun branded and appropriately colored jackets, half-zips and t-shirts for both men and women from a number of producers.
“UL’s been our best seller for two years and not just because they’re winning,” says Brother Abdalla. “It’s because they’re our home team.”
While small businesses and local retailers have been quick to support UL, national chains like Albertson’s, Walgreens, JCPenney, Target, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie also carry officially licensed merchandise. View the complete list of retailers at http://ocm.louisiana.edu/retailers.