How The Wild Collective is Making Sports Merchandise Fashionable

Hey everyone, Austin Dandridge here. I’m looking forward to sharing the latest episode of The Marketing Factor with you all today.

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Now, let’s dive in.

At 19, Whitney Bansin was already running her own styling company in Las Vegas, doing hair and makeup for everything from TV shows to movies. After years behind the scenes at Zappos handling all their creative, she spotted a gap no one else saw - sports fashion was stuck in the past. Now The Wild Collective is bringing fresh style to fan gear across the major leagues, from the NFL to MLB.

Here are five of my favorite moments from my conversation with Whitney — be sure to check out the full episode at the bottom of this email!

Vegas Needed Game-Day Fashion. Nobody Was Making It.

Vegas got its first pro team, and Whitney couldn't believe how basic the merch options were. She skipped the focus groups and market research, instead creating the premium gear she wished existed - pieces fans now collect and wear everywhere.

Stay Five Steps Ahead, or Get Copied

In sports fashion, success breeds copycats. The Wild Collective stays ahead by treating each season like a blank canvas, attracting organic attention from celebs (like T.I. rocking their sweater on horseback) and turning teams into superfans.

Each Store Gets Its Own Playbook

No more one-size-fits-all sports merch. The Wild Collective designs unique collections for each retailer's vibe, bringing team gear to spots like PacSun and Anthropologie where you'd never expect to find it.

When Teams Win, Sales Soar (Usually)

Marketing budgets move with the scoreboard in sports fashion. The Wild Collective watches game results like day traders watch stocks, ready to boost or pull back spending based on how teams perform.

Lead By Solving Problems, Not Just Talking About Them

When tough conversations with retailers or teams come up, Whitney's staff stays in the room to watch solutions unfold. This real-time problem-solving approach has people reaching out daily on LinkedIn, eager to join a company that values action over endless meetings.

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