Spring Into Some New C's Gear

By: Gord Kurenoff - Vancouver Province (special to www.canadiansbaseball.com)

The Vancouver Canadians baseball club, with its rotating roster of young prospects chasing major-league dreams, has embraced change off the field when it comes to how they are designing for their rabid fanbase.

According to the C's broadcaster, Rob Fai, the short-season affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays which plays at the venerable Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium has become "very progressive" with its ballpark store merchandising.

"We've gone through a couple brand changes, but I think we have all the bases covered now, so to speak," said Fai, who for the past 10 years has also been the team's Communications Director.

"We've got cool and fashionable clothes now for the everyday Joe, not just the hardcore ball fan. Our clothes embrace Vancouver, Canada, the historical salute and appreciation of the Mounties, and Blue Jays. The apparel appeals to locals and tourists. I don't think you can drive around the stadium neighbourhood without seeing someone in C's clothing."

The team not only set an attendance record in 2015 with 215,595 fans (97 per cent capacity) taking in the 38 Northwest League home dates at the 6,013-seat ballpark, but it also hit a bat-flipping-worthy home run by breaking every record in merchandise sales.

"… We're not going to fill our store with key chains, dog collars or cheap novelty things. We want merchandise that makes you look cool and sharp and things you'll want to wear to a bar, on a date, to work, to the game or to the playground."

He said the newly designed hats are "no brainers" on most shopping lists, along with the team's new fashion line of Distressed Clothing.

"If you want to take home a piece of Vancouver or Canada, we've got you covered. If you want to hang around the city and look sharp, we've got that, too.

"We're growing our brand by building for youth and for looking good in our clothes, no matter who is in the C's lineup, or how we do in the standings," said Fai.

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