We love garage sales don’t we? A chance to clear out the closets, or for those on the prowl, a chance to find some hidden gems. What’s ones trash is another’s treasure? The same is true for college athletic departments and teams of all sizes. Now this isn’t the same as a sale, say the US Open does for friends and families traditionally the day after the event ends. That’s a little more of chance to clear out current merchandise that might have been a bit too pricey for staff. This is more of a way to literally clear the shelves from the leftovers for years, the kitschy items fans sometimes love.
Latest to join in, the Washington Capitals, who will host a ‘Garage Sale’ featuring Capitals items and prior giveaways on Saturday, Sept. 23 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, VA. Need a dozen wool caps? There ya go. Maybe several dozen small banners for a school project? Can get those as well for a steep discount. An Ovi bobblehead to complete a collection? How about dozens of souvenir cups from years gone by. Come and get it.
Now in past years these type of sales would involve literal warehouses full of distressed merchandise, with the next step being the donation bin. These days, with the better use of attendance and analytics, numbers of giveaways can be curtailed, hence less clutter. But there is still a good amount of stuff which loyal fans who might have missed a day, or who may have arrived late for a giveaway can grab.
And the additional benefit to clearing the closets? Proceeds benefit Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the official charity of the Capitals, so all the cash goes to a double good use.
Christmas in September Caps fans. Seriously, a good best practice with no downside.
