© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News
To contact us with news tips, story ideas or other related information, e-mail newsstaff@ideastream.org.

Browns' Losing Streak Takes Toll On Merchandise Sellers

At Champs Sports in Downtown Cleveland, Assistant Manager Kelly Golias said sales of Browns apparel are down compared to last season. [Adrian Ma / Ideastream]
A shot of shirts that show the Browns' football helmet and mascot.

The Cleveland Browns' losing streak isn't just taking a toll on fan morale. Businesses that sell team merchandise say they're also feeling the pain. 

Johnny Mirza, who manages Playball Sports and Fashion in Downtown Cleveland, and sells everything from replica jerseys to Browns-themed baby clothes, said sales of the team's merch are down about 15 percent compared to last season. But he's hopeful that'll change when the team starts winning...eventually. 

"Where are we going to go?" Mirza said. "It's just like your kids. Your kids keep making mistakes. You hope always for better." 

A few shops over at Champs Sports, Assistant Manager Kelly Golias said enthusiasm for Browns apparel has dipped this year. But recently, it has picked back up, possibly because they've discounted Browns merchandise 50 percent. 

"It does sell a lot better half off obviously."

And it's also gift giving season. So that doesn't hurt either. But whatever the reason, customers are showing love for the Browns.

"Then again," she added, "I did have somebody buy a jersey for a 'white elephant.'" 

If you aren't familiar with the term, a "white elephant" is what you call a gift that's also a burden. 

Note: Ideastream reached out to the Browns organization for official numbers on merchandise sales, but they declined to release them.