Local Football Gear A Must-Have

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Despite the grim economic news, one local industry may be recession proof. The success of Oklahoma's football teams has fans clamoring for OU, OSU and TU gear.

Despite these tough times, stores say people are shelling out cash to get it.

Wednesday was Reesa Washecheck's son's birthday, and she says picking out his presents was simple.

"We always like buying OU stuff, always, no matter what. It's the first thing he wanted for his birthday," said Washecheck.

OU gear, whether it be shirts, sweaters, sandals, or foam fingers, is flying off the shelves at Big Red Sales.

Items are also disappearing next door at Cowboy Pete's, as well as Hurricane Haven.

Gary Vance, who manages all three stores, says despite economic fears, sales are up 35% when compared to last October.

"You would think so, but that is not the nature of the fan.  The thing is everyone is looking for some reason to feel better," said Vance.

Sunbelt Sports makes its own shirts and more wins means more work for the embroiderers. As long as the Cowboys, Sooners and Golden Hurricane keep performing well, Vance expects that to continue.

"Well it's recession proof as long as the results come out with W's," said Vance of his business.

While OSU and OU apparel have always been popular, a 6-0 TU squad has helped fuel this sales boom.

TU's unprecedented success has helped to spur sales at Hurricane Haven. The day Chapman Stadium re-opened this year, for the first time ever, TU outsold OU and OSU.

If Tulsa stays undefeated, and the Sooners and Cowboys become fixtures in the top 10, sports apparel may be a rare success story in a difficult retail environment.

Vance says he is especially rooting for the Sooners and Cowboys not to drop any more games before their showdown on November 29th. He believes Bedlam week could potentially break all sorts of sales records.