Champs Sports is one of America’s largest athletic footwear and apparel chain concept.
Chute Gerdeman created the Champs Sports label as an “off the court,” urban style place. Foot Locker plans to triple the number of Champs remodels to more than 200 stores as its refreshed stores have been outperforming traditional locations.
With the first issue released on August 28, 2012, SWAG Magazine is a quarterly online magazine focused on showing sports fans a different side of athletes and celebrities. Champs Sports partnered with many companies, including Under Armour, Adidas, and Nike, giving fans a fascinating look at sports. The magazine features athlete interviews, athletic gear, and interactive videos.
On September 8, 2012, Champs Sports and Nike launched Nike Yardline, a store specializing in NFL apparel. The first store opened in the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey. Champs Sports and Nike stated that they are looking to expand the concept in the future.
Between January 5–6, 2013, a Nike Yardline location was also opened in South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida during BCS weekend. The store displayed college football apparel featuring participating bowl teams, including Alabama Crimson Tide and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
On June 19, 2013, Champs Sports and Nike launched their second mall-based location in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Promoting the grand opening was Minnesota Vikings’s running back Adrian Peterson, who signed autographs and released a new shoe style.
From 2004 until June 18, 2012, Champs Sports sponsored the Florida Citrus Sports’s annual college football bowl game. Each sponsorship is a four-year deal costing them $4.25 million. Vice president of Champs Sports Rob Brodersen commented, “As the premier mall destination for the core sports enthusiast, it is a natural fit for Champs Sports to continue our partnership with FCS. We are excited to strengthen our relationship and look forward to further success by building upon our athletic heritage with this high profile college bowl game.”Although the name of the bowl was changed, Champs Sports will remain an official partner of both the Russell Athletic Bowl and the Capital One Bowl through 2014.
