The Saskatchewan Roughriders are off to their best start to a CFL season since 2013, and it isn’t going unnoticed at local sports apparel stores like the Ultimate Fan Zone.
Owner Billy Ravneck told Discover Moose Jaw that he’s definitely seen an increase in Saskatchewan Roughriders merchandise sales with a winning team on the field.
The Ultimate Fan Zone sells official New Era Saskatchewan Roughriders apparel, including jerseys, sideline gear, hoodies, hats and more.
During weeks when the Riders have home games, Ravneck said the store is particularly busy.
“Especially game weeks, lots of hype, the team is playing so well. They’re buzzing right now. Teams are coming in and the Riders are just crushing them. It’s awesome and, yeah, it’s just nice to have a winner here in Saskatchewan,” he said.
Ravneck said he is now usually restocking Rider apparel every other week, anticipating the next home game.
He also noted a big shift in the demographics of who is buying the merchandise.
Traditionally, the CFL is considered to have an older fan base. However, Ravneck has noticed a lot more younger people gravitating to the league and the Roughriders.
“Their branding’s been really good, but I’ve been noticing as far as sales goes, yeah, you’re getting those younger families going to Rider games. It’s really cool to see how it’s evolved from being an older demographic into now younger families identifying with the CFL. That’s pretty cool,” he said.
And it’s not just Roughriders gear. This is the first time in decades that both the Riders and Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays are sitting in first place in their respective divisions and, for retail stores like the Ultimate Fan Zone, that means sales.
The Roughriders are back in action Saturday when they take their 8-1 record into Calgary against the second-place Stampeders. Game time is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time.