Panini America, Irving, Texas, recently released 2015 Contenders Draft Picks Football, its first college-only trading card product, since reaching exclusive agreements with more than 400 colleges and universities this year.
Charlie DiPietro, owner of Sports Cards Plus in San Antonio, says customers at his store, which he has operated for more than 20 years, have received the product very well.
“We received our initial shipment of 2015 Contenders Draft Picks Football at about 2 p.m. the day the product released,” DiPietro says. “By close of business that day our customers quickly busted through 47 boxes.”
The trading card boxes are available in different card quantities. Depending on the size, the boxes could contain as many as seven autographed cards, which is capturing consumers’ attention, according to the company.
“[We are] thrilled with the very positive retail and consumer feedback surrounding the launch of 2015 Contenders Draft Picks,” says Dave Kirkpatrick, VP of non-apparel brand development for The Collegiate Licensing Co. (CLC), the licensing affiliate of IMG College that brokered Panini’s deals with 134 schools for use of their marks. “In a condensed time frame, Panini quickly developed a highly compelling and comprehensive first set. This immediate, robust sell-in and sell-through should bode very well for Panini’s future upcoming collegiate initiatives.”
For more information, visit paniniamerica.net. — J.B.