HELP THE SPIRIT SHOP AT FORD STADIUM

[ACALLFORHELP]

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Alex Griffin. I am a junior here at SMU and I am employed by Bob Sharp at the Spirit Shop at SMU in Ford Stadium. I am posting this message because I need help. It has been brought to my attention that John Koerner, Senior Associate Athletic Director- Finance/Economics has made the executive decision to do away with the Spirit Shop. From what has been said, he will bring in a new company that will NOT be open during the week, but only on game days. Beside game day operations, the new company will have and Internet site where they will sell merchandise.
Not only as an employee, but also as a student I am very concerned. It is devastating that this man, who is unfamiliar with the happenings in Ford Stadium and in the Spirit Shop would make a decision that would not only effect every student at SMU, but alumni, athletes of every sport and visitors to the SMU campus. I have not visited a campus that does not have a spirit store open in their football stadium. It is unfortunate that because Mr. Koerner feels that he may be able to make more money with a new company that is in no way related to SMU, he would run out a man and a company that is devoted to the students and athletes of SMU. I know that many of you are familiar with Mr. Bob Sharp and realize how devastating this news is, but for those of you who do not; I would like to let you know that Mr. Sharp is a devoted fan of Mustang Athletics and makes a special point to meet and greet every athlete and student who walks through the Spirit Shop. You can find Mr. Sharp at almost every SMU sporting event, with a positive thing to say about every athlete and the team in general. Mr. Sharp has devoted the last 7 years to make this Spirit Shop a friendly store welcoming to every customer.
On almost any day of the week you can find students, athletes, coaches, alumni and staff stopping by the Spirit Shop to either pick up that latest T-Shirt or just to say hello to Mr. Sharp. The closing of the Spirit Shop is heartbreaking and shocking:
• We are the only store that carries spirit merchandise on
campus.
• We are open daily for the many groups of students that
come on campus: Mustang Monday tours, AARO, Football
recruits and prospective student’s tours.
• We also serve as the welcome stop for students, alumni and
visitors interested in looking at Ford Stadium, visiting Heritage
Hall and the Alumni Offices.
I cannot believe that Mr. Koerner could overlook the loyalty and passion that Mr. Sharp has for SMU just to make an extra buck. Mr. Sharp has stuck with the Spirit Shop through the hard times, and as the football team begins to grow and prosper, Mr. Sharp’s optimism and dedication is rewarded with this. As a student I look forward to becoming a part of the strong alumni base that SMU is known for, but is disheartening that Mr. Sharp's dedication as an alum has meant nothing. I am not sure how high up the information has traveled, but I am certain that President Turner has not been informed. I am asking for help. I have informed many people of this problem including coaches, staff and fellow students who are all helping in the cause. I believe that the more pressure we put on Mr. John Koerner, the more we will get done. His telephone number is 214.768-3585 and his e-mail address is [email protected]. Please let him know how you feel about this. Feel free to e-mail me with any further questions as well, [email protected].
Thank you for your time. Bob Sharp, The Spirit Shop and I appreciate your help.

[WorldStang]

I've never understood why we keep the licensing of SMU products so closed. We shoot ourselves in the foot by not having more on the internet, at Oshmans, Academy or other places that ANYONE can buy SMU Mustangs shirts, caps or anything else.

I'm fine with keeping the Spirit Shop open.. but why not make things more available to people outside of SMU or Dallas?

Just my 2 cents..

[ACALLFORHELP]

I would love for SMU to be able to sell to these other stores, but THEY have to buy the items, which they are not. The problem is now we are eliminating the Spirit Shop so now people have only the Internet option, they will not have a store on campus to browse through. The problem of merchandising has nothing to do with the Spirit Shop.

[ACALLFORHELP]

I would love for SMU to be able to sell to these other stores, but THEY have to buy the items, which they are not. The problem is now we are eliminating the Spirit Shop so now people have only the Internet option, they will not have a store on campus to browse through. The problem of merchandising has nothing to do with the Spirit Shop.

[ACALLFORHELP]

I would love for SMU to be able to sell to these other stores, but THEY have to buy the items, which they are not. The problem is now we are eliminating the Spirit Shop so now people have only the Internet option, they will not have a store on campus to browse through. The problem of merchandising has nothing to do with the Spirit Shop.

[that's great raplh]

i went to the spirit shop last time i visited campus - the girl working there never looked up from the computer or stopped chatting on IM

[RGV Pony]

well I'll vouch for the staff at the Spirit Shop...They've always been VERY accomodating. One in particular...girl named Alex...went above & beyond to get something delivered over night, going to ship it on her own time.

[PonySnob]

Was Bob even going to keep the Spirit Shop? He is one of the owners of a new mexican restraunt on Lemmon Avenue now. If he was going to keep it anyways....then one more time, another stupid decision by the Jim Copeland regime!!!!! What's next.....Scott Secules as AD??????

[SWC2010]

I've never understood why we keep the licensing of SMU products so closed. We shoot ourselves in the foot by not having more on the internet, at Oshmans, Academy or other places that ANYONE can buy SMU Mustangs shirts, caps or anything else.

I'm fine with keeping the Spirit Shop open.. but why not make things more available to people outside of SMU or Dallas?

Just my 2 cents..

-----------------------------
Excuse me, WS, who told you SMU does not license out our product to retail? I've seen SMU offerings on collegiate Internet sites. Just last weekend, I saw a sharp White-on-White SMU cap at "Lids" in the Mall, as well.

If we're not in Oshman's, it's probably because we can't generate enough sales/sqft to justify carrying the product.

Just a thought-- how about we get our Equestrian stuff in the new Cabrera stores (or at "Billy Bob's)? Or even better-- let's get the Rowing Team stuff in "Bass Pro Shops"?

Just my 2 cents, too.

[MrMustang1965]

Well...this just sucks! If The Spirit Shop is closing at Ford Stadium, will it also be closing its doors at Moody? Of course, the question remains: does Bob Sharp want to keep running The Spirit Shop? Bob's a great guy but maybe he's had enough. He posts on here occasionally. I'd like to hear his 'two cents worth'. How 'bout it, Bob?

[RGV Pony]

MM1965, SMU is reluctant to license out its logo etc. On more than a few occasions, I've asked vendors why they have seemingly every other school's stuff to sell, and I've gotten the answer that it's difficult to get SMU to do so. Here and there, I see some things online or in the stores, but SMU gear is not nearly as common as others. What's more, a lot of the stuff that is out there bears logos, fonts, and color schemes of late 80s-mid 90s, none of the newer lettering.

[East Coast Mustang]

[quote="RGV Pony"]MM1965, SMU [i]is[/i] reluctant to license out its logo etc. On more than a few occasions, I've asked vendors why they have seemingly every other school's stuff to sell, and I've gotten the answer that it's difficult to get SMU to do so. Here and there, I see some things online or in the stores, but SMU gear is not nearly as common as others. What's more, a lot of the stuff that is out there bears logos, fonts, and color schemes of late 80s-mid 90s, none of the newer lettering.[/quote]

Why is SMU so reluctant to license out their products? It seems that increased exposure in stores and online could only help the program. Living on the east coast, I can't find SMU merchandise in stores, so I have to rely on online purchases, and compared to comparable schools (Tulane, TCU) SMU has a terrible online selection.

[PlanoStang]

I've noticed the lack of SMU stuff in DFW stores since the DP. I just
figured the demand for it slacked off about 90% since the mid 80s. Now it
seems SMU also makes it very hard for companies to get a license to
produce SMU items.

HEY HEY HO HO, AD DOPEYs GOTTA GO!

[ALEX LIFESON]

looks like more moves from a "SMALL THINKING" program to me.

[Corso]

From a marketing standpoint, reluctance to sell SMU-licensed gear is moronic. Rather than restricting the sale to certain vendors/stores, SMU should be doing everything humanly possible to get the SMU name out all over the city. The school should be GIVING away hats, t-shirts, etc., if needed. So ultimately, I don't care where the stuff comes from.

However, the idea that we might lose the Spirit Shop as we know it is terrible. I like the idea of having more SMU gear options on the internet, but Bob Sharp is part of the landscape of SMU athletics. Yes, he's positive and supportive, and while I disagree with some of what he says, his loyalty to the Ponies and to the school is unquestioned.

I expect this decision is driven by the lack of traffic going through the Spirit Shop during the week.