In celebration of March Madness, Converse has released a tournament-themed lifestyle sneaker collection called the 'Custom College Collection' of its Chuck Taylor sneaker model, consisting of qualifying colleges participating in the tournament. Fans can select their favorite school colors, write their text, and switch out the sole for their taste. The sneakers are also customizable to the fans' preferences.
The 'Custom College Collection' consists of the standard default school design that Converse made for fans who do not wish to customize their sneaker design. A standout sneaker design from the collection is the University of Michigan Wolverines Football Team Converse sneaker, which contains a yellow colorway with navy blue on the tongue and lacing system. Another standout sneaker design is the Duke University's Devils Football Team Converse sneaker, which has a blue colorway and black color midsole with a white line across it. The 'Custom College Collection" is available for $95.
Tournament-Themed Sneaker Collections
Converse Launch March Madness 'Custom College Collection'
Trend Themes
1. Customizable Sports-themed Sneakers - There is an opportunity for other retailers to create customizable sneakers for fans of various sports leagues and tournaments.
2. Limited Edition Sneaker Collections - Potential for retailers to release limited edition sneaker collections to coincide with major sporting events such as March Madness, the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
3. Branded Collegiate Merchandise - Colleges and universities can expand their merchandise sales by partnering with footwear companies to release branded sneakers for their sports teams.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Retail - Sports retailers can tap into the growing demand for limited edition and customizable sneakers by partnering with major sports leagues and tournaments.
2. Collegiate Merchandise - Colleges and universities can partner with footwear companies to release branded sneakers for their sports teams and expand their merchandise sales.
3. Fashion Industry - Luxury and high-end fashion brands can release their own versions of sports-themed sneakers to capitalize on the growing trend of customization and limited edition releases.