AU title run benefits businesses
Published 3:02 pm Saturday, December 25, 2010
Rick Couch | Times-Journal STocking up: Erin Gibbs, an employee at Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, stocks the shelves with Auburn T-shirts. The shirts have become a hot seller, along with other Auburn gear, now that the Tigers are in the national title game.
Ducks don’t fight Tigers.
But they will, when the Auburn Tigers and Oregon Ducks square off in the BCS National Championship game Jan. 10, 2011 in Glendale, Ariz.
And while Auburn fans are raising themselves into a frenzy about the title game, local retailers who sell Auburn gear are hoping to cash in.
Jim Truax, owner of Butler-Truax Jewelers, said this year’s sales of Auburn merchandise have increased dramatically.
“Our BCS key rings and coffee mugs (with Auburn and Oregon) have sold out in two days,” Truax said. “We’re selling a lot of watches and jewelry — three times more than we do normally.”
Janet Bailey, a nursing major at Wallace Community College-Selma and cashier at Pilcher-McBryde Drug Company, is a devoted Auburn fan.
“Since I was born I’ve been a fan,” said Bailey. “I hope we win the championship—I have faith in my team.”
Tim Gibbs, pharmacist/owner of Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, said sales have picked up since Auburn won the SEC championship game on Dec. 4.
“Sales have doubled throughout the year, and people seem excited,” Gibbs said. “Sales (of merchandise) depend on a team’s record, and this means more money for the athletic department and school.”
Gibbs also said Auburn’s team is better this year and that in turn helps the school.
“Coach Gene Chizik does a better job of getting support from his team,” he said. “Tommy Tuberville’s (former Auburn football coach) style of coaching alienated the fans, but Chizik has brought everyone back together.”
Truax said he is impressed with fans and their dedication.
“There’s tons of people from the Selma-Dallas County area who come in here and say they are going to this once in a lifetime game,” Truax said. “People are excited and it’s amazing.”
