How do we best cultivate the next generation of hockey collectors? The smart money is by engaging those who are already passionate about the sport and supporting their quest for success. That’s where Upper Deck and Universal Distribution come in as the two companies are making it easier than ever for local card shops to embrace youth hockey teams and potentially earn the business of those customers with direct engagements throughout the season!
Give back to your local community by sponsoring a youth hockey team with the help of Universal Distribution and Upper Deck!
Amateur hockey is incredibly important to communities throughout Canada. As business leaders, one way to promote amateur sport within your local community is to provide support to local youth hockey teams. As hobby shop owners it can be tough to determine what are the best ways to spend your money for marketing and community service purposes, but supporting youth hockey can pay significant dividends. Upper Deck and Universal believe strongly that by investing in youth hockey, there are at least ten significant benefits they can realize:
- Raise your store’s profile in the community and become an ambassador for the sport
- Position your store as a community leader and yourself as a good corporate citizen
- Expose your store and products to potential new customers who are passionate about hockey
- Bring the community to you by hosting in-store team events and promotions
- Provide samples or trial offers to team members and their families, building loyalty and repeat customers
- Create positive PR via local media to raise awareness of your store within the community
- Not only is it fun, it feels great to give back to these “Young Guns”
- Interact with a highly targeted market – hockey players, families, and fans
- Get your store name and logo advertised on team jerseys, websites, and promotional material
- Upper Deck and Universal are partnering to cover HALF THE COST up to $500.00 so getting started couldn’t be easier
Many successful small businesses invest in youth sponsorship programs, why don’t you?
If you are not already sponsoring a youth hockey team, now is the time! Canadian Certified Diamond Dealers have an incredible co-op opportunity available through Universal Distribution to sponsor a House League hockey team for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. Most good shop owners know this is the perfect age to get kids involved in the hobby.
“The Youth Hockey Sponsorship is one of the best ideas Universal Distribution has put together thus far to help shops increase exposure and awareness for their business,” said Eddie Doria, owner of Red Nails II hobby shop. “To be able to sponsor youth hockey teams and bring exposure to local card stores will provide an opportunity for growth in the hobby. It gives us a sense of pride to help these kids grow and we plan on making this investment in our community for years to come.”
Today’s hockey players are tomorrow’s hockey card collectors!
For more information on how you can get involved in this promotion, please contact David Vatri at Universal Distribution at [email protected] or Upper Deck Dealer Support at [email protected].
