For most students on campus, winning national championships is nothing new. For local business owners in Tuscaloosa, however, the Crimson Tide football team’s success directly affects their store’s sales.
Riley Crutchfield, manager of The Trunk on the Strip said a BCS National Championship victory is always a big boost for business.
“2009 was a huge year for us. People were so excited about finally winning a national championship,” Crutchfield said. “Anything people could get with national champions on it, they wanted.”
Crutchfield said even during losing seasons, fans still want their Alabama memorabilia, so businesses can still be healthy.
Owner of the Shirt Shop, Charles Spurlin, agreed with Crutchfield and said winning a national title is not only a boost for sales right now, but throughout the year.
“It’s a long-lasting effect when you’re winning national championships like Coach Saban,” Spurlin said. “It affects our entire community.”
Spurlin said when he attended the University throughout 1976-1979, there were only 15,000 students. He said much of the current 33,000-student population is due to the success of the football program.
“We’ve got it all lined up right now,” Spurlin said. “It won’t last forever, but right now everyone is on the same page, and that’s why the Shirt Shop is healthy.”
Expeditions, another retailer in Tuscaloosa, recently opened shop in October 2011, Manager Rob Tanner said.
Tanner said when the football team is doing well, as they have been over the last few years, Expeditions has seen a significant increase with store traffic.
All three retailers said their new national championship gear has been the most popular following the Jan. 7 win.
Crutchfield said the Trunk’s most popular merchandise is consistently the T-shirts, hats and magnets.
“We can never have too many,” she said.
As for the number 15 on various items in retail stores throughout Tuscaloosa, Spurlin makes no promises on their sustainability.
“Coach Saban is telling recruits you have a chance at winning a national championship, and he’s telling them like it is,” Spurlin said. “That’s why our ‘15’ hats are only guaranteed for one year.”
