Local firm becoming NFL power

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maingateEven as the economy tanks, locally based MainGate Inc. continues to ink major merchandising deals. This week, MainGate signed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. This comes on the heels of a deal earlier this year with the St. Louis Rams, and the growth of its deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chiefs signed MainGate Inc. as the exclusive online merchandiser for the organization. The three-year agreement, which positions MainGate Inc. to manage and maintain all aspects of the e-commerce Web site, will formally launch prior to the NFL draft in late April.

“Our priority is providing our fans with the best experience possible when shopping for and purchasing team merchandise,” said Tammy Fruits, Chiefs vice president of sales and marketing. “In MainGate, we feel as though we have found a company that is proven in the e-commerce space and has the ability to provide our valued fans with outstanding customer service and exceptional merchandise.”

Fruits’ faith in MainGate appears to be well placed. The Rams and Colts have seen sales increases during the MainGate era, said company officials. MainGate also manages operations at the Colts pro shops at Circle Centre Mall and Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Knowing we were selected by the Chiefs, out of all others, proves to us that we are living up to our vision of being the premier event retail and online merchandising company in the country,” said David Moroknek, President and CEO of MainGate Inc.

With its track record, it’s only a matter of time until MainGate starts signing deals with stick-and-ball sports teams in the nation’s biggest markets. Think New York, L.A. and Chicago.

The NFL business isn’t the only good news for MainGate during this rocky economic time. MainGate has long been a major player in the motorsports world, making, distributing and selling everything from coffee mugs to t-shirts for the likes of Danica Patrick, NHRA, John Force Racing, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League and others. Moroknek expects to see a 30 percent plus sales increase this year in IRL and IMS goods as the Speedway begins its centennial celebration.

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