A vodka-stained, plastic Honey Deuce cup isn’t the only badge of US Open honor.
Between its five different merchandise stores, most of which have multiple outposts, the annual tennis tournament also offers a lengthy list of non-alcoholic souvenir options. There are the usual polos and hats, but also racquet-wielding rubber ducks, candles that smell like cocktails, and stuffed bears in pink tennis skirts.
Employees at one of the “US Open Collection” stores said some products were already nearly out of stock, and as I meandered through the racks on Monday, I overheard some shoppers learning that, no, there weren’t more sizes in the back.
A somewhat bewildered cashier told me most people spend hundreds of dollars, often on the most basic hats. He said he wouldn’t buy anything at the store, though that might be because he doesn’t like tennis.
The US Open doesn’t share specific sales figures, but a representative said in an email that they’re approaching “record-breaking retail sales this year.” Here are some of the most popular items, according to employees at the store on August 31.
Anything Honey Deuce
One employee told me that “anything Honey Deuce sells,” and pointed out a $48 women’s top and a $50 men’s top. I spotted a fan wearing one of the shirts outside the store, walking with a friend wearing a new Honey Deuce cap. The store is also selling a citrus and honeysuckle-scented candle for $40.
Crop tops are forever
Kudos to whoever suggested selling a crop top. The store started stocking the item last year and is already almost sold out of its stash of black $52 baby tees, the same employee told me.
There were only four left when I stopped by around noon, all in XL, but at least nine were on display when I returned around 3 pm.
Peter Millar polos
Another employee said Peter Millar polos have been popular this year, especially with dads willing to pay $138. As we were talking, a middle-aged man summoned his shopping companion to compare two pattern options.
The hat wall
After sitting in direct sun for an hour, I, too, was tempted by the hat wall. Two cashiers and a representative for the US Open said that hats, many of which cost $40 or $48, are the most popular items so far this year.
Mojo tees
Tees from the brand Mojo are especially popular, one of the employees told me, particularly one with an apple on the back that goes for $44.
Sold-out borough sweatshirt
When I stopped into the Polo Ralph Lauren store next door, one employee told me that a nearly $200 white sweatshirt with New York City’s boroughs on the back was already sold out. The sweatshirt was sold out online, too, as of Monday night, and listed for $675 on Poshmark.
Varsity jacket
The same employee said that the $598 varsity jacket with the same borough design on the back was also super popular. He expected they’d be sold out in a week, even though it’s one of the most expensive items in the store.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post The most popular merch at the US Open, from Honey Deuce tees to $600 Polo Ralph Lauren jackets appeared first on Business Insider.
