News With Commentary by TSL Staff Tuesday, April 17, 2001
At a press conference today at Tech Bookstore in Blacksburg, Michael Vick was on hand to attend the unveiling of the first few products created as the result of a joint effort between Vick, the Virginia Tech Licensing department, and Octagon, the global sports management company that represents Vick. The products that were shown today were the first Vick-related items that will be sold from now until September to raise funds for Virginia Tech's general scholarship fund. Other products will be introduced in the coming weeks and months (see News and Notes from March 9, 2001 for more details on the licensing agreement). The signature product is a limited edition 18x24-inch print signed by Vick. Only 700 of the prints will be made available for sale to the public, at a cost of $125. The prints will be carried exclusively at Tech Bookstore and TechLocker.com, the sister web site and on-line store for TechSideline.com. All profits made from the sale of the print and other Vick merchandise created through the agreement will go to Virginia Tech's general scholarship fund. Tech Bookstore and TechLocker.com will realize no profit from the sales of the merchandise. Virginia Tech Licensing Director Locke White said that Virginia Tech hopes to make $100,000 selling the merchandise.
White estimates that 20-25 different products will ultimately be offered through the agreement. No items will be sold beyond September 1, 2001, making the items limited-time-only offers. Only the print and the trading cards will be limited edition. Items such as shirts and hats will be sold for a limited time, but an unlimited quantity will be available throughout the period of sale. Special notice: TSL Extra subscribers will receive their 10% discount on the Vick print! That's a savings of $13.30!
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