While students know of the Lamar University Bookstore merchandise, many don’t know the other locations where merchandise can be purchased.
Lamar University has increased opportunities for students to access Cardinal merchandise to show their school spirit.
“First, we are partnering with the campus community to make merchandise more accessible on our campus,” Jason Baldwin, chief financial officer and strategic analyst of the athletics department, said. “In addition to the LU Bookstore, operated by Barnes & Noble, we are operating a mobile gear and apparel trailer on site during home athletic events. We also make that merchandise available at the Spindletop Boomtown Museum gift shop.
“Second, we are partnering with businesses throughout the Southeast Texas region to help build this momentum and make Lamar gear more accessible and available in local stores.”
Athletics has also widened the selection by adding new options during the year.
“We want to make sure we are relevant to the sports team, and we make sure to do that in tandem with the university’s marketing,” Baldwin said. “We do that a couple of times each year and introduce new merch and branding.”
Baldwin said the school has an intentional approach to the new products.
“We want to make sure we are consistent in our brand image to support our place in the community and on the national stage,” he said. “We have a central marketing team on campus that makes sure that anything new is reviewed and consistent with the president’s image of the university and who we are.”
While shirts, hats and bags are popular items, Baldwin said he hopes to see more technology-related merchandise in the future.
“As we get further along with tech, I would love to see more technology-related products, whether its phone and iPad cases or laptop covers,” he said. “Technology is embedded in almost everything we do, and I think that’s a great opportunity for us to show off our Cardinal pride.”
Baldwin said wearing Lamar branded merchandise is more than just showing school spirit.
“It is about creating a sense of belonging and pride in our university community,” he said. “Seeing our students and community wear Lamar-branded gear reinforces the strong connection we all share, and showcases our Cardinal spirit that extends throughout our campus and beyond. It’s a visible celebration of our traditions, our achievements and our aspirations.”
Baldwin said he encourages suggestions for merchandise and people can reach out to him or the central marketing team at jbaldwin8@lamar.edu, or visit the marketing department at lamarcardinals.com.
