UNC’s Office of Trademark Licensing selected Hanesbrands Inc. to license University apparel products.
In an email to The Daily Tar Heel, Olivia James, communications manager for Campus Enterprises, said the new agreement covers UNC-branded men’s, women’s, youth and infant apparel. She said the University has more control over the supply chain for the next 10 years.
“Under the new partnership, Hanesbrands will support UNC-Chapel Hill in its effort to develop, grow, and market University-branded product through IMG College’s innovative, customized marketing programs that connect and engage Carolina’s consumers across the globe,” James said in the email.
Hanesbrands Inc. is the number one seller of licensed college gear, said Hanesbrands Chief Communications Officer Matt Hall. As a North Carolina-based company, James said the company values an apparel relationship with UNC.
Hall said UNC is the home-state university, and a lot of the company’s employees hold UNC dear to their hearts.
“UNC is a great university and an important part of our collegiate license apparel business,” Hall said.
The agreement is based on royalties. Hanesbrands bought the right to UNC’s intellectual property, and the company will create graphics for apparel to sell on UNC’s behalf. The office said the new deal provides a minimum 40 percent growth in apparel royalties.
“They know that they’ve got a partner who’s a leader in corporate social responsibility, who’s a leader in progressive workplace practices and knows how to operate a worldwide supply chain,” Hall said.
Hall said Hanesbrands’ primary concern is representing the University in the best light and said it has the resources and professionals to create apparel to do so.
