Some local Ohio University apparel stores are not afraid of losing business with the new Victoria’s Secret PINK line because of its limited accessibility, steep prices and students’ preferences for shopping local
Although it debuted with a lot of buzz, Victoria’s Secret PINK and its new Ohio University apparel line doesn’t have all Athens stores worried.
PINK has offered collegiate apparel and accessories for major universities for years and recently added Ohio University to its collection. OU’s PINK campus representatives first announced the addition via Twitter in November 2014.
Released in early July, the line includes four items — a “game day” jersey, a varsity crew long-sleeve top, a varsity pullover hoodie and a half-zip sweatshirt — that range from $59.95 to $69.95.
The “bling boyfriend pocket tank” has been removed from the website since the initial release.
Kara Oberholzer, store manager of UniversiTEES on North Court Street said she hadn’t heard about the new line but wasn’t concerned when informed because the local stores have more to offer.
“We serve the students, but also have things for alums and parents as well,” Oberholzer said.
Andrew Stout, the apparel buyer and partner at the College Book Store on South Court Street agreed the wide product range is what contrasts local stores from the new PINK line.
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“We are different from them in every way,” Stout said. “We have a larger amount of products and larger amount of different styles. They only offer five items, which is hardly competition.”
PINK is even less of a threat because it is mostly offered online and has limited availability in stores.
“An online competitor gives us no worries,” Stout said. “The closest store is miles away from us so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
Despite the popularity of the PINK name, some OU students were also more partial to getting their OU gear locally.
Tessa Brediger, a sophomore studying photojournalism, said she wanted to stay local.
“I'd rather my money go to an Athens or OU book store or at least regional shops,” Brediger said. “I'm all about shopping local.”
For some students, it’s a matter of price that is deterring them from the new PINK line.
Tori Lang, a sophomore studying international business, said the collection was cute but way overpriced.
“(I’d buy at) OU stores, hands down,” Lang said. “The Victoria’s Secret collection is cute but very limited. … There is only, like, five things, and it's ridiculously expensive for what you get.”
Oberholzer said her store was safe because of its more affordable cost.
“Our prices are cheaper,” she said. “We have better deals and our sales change constantly, giving the customer more options.”
Since PINK’s release of its OU apparel, some Athens stores have not seen changes in sales. Oberholzer and Stout said they don’t foresee doing anything about it in the future.
“They aren’t big enough to worry about yet,” Stout said. “We can’t worry every time a new player comes to the market. We can’t distract for what we are doing and need to focus on ourselves.”
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