'47 (brand)

'47 is a privately held American clothing brand founded in 1947 by twin Italian immigrant brothers, Henry and Arthur D’Angelo. '47 maintains licenses to create headwear, apparel and accessories for the Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Football League, Major League Lacrosse and over 900 college institutions in the United States.[1]

In 2014, '47 became an official licensed on-field partner for four teams in the Cape Cod Baseball League.[2] In 2015, '47 expanded their portfolio with a USSF and Major League Soccer partnership deal.[3] In the same year, they clinched the rights to produce caps for MLB on-field postseason celebrations until 2019[4] and secured a license to create merchandise for Major Baseball League International (MLBI).[5] In 2013, they reported an estimated $230 Million in revenue.[6]

Rebranding

In 2010, Twins Enterprise changed its name to ’47 Brand.[7] In 2015, they dropped the “brand” in “’47 Brand.”

The company is still occasionally referred to as “’47 Brand” or “Twins Enterprise” in various publications.[8]

The Founders

Arthur and Henry D’Angelo, identical twin brothers, were born in Orsogna, Italy in 1926.[1] They came to the United States in 1938 at age twelve and soon began selling various items, including Boston Red Sox pennants on the streets near Fenway Park where the Boston Red Sox play. In 1977, Arthur’s oldest son, Robert, joined the business.[1] In the next nine years, Arthur’s three other sons (Mark, David, Steven) joined as well. Henry D’Angelo died from cancer in 1987.[9]

On September 21, 2013, The Red Sox and Mayor Thomas Menino honored Arthur D’Angelo by naming a street near Fenway Park after him, “Arthur’s Way” and had him throw the first pitch. Arthur D’Angelo remains President of ’47, with his four sons in leadership positions: Steven D’Angelo, Robert D’Angelo, David D’Angelo and Mark D’Angelo.[10]

Locations

In 1965, the D’Angelo brothers purchased a 2,000 SF retail space on Yawkey Way to sell Red Sox souvenirs. They now own and operate the official pro-shop at 9 Yawkey Way across from Fenway Park: The Yawkey Way Store.[11] The company headquarters is located in Westwood, MA. In addition, they have a 200,000 SF warehouse in Brockton, MA. They have a flagship store located at 286 Newbury Street in Boston’s downtown shopping district.

Organizations

In 2015, ’47 created headwear, accessories and apparel for the Black Fives Foundation, a 501(c)3 that preserves the history of basketball pre racial integration. This venture marked the first ever sports licensed retail deal with a not-for-profit organization.[12]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The '47 Story". '47. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  2. ↑ "'47 Brand Partners with Cape Cod Baseball League | Business Wire". www.businesswire.com. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  3. ↑ “MLS, USSF To Announce New Licensing Deal With '47 Brand” Sports Business Journal, 20 January 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  4. ↑ “MLB Properties Extends Agreements with New Era, Nike and 47 Brand till 2019” Forbes, 3 April 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  5. ↑ “’47 Secures Major League Baseball International License” Boston Herald, 2 December 2015.
  6. ↑ “Sports apparel supplier ’47 Brand plans marketing push for 2015” Boston Business Journal, 9 April 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  7. ↑ “Uni-Watch Profiles: Craig Rodia” www.uni-watch.com, 27 September 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  8. ↑ “Company Overview of '47 Brand Inc.” Bloomberg Business, Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  9. ↑ “Memories of a Red Sox Memorabilia Merchandiser” Boston Globe, 30 October 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  10. ↑ “Red Sox Celebrate Street Dedication of Arthur’s Way” MLB.com, 21 September 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  11. ↑ “Hats off to him — D’Angelo wears his success in the souvenir business well.” boston.com, 3 August 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  12. ↑ “Basketball History Focused Black Fives Foundation Expands and Reinforces Its Mission and Goals” , 27 August 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2015.

External links

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