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Rugs
to Riches
Fan
Mats Emerges as Licensed Giant
July 3, 2007
One of the better success stories in the licensed industry is that of Fan Mats. An offshoot of Millennium Mats, the company launched in 2003 with an intriguing selection of NFL items. Four years later, Fan Mats has added MLB and more than 250 schools, while its product line has grown to include car mats, floor mats, area rugs, runners and various mascot cut-outs.
“Our wide range of products is a big selling point with our retail partners,” says Adrienne Wilkes, Marketing Manager for Fan Mats. “Our welcome mats and car mats are probably our most popular, but we do well with everything we offer because of our high quality.”
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Indeed, the graphics and colors from Fan Mats are lively and crystal clear. Pricing is also a plus, with regular-sized welcome mats starting at $19.99. “Our customers range from college alumni to tailgaters to people decorating a game room,” says Wilkes. “Fan Mats do great as gift items. In fact, this is a busy time of the year for us because of Christmas orders.”
At retail, Fan Mats can be found everywhere from Dick’s, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart to many smaller sporting goods stores and specialty gift shops. Wilkes is particularly excited about a new carpet tile program with The Home Depot. “We’re beginning with non-licensed product in plain brown and gray,” says Wilkes. “Licensed tiling will be available by the end of July.”
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Speaking of licenses, Fan Mats is eager to sign deals with NASCAR and the NBA and NHL. This trio will round out the company’s selection quite nicely. New for 2007, meanwhile, is a uniform-inspired line of NFL mats, which builds on the success of NFL helmet-shaped mats.
“Everything we do is made to order,” adds Wilkes, “right here in the U.S.”
