I regretted not bringing my own hat.Alice Tecotzky
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A vodka-stained plastic Honey Deuce cup isn’t the only feature of US Open honors.
Among the five different merchandise shops, most of which have multiple outposts, the annual tennis tournament also offers a long list of non-alcoholic souvenirs. There are the usual polos and hats, as well as racquet-wielding rubber ducks, cocktail-scented candles and stuffed bears in pink tennis skirts.
Employees at one of the “US Open Collection” stores said some products were already running low on stock, and as I was browsing the shelves on Monday, I overheard some customers learning that no, there weren’t more sizes in the back.
A somewhat bewildered cashier told me that most people spend hundreds of dollars, often on the most basic hats. He said he wouldn’t buy anything from the store, although that may have been his fault doesn’t like tennis.
The US Open isn’t sharing specific sales figures, but a representative said in an email that they are approaching “record-breaking retail sales this year.” Here are some of the most popular items, according to store employees as of August 31.
Everything, Deuce dear
All Honey Deuce merchandise is apparently a hit. Alice Tecotzky
An employee told me that “everything Dear Deuce sells,” and pointed out a $48 women’s top and a $50 men’s top. I saw a fan wearing one of the shirts outside the store while walking with a friend wearing a new Honey Deuce cap. The store also sells a citrus and honeysuckle scented candle for $40.
Crop tops are forever
The black baby T-shirt was almost sold out. Alice Tecotzky
Kudos to whoever suggested selling a crop top. The store started stocking the item last year andis already nearly sold out of its stock of $52 black baby T-shirts, the same employee told me.
When I stopped by around noon there were only four left, all in XL, but when I returned around 3pm there were at least nine on display.
Polo shirts by Peter Millar
Peter Millar polos were particularly popular with fathers, one employee said. Alice Tecotzky
Another employee said Polo shirts by Peter Millar have been popular this year, especially with dads willing to pay $138. While we were talking, a middle-aged man called over his shopping companion to compare two pattern options.
The hat wall
Long live the hat wall. Alice Tecotzky
After sitting in the full sun for an hour, I was also tempted by the hat wall. Two cashiers and a U.S. Open representative said hats, many of which cost $40 or $48, are the most popular items so far this year.
Mojo T-shirts
I heard a woman ask if there were any more Big Apple T-shirts in the back. Alice Tecotzky
T-shirts from the Mojo brand are especially popular, one of the employees said, especially one with an apple on the back, which costs $44.
Sold out borough sweatshirt
The sold-out Ralph Lauren sweater sold for $675 on Poshmark. Poshmark
When I went into the Polo Ralph Lauren store next door, an employee told me that a nearly $200 white sweatshirt with New York City boroughs on the back had already sold out. The sweatshirt was also sold out online as of Monday evening, and listed for $675 on Poshmark.
Varsity jacket
Ralph Lauren’s varsity jacket sells for almost $600. Alice Tecotzky
The same employee said the $598 varsity jacket with the same city design on the back was also super popular. He expected them to sell out within a week, even though it is one of the most expensive items in the store.
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