Delays getting Carmelo jerseys to fans
Basketball fan Mike Komarinetz holds up a new New York Knicks jersey for the team's latest acquisition, Carmelo Anthony, in front of Champs sporting goods in New York. (Feb. 23, 2011) Credit: AP
The demand for Carmelo Anthony replica jerseys skyrocketed as soon as it was announced he would wear No. 7 with the Knicks.
The supply is another story.
Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell's Sports Goods, said Wednesday it likely will be 45 days before he has an adequate supply of $44.99 replica No. 7 jerseys.
On the Knicks' online store, Anthony jerseys can be pre-ordered but are not expected to ship until April. The NBA's online store is not promising shipment until May.
The problem, Modell said, is that the team recently decided against altering its uniform design for 2011-12, leaving adidas with a limited inventory because the company had been anticipating a change.
Modell said a limited number of jerseys went on sale at three Manhattan stores Wednesday afternoon, but he did not expect them to last long. A limited supply also was to go on sale at the Garden last night; fans who were unable to find them in the proper size were to be offered free delivery.
Name and number T-shirts were to be available Thursday and black replica jerseys were expected by next week.
Modell said demand for Knicks attire has been "unbelievable" all season.
"We've sold more Knicks stuff than probably the last four years combined," he said "It's crazy. It's great for New York, great for the fans."
