Phillies up the ante: how the team’s World Series status helps the local economy

During the tense six-game World Series, many residents of Northeast Philadelphia want to show their Phillies pride, but still have enough money to pay the bills.  Bargain shoppers found that the several Forman Mills stores in the area have Phillies championship merchandise at lower prices.  They have some very similar items found in other stores, like the Modell’s in Roosevelt Mall.

See video of some of the Northeast’s most popular sports retailers and their customers below.

One of the ways Forman Mills was able to attract more customers was by holding autograph signings, giving the fans the opportunity to meet their favorite player while buying the latest shirt or hat.

In a sign that almost everyone tried to capitalize on the Phillies winning the NLCS and sticking it out in the Series, tents popped up at some of the Northeast’s busiest intersections, like Grant and the Boulevard.  At these tents, mainly located near gas stations, fans could buy hats, shirts, pennants and blankets all while filling up their tank.  These vendors had some merchandise the traditional brick-and-mortar stores do not have.  Even though they are not physically connected to telephone lines, tent operators accepted major credit cards and even debit through wireless internet.

If clothes weren’t enough, local grocery stores and bakeries are transformed their classics into Phillies-themed pastries.  Everything from doughnuts and cupcakes to pies and cakes were adorned with logos, jersey numbers and cheers.  Most bakery owners said anything with the HK patch for the late Harry Kalas was a No. 1 seller.

Sean Supplee is a student in Philadelphia Neighborhoods, Temple University’s senior journalism capstone class, and he’s been assigned to explore the Northeast as part of an internship with NEast Philly.