Why Selling Non-Food Items at Concession Stands is a Winning Strategy

Concession stands have long been a staple of school sports events, serving up snacks and drinks to keep fans energized and engaged. But in recent years, a new trend has emerged: selling non-food items alongside traditional concession fare. From team merchandise to collectible trading cards, offering non-food items is a simple yet effective way to generate additional revenue while adding excitement for fans of all ages.

If you’ve ever wondered how to enhance your concession stand’s profitability or engage your school community in a fresh way, this blog post is for you.

Why Non-Food Items at Concession Stands?

1. Supplemental Revenue with High Margins

Selling non-food items like T-shirts, hats, and trading cards creates an additional revenue stream for your sports program. These items typically have higher profit margins compared to food. Collectible trading cards, for example, can be sold at a 40-70% margin, offering significant returns for concession stand managers. More importantly, it’s a way to keep revenue flowing throughout the season, not just on game days.

Example: At one high school swim meet, collectible trading cards featuring athletes generated nearly as much revenue as food sales during the event—without the added costs of food preparation and storage.

2. Engaging Fans in a New Way

Fans attend sporting events for more than just the game—they want to feel connected to the team. Non-food items, particularly collectibles, create opportunities for deeper engagement. Whether it’s a custom team T-shirt or a limited-edition trading card featuring their favorite athlete, fans (and especially kids) love to take home something tangible that ties them to the game.

The Case of Collectible Trading Cards: Trading cards featuring team members add an element of surprise and excitement. Imagine the joy of young fans opening a pack and finding their friend or teammate featured on a card! Cards also offer great flexibility—you can start with pre-made packs and update them as new photos come in from parents or team photographers throughout the season.

3. Convenience and Flexibility

Non-food items are easy to sell and manage at concession stands. They don’t require refrigeration, heating, or any special handling, making them easy to store and stock. Additionally, they’re lightweight, don’t spoil, and can be kept on hand for future events without risk of loss. Plus, selling non-food items doesn’t interfere with traditional food sales—it complements them.

Easy Display: Merchandise like trading cards or shirts can be displayed on counters or near the checkout area, encouraging impulse buys while fans wait in line for snacks.

4. Building School Spirit and Community

Selling non-food items allows schools to offer fans and families a way to directly support the program. Merchandise and collectibles can be customized with school logos, colors, and athlete images, creating a sense of pride among students and fans. This, in turn, builds long-term loyalty and engagement from the community.

Example: Last year, we worked with the Westwood High School softball team to create custom trading cards for their end-of-season banquet. The cards were so well-received that they became a centerpiece of the event. Sponsored by local businesses like Westwood Living and Neroli, the cards also provided valuable exposure for these community partners.

Example: Softball Fall 2024 Design

5. Opportunities for Local Sponsorship

Another advantage of selling non-food items at concession stands is the ability to partner with local businesses for sponsorship. By including logos or ads on items like trading cards, schools can create valuable partnerships with local businesses, enhancing both visibility and support.

Sponsored Collectibles: A local business might sponsor a set of trading cards for your team, which would not only boost your fundraising efforts but also increase the visibility of the business. It’s a win-win situation for both the school and local sponsors.

How to Get Started with Non-Food Sales at Your Concession Stand

1. Identify Popular Items: Start with items that resonate with your audience—think school spirit merchandise like shirts or hats, or collectibles that appeal to younger fans. Trading cards featuring athletes or mascots can create a fun, interactive element that keeps fans coming back.
2. Promote the Sales: Ensure that your non-food items are well-promoted at games and events. Use school newsletters, social media, and announcements during games to spread the word. The more visible these items are, the more sales you’ll generate.
3. Partner with Local Businesses: Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship opportunities. In exchange for sponsorship, businesses can be featured on the items, allowing you to offset production costs while giving businesses a valuable marketing platform.
4. Use Flexible Inventory: Since non-food items like collectible trading cards are non-perishable, you can stock them throughout the season. No need to worry about expiration dates or spoilage, making inventory management simple and cost-effective.

Conclusion

Selling non-food items at concession stands is a smart way to drive more revenue, enhance fan engagement, and build school spirit. Whether it’s collectible trading cards, school-branded merchandise, or souvenirs, offering non-food items opens up new opportunities for schools and sports programs alike. And the best part? These items create a memorable connection for fans and families that goes far beyond the game.

Are you ready to take your concession stand to the next level? Start selling non-food items and watch your school community rally around your sports programs!