As Big Blue heads to Indianapolis, New York is seeing green.
After their teeth-clenching defeat of the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, the Giants are set for Super Bowl XLVI — and local companies are experiencing an upswing in business as fans flock to retailers and restaurants teeming with team spirit.
Shoppers stormed Modell’s within minutes of the NFC Championship Game’s end, scouring racks and shelves for coveted Giants gear. A spokesperson from the store’s College Point location divulged that the “Locker Room Tee” and the “Roster Tee” are two of the hottest items flying off the shelves, as well as the “always popular” hat adorned with the official Championship logo.
At the Modell’s in Ozone Park, patrons arrived as early as 7 a.m. on Monday, January 23 to be the first to score Championship duds. The store had been receiving shipments of merchandise intermittently throughout the day. According to a store spokesperson, five tables were set aside to hold Giants merchandise.
Athletic apparel outfitters were not the only businesses suddenly stricken with Super Bowl fever. At Strawberry’s Sports Grill in Douglaston, fans enjoying the Championship game were thrown into a frenzy when the Giants scored the final points.
“The place went nuts,” said Strawberry’s General Manager James Scholz. “It was amazing.”
According to Scholz, guests packed the restaurant, taking up every reservation slot and filling up the waitlist. Several Giants diehards have already cemented their Super Bowl Sunday plans at Strawberry’s, making reservations nearly two weeks in advance.
Stefan Friedman, a spokesperson from Resort’s World Casino, said the complex’s Bar 360 was jammed “wall to wall” with Giants supporters during the penultimate match. Friedman said the room’s post-win energy was “euphoric.” Resorts World is planning a special party for February 5 to celebrate the Super Bowl.
