Putz, Pedroia and Major League Pros Launch Player's Store at Mets New Home

(MoneyWatch)  Wal-Mart and Tesco have company when it comes to launching new small store concepts, having been joined by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Yep, baseball players have their own store, The Player's Clubhouse, and it's in operation on the fifth level of Citi Field, new home of the New York Mets. MLBPA is pulling out its big guns to ensure the success of the program. Even before the Mets and the Boston Red Sox played the ballpark's inaugural major league game, Kevin Youkilis, Marlon Anderson, Dustin Pedroia and J.J. Putz represented both squads by helping cut the ribbon and open the store.

The 470 square foot store is a new wrinkle on a program established by the MLBPA and baseball clubs to develop player-related merchandise. About a decade ago, the two sides struck a deal to create and promote jerseys, t-shirts and other items that included player names under a product licensing program dubbed MLB Players Choice. Then, about five years ago, they collaborated to start producing player-oriented boutiques within the retail centers being developed in various ballparks. Those boutiques operate in about 20 stadiums today.

However, the Citi Field store is the first stand-alone, player-merchandise-only retail outlet. It will not only be a product showcase but also will act as a test center where new initiatives, including player product design efforts, can be showcased. Development and merchandise costs for the store were underwritten by the MLBPA, while concession operator Aramark was tapped to maintain and manage the store on a daily basis.

While a one of its kind operation now, Judy Heeter, director of business affairs and licensing for MLB Players Choice, said that if the concept is as successful as the player's association believes it will be, The Players Clubhouse will be presented to other baseball teams for possible inclusion in stadum construction and renovation projects.