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We compare Columbia’s hot, humid reality against Portland’s frigid springs to show how climate drives every merch choice, then dig into vendor timelines, GCP vs full custom hats, and the tradeoffs that keep a team store profitable. We wrap with a deep, lively history of Columbia baseball with Kelly Robinson.

• store size and layout shaping assortment
• weather dictating fabric, layers and accessories
• staples vs experiments and reorder strategy
• long-sleeve tees as repeat inventory risk
• vendor calendars, lead times and approvals
• GCP color tweaks vs true customs and rules
• neon and powder blue affiliation storytelling
• Official League collabs and cord cap design
• 2026–2027 hat drops, BP cap and Copa refresh
• Columbia’s baseball lineage, leagues and titles

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We trace Kevin’s path from music merch to minor league retail leadership and unpack how smart layouts, vertical storage, and on-field brand stories turn small shops into fast, profitable experiences. Paul joins to reveal why Columbia chose Fireflies, how glow details work, and what makes lightning-bug country unique.

• career arc from Sea Dogs to Fireflies
• lessons from tour merch and COVID pivots
• mavericks league planning under restrictions
• 500 sq ft store redesigned for flow
• hat walls, size ranges, and custom drops
• storage systems that mirror the sales floor
• opening a second shop to cut lines
• visual merchandising using grocery logic
• fireflies vs lightning bugs brand history
• glow-in-the-dark elements and Copa nights

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We trace a coast‑to‑coast map of independent and collegiate summer baseball, from the Arizona Fall League’s underused potential to the Northwoods’ packed old parks, and explain how fans can keep their summers full if MLB hits turbulence in 2026. We weigh stability against control, share travel tips, and highlight leagues worth your time and money.

• why 2026 MLB CBA risk makes alternatives vital
• Arizona Fall League strengths and promotion gaps
• affiliated vs independent control, costs and churn
• Appy League reinvention and team turnover
• West Coast, Pioneer, Western Canadian snapshots
• Draft League and partner leagues explained
• Pecos League realities and merch trust issues
• USPBL’s single‑stadium model lessons
• Cape Cod traditions and lawn‑chair culture
• Northwoods League atmosphere and history
• Prospect, NECBL, Futures, Old North State growth
• how to support teams through tickets and merch
• travel ideas: Cape Cod, NBC World Series marathon

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