There’s a game that many of us who work at SanMar are pretty much always playing. It can happen just about anywhere — at a concert, visiting a museum, on the sidelines at a local soccer game, even while bingeing your favorite show. The only real rules are that you have to be curious, you have to be observant and once in a while, you might feel the need to ask a complete stranger what brand of shirt they’re wearing.
The game is called I-Spy SanMar, and what you learn pretty quickly is that gear from SanMar is all around you, all the time. So look sharp and get ready for a few of the more interesting sightings our I-Spy SanMar team has detected over the last few months.
But First, Coffee
Does your local coffee shop carry its own merch? You might be surprised how many do. From tumblers to t-shirts, there are plenty of different ways for coffee lovers to show their loyalty to their favorite source of caffeinated joy.
Ghost Alley Espresso – Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
You don’t have to look far for good coffee in downtown Seattle, but you might have to hunt a little to find Ghost Alley in a Post Alley alcove. Taking “local haunt” maybe a little too literally, their coffee is worth the extra effort and their District Concert Tees are to die for.
Café Corvo – Bremerton, WA
I was delighted to discover a rack of comfy, colorful Port & Company Core Fleece hoodies on my latest visit to Café Corvo, my go-to “treat yourself” spot. I especially love the added detail of their name printed on the cuff — now it means I can actually wear my favorite coffee shop on my sleeve.
Hand Crafted
When it comes to the best beer, there are many opinions. Craft breweries across the country take advantage of this friendly rivalry to create branded merch that speaks to their enthusiasm for what they make.
Portage Brewing Company – Walker, MN
It might be the Oktoberfest vibe, but the staff at Portage Brewing Company looks like they’re having fun in their Port & Company tees, hoodies and caps — all available for sale in their company store.
New Glarus Brewing Co. – New Glarus, WI
If you’re a craft beer connoisseur you may have tried (or will want to try) the popular Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale at New Glarus Brewing Company. There you’ll find almost as many decorated SanMar items available in their shop as craft beers in their kegs.
Community Connections
We often say that our t-shirts can be part of a story that brings a community together. It’s always gratifying to see the different ways that takes shape across the country.
Black Swamp Arts Fest – Bowling Green, OH
The Black Swamp Arts Festival is a volunteer-run festival featuring over 100 art booths, numerous food trucks and regional music. They celebrated its 30th annual gathering in style with a selection of SanMar tees and caps and were nearly sold out by the second day.
KEXP Donation Gifts – Seattle, WA
Local favorite independent radio station KEXP thanks those who donate to its programming with an optional gift of tees and sweatshirts from District and Port & Company, featuring their “Where the Music Matters” message.
Celebrity Sightings
In our world, of course, the clothes are the star of every show, but it’s definitely nice to see them getting their well-deserved moment in the spotlight on screens large and small. Our sharp-eyed observers caught these moments in popular media.
Sport-Tek Undercover – FUBAR, Netflix
When Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character Luke Brunner goes undercover as a delivery person in the Netflix series FUBAR, he nails the part in a Side Blocked Micropique Sport-Wick Polo from Sport-Tek and a truly ridiculous number of balloons.
Forever Duet – TikTok
Singer, songwriter, and former American Idol contestant, Jax, is looking cool and comfortable with ‘80s icon John Stamos in her French Terry Baseball Full-Zip from New Era while working on a new duet version of the Beach Boys song “Forever.”
The best part about playing I-Spy SanMar is that you don’t have to work here — anyone can join in. Next time you’re watching a movie, going out for a meal or checking out a favorite attraction’s gift shop, see how they use SanMar clothing and accessories to bring their story to life.
It’s always exciting to see all the different places SanMar shows up around us. Where have you seen it? Join the conversation and share your story on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.