Derek Jeter, a Hall of Fame shortstop for the New York Yankees, teams up with Chris Riccobono, founder of UNTUCKit, to launch their new athletic clothing line, "Greatness Wins." They share insights on the booming sportswear market and their initial doubts about entering the apparel industry. The duo emphasizes passion and collaboration as key to success, discussing how their partnership mirrors a winning sports team. They also touch on business growth strategies and the challenges of finding a niche in a competitive landscape.
Derek Jeter and Chris Riccobono's collaboration on Greatness Wins exemplifies how passion and persistence can successfully address market gaps in athletic apparel.
The brand's focus on high-quality, durable athletic clothing aims to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, targeting both athletes and casual wearers.
Deep dives
Formation of Greatness Wins
The partnership between Chris Riccobono, founder of Untuckit, and Derek Jeter, Hall of Fame shortstop, evolved during the pandemic when Chris sought to address a gap in the athletic apparel market. Initially hesitant, Jeter engaged with Riccobono after consistent outreach and saw potential in the vision for a brand focusing on athletic performance without compromising modern fit. The combination of Riccobono’s expertise in apparel and Jeter’s experience with athletic brands fueled the launch of Greatness Wins, showcasing how persistence and a shared vision can lead to successful collaborations. As Jeter decided to back the project, they merged their separate insights to create an innovative product line that promises to resonate with both athletes and casual wearers alike.
Differentiating in a Crowded Market
Greatness Wins aims to carve out a niche in the competitive athletic apparel space by blending features of both athleisure and performance-focused clothing. Riccobono expressed the need for high-quality athletic apparel that not only fits well but also withstands rigorous activity, addressing a common frustration with existing products. This focus on durability and design sets them apart from brands that either compromise on quality or fall short on fit. The founders’ understanding of their target market underscores their commitment to ensuring that all athletes, regardless of level, can benefit from their products.
Future Growth and Strategy
Greatness Wins envisions significant growth in the coming years, with plans to expand into retail spaces alongside their existing e-commerce platform. They aim to enhance brand awareness through various channels, including a burgeoning wholesale business and unique partnerships like their collaboration with ballet dancer Misty Copeland. Jeter emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction, believing repeat buyers are integral to their success, and both leaders are confident that quality will drive customer loyalty. As they continue to innovate and refine their offerings, the brand looks forward to establishing a strong presence in the athletic apparel market.
New York Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter talks about a new athletic clothing line he helped create with Chris Riccobono, the founder of UNTUCKit. The brand is called "Greatness Wins" and they have big plans for expansion. The speak with Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec on Bloomberg Businessweek.