With the Grammy's just behind us, the Super Bowl this Sunday and the final season of LOST starting this week, we've barely gotten up from our TV sets. See how America's wallets follow its viewing habits.
Superbowl Sunday Showdown
Indianapolis Colts (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images), New Orleans Saints (Photo by Damian Strohmeyer /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
Even if they don't know which Manning brother is which, most Americans will be plopped in front of the tube on Sunday to watch the Colts take on the Saints in a battle for the best. The Superbowl is a must watch for any pop culture addict, since it combines sport, music, and consumerism (i.e. copious amounts of commercials). Hopefully the game will be a good one—it’s always more exciting to see a little heated competition, especially since the game is so epically long. Oh well, just gives us all more time to eat and drink. The teams are stacking up almost neck and neck on eBay—we’ll see who the big winner really is come Sunday.
The eBay Stats: Currently, there are 13,300+ Saints-related sports memorabilia items and 16,100+ Colts-related items for sale on eBay. The number of items offered on eBay rose for both teams in the week after the Playoff Game on January 24th vs. the week prior (527% for the Saints and 241% for the Colts), reflecting sellers' attempts to capitalize on the high profiles of these teams two teams.
On Our Shopping List: We love vintage pennants, and these 70s versions repping the Saints (buy it now price, $14.95) and the Colts (buy it now price, $6.95) make stylish Superbowl Sunday decor. And guests need to keep their beers chilly and condensation free so grab some koozies too: Colts koozie (set of two, but it now price, $19.99) and Saints koozie (buy it now price, $5). But if you want in on the action you will have to shell out mega-bucks for a pair of tickets.
Blowing Up: The Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band at the Grammys (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
If you watched the Grammy’s this past Sunday nightt, you may have thought you were actually watching the Country Music Awards, given the number of country and country-style stars who took home prizes. Of course, pop darling Taylor Swift took home four trophies, but it was the Zac Brown Band that took home the coveted Best New Artist title. The bearded troupe clearly resonated with academy voters and is poised for real crossover success. When looking at the eBay stats you can see an increase in the number of Zac items offered after his Grammy nomination was announced in early December. Front row tickets to see Zac and band up close and personal are available on eBay and my guess is that people will be increasingly curious to check them out.
The eBay Stats: The number of Zac Brown-related items avaiailable or sale rose from 3,012 items in November to 3,981 items in December, the month the Grammy nominations were announced (a 32% increase).
On Our Shopping List: There are hundreds of Zac Brown Band tickets and CDs available on eBay, but the exclusive Cracker Barrel edition of The Foundation LP (current bid, $7.99) is my pick. People, Starbucks is not the only place that offers music. And if you want to go to the show and represent, wear this mason jar logo tee (buy it now price, $15.95).
The Land of Confusion: LOST Returns
Cast of LOST (Photo by Bob D'Amico/ABC via Getty Images)
Fans of LOST have been programming their DVRs and getting their investigative skills sharp for the premiere of the 6th and final season of LOST. The hit series returned this week, with twists, turns, and of course, mass confusion. I need a Cliff’s Notes for, like, every line of this show. Even though I can barely follow the plot line, I am indeed curious to find out the truth behind the the who, what, why that is propelling this kooky island and its freaky inhabitants. I am sure that a lot of others are too. You can still buy and watch seasons 1-5 to get the overall picture, but I guarantee you will still be in the dark.
The eBay Stats: Over the 90 days, there have been 822 items offered and $30,130 in sales for items related to LOSt Seasons 1-5.
On Our Shopping List: There is no shortage of LOST-related merchandise available on eBay. Fans are so creative. Among my favorite items: Dharma Initiative worker tees (like the faux tuxedo shirts from the 80s; buy it now price, $17.95) and the Dharma belt buckle (buy it now price, $5.99). Accessorize with these station buttons too (buy it now price, $11.95), so fellow LOST fans can give you a nod when they see you subtly representing on the street.
Karen Bard is eBay's Pop Culture Expert.
