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Retailers say Ravens gear sales are down this season

Posted at 11:55 PM, Oct 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-27 11:27:05-04

Shops and stands selling Ravens gear say that this year has been a slow one, so far. They're blaming the team's record and the national controversy over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.

Jeff Walters and his family have sold memorabilia outside Baltimore stadiums since the 1970's.

"It's been down. A lot. I mean, there's not a whole lot of people interested in buying gear," Walters said.

Other stores across our area say they've been adding American flag and USA merchandise to their stock as fans boycotting the NFL cut into sales.

Across the state, groups have held Ravens gear burnings to protest NFL players not being punished for kneeling during the anthem.

The big question for retailers is, will the boycott last"

"I think the fan base is here," Walters said. "They always say there's going to be empty seats, but I think we have a really good football team and our town is a sports town. I think they'll still come. I just think they need to keep the politics out of it."

Other vendors outside M&T Bank Stadium say they haven't noticed much difference. That includes Douglas Wyett's food stand.

"We always think about it. We thought we weren't going to do good, but we have. As a matter of fact, last week, we did one of our best days ever," Wyett said.