Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., the official baseball, glove, helmet, face guard and base of Major League Baseball® and the creator of the iconic Rawlings Gold Glove Award®, announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Maryland Heights, Missouri.
“Our move to Westport Plaza reflects the tremendous growth of our baseball and softball business and allows us to create an immersive brand experience for fans and athletes alike,” said Mike Zlaket, Chief Executive Officer of Rawlings. “As a storied brand based in St. Louis, Rawlings has very strong ties to the local community, and it was important for us to remain here in such a renowned baseball town.”
The decision to relocate was predicated by the need for additional office space and a desire to create a full corporate campus including an experiential retail destination.
“It’s more than just an office relocation or an office move,” said Eric Reinsfelder, Vice President of Brand and Sports Marketing for Rawlings. “It’s a desire to create a corporate campus with several things in mind, including attracting employees but also partners and professional players.”
Rawlings plans to construct a 14,000 sq. ft. retail “experience” as part of the new campus.
“It’s not a museum and it’s not retail, as if you’re walking into a sporting goods store,” Reinsfelder said. “This is an immersive brand experience.”
Rawlings has been based in St. Louis since its inception in 1887, and hopes to elevate its visibility as a St. Louis-based company.
What Next?