Hornets’ playoff return brings economic boost to Charlotte businesses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After four years without a playoff appearance, the buzz is back in the Queen City.

As the Hornets prepare for postseason play, it’s not just fans celebrating. Businesses across Charlotte say the team’s success is already translating into stronger sales.

From sports bars to retail shops, the excitement surrounding the Hornets’ playoff berth is driving more customers through the door.

“Even the last few weeks, we’ve just seen far more customers coming in, excited to go to home games,” J.D. Harris, owner of Glory Days Apparel, said. “Want to gear up, get some new, fresh stuff to look good at the arena.”

Stores like Glory Days, which sell team merchandise, say Hornets gear is flying off the shelves as fans look to show their support.

“Obviously, it helps the sales, which helps keep a small business like ours in business, which is great,” Harris said.

RELATED: Kon Knueppel breaks NBA’s rookie three-point record

Harris said the recent surge feels similar to past playoff excitement in Charlotte, particularly during runs by the Carolina Panthers, when fan engagement and spending also spiked.

“Kind of seeing that again, like with the Panthers playoff run, we do see a big boost, and it’s huge,” Harris said. “On top of sales, the best part is just seeing fans excited.”

The Hornets are also leaning into that local energy. The team recently teamed up with Charlotte-based brand 704 Shop on a special apparel collection available exclusively inside the Spectrum Center fan shop.

“Being from Charlotte, us being a Charlotte-based hometown pride brand, to be able to collaborate with the Charlotte Hornets, just means so much to us,” said Chris Moxley, co-founder of 704 Shop. “It’s never really been about how good the team is going to be.”

The timing of the collaboration comes as interest in the team reaches a peak. Tonight marks the final home game for the Charlotte Hornets before the playoffs — a last opportunity for fans to pack Uptown and build momentum heading into the postseason.

Business owners say they’re hopeful the team’s run continues, noting the longer the Hornets stay in the playoffs, the greater the potential economic impact for the city.

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.