Conspicuous Consumption- Hockey
In the article Conspicuous Consumption by Robert Atwin they talk about how people buy things that they don't really need. It shows how people buy things that are more expensive to me more exclusive or or have the upper hand on other people.
In hockey, often times people buy more expensive items to higher their reputation with teammates and other players. For example, people buying an NHL jersey of their favorite players could experience conspicuous consumption because they want to have the same jersey that the pros have, but buying a jersey similar to the ones the pros wear could be a lot less expensive. ex. Reebok Zach Parise Jersey-Green: fansedge=$169.95 coolhockey=$125.00 faceofffanatics=$169.95. Those pricings above are all for the same exact jersey. Some places offer it at cheaper costs and some more expensive. Some fans have the "I want it now" mentality and fall into higher, more unreasonable prices.
The two jerseys above are the same except the one on the right does not have the laces at the top. The one on the left, you can buy for $229.99 at the hockey lodge at the Excel Energy center and the one on the right you can buy for $149.99 at icejersey.com. The difference is $80. So you tell me, is it worth it?
The real question some people have is "is more expensive gear more worth it?". The answer to that question depends on who you ask. But most of the research leads to no, it is not worth it. One hockey dad on ESPN.com wrote an article on why more expensive gear isn't worth it as a young player still learning but could matter more as they grow older. As a young skater the focus is on learning the game. The type of gear you have is essentially irrelevant because they are still learning how to even use it all. However, you still see young kids with top of the line gear. They don't need it at all but they sure do get more attention when they use it. But it does not make you a better player at a young age.
In my opinion this is a prime example of conspicuous consumption. I liked how you showed that the same jersey could vary in price based on where you looked. I also liked how you asked the reader questions to get them thinking about it.
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