Field Notes

Imperial has once again been voted the #1 headwear in golf by The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). Imperial is the definitive leader across all golf facility categories – Private, Public, Resort, Off-Course – with 48% of survey respondents reporting as their best performing and selling headwear partner. The survey report was released at the 2024 PGA Show and was conducted by Golf Datatech for the first time in the association’s history. The AGM continues to establish benchmarks for operations and trends within the current golf retail space. Respondents to the survey are members of The AGM, a body that includes: golf professionals, buyers, merchandisers, club managers, owners, and other industry professionals that comprise a majority of the most successful retail operations in the United States and Canada. The AGM’s announcement of Imperial as #1 in headwear is a great honor and a testament to the work and passion of the great team we have. From pushing the boundaries of creating not only the best products in golf but also focusing on sustainability, Imperial is aiming to continue to build upon our 108 year legacy as an industry leader. Mike Wrightson, President of Imperial

Playing with Purpose After over 100 years of making America’s finest headwear and becoming the top headwear brand in the golf retail space as reported by Golf Datatech, Imperial continues to build on its commitment to the growth and vitality of sports. From this commitment comes the announcement of Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization that aims to ‘grow the game’ —especially the game of golf and those who support it—and give back to the people in the communities they serve. Imperial has pledged that their mission in this new program must promote one or more of three pillars, and must have an Imperial team member personally involved in the cause. Imperial Foundation Pillars Vitality of Sports — Supporting those who allow access, encourage instruction and provide opportunity for youth and underprivileged participation in sports. The growth and vitality of athletics is essential for the future generations to enjoy and compete in the games we love. Community — Aiming to make the communities we serve a better place for our team members to thrive. Sustainability — Making smart decisions with the best interest for our planet in mind, and leaving a meaningful legacy of making the world a better place. "Imperial Headwear has been a long time and frequent supporter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, their support has allowed the GCSAA to fund various research, education and scholarship programs. The establishment of the Imperial Foundation will further those efforts in support of many worthy causes." Matt Brown, Director of Corporate Sales at Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Imperial believes that ‘growing the game’ is rooted in making it more accessible for all ages, genders and ethnicities and supports that through various partnerships with organizations that share in that same belief. “Imperial is a steadfast partner with National Links Trust and has demonstrated a shared belief in accessibility and sustainability in the golf space. We are excited to hear about the creation of the Imperial Foundation and its commitment to the vitality of sports, especially golf, and are eager to witness their impact on organizations like ours around the country.” Damian Cosby, PGA, Executive Director at National Links Trust For more information, please visit imperial1916.com/pages/the-imperial-foundation.

Imperial has been announced as “The Official Headwear of CityPickle.” CityPickle is the home for pickleball in urban cities across the U.S. Imperial is quickly earning renown in the world of pickleball. Earlier this year they were named “The Official Licensed Headwear of Major League Pickleball”. CityPickle offers several locations across New York City, including professional courts in Wollman Rink inCentral Park and ongoing activations in destinations such as Hudson Yards, Industry City, Union Squareand more. In September 2023, CityPickle will open permanent indoor locations in Long Island City andalso expand to Philadelphia. Imperial is proud to set roots in pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the world and in the largest metrocity in the United States. As a supporter of pickleball and a trusted partner of CityPickle, we’re honored to be named their ‘Official Headwear’ and to create this curated product offering for their organization and fans of pickleball everywhere. David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial With the Imperial x CityPickle partnership comes the release of a limited edition e-commerce collection on Imperial1916.com. Featured products include Imperial performance visors, rope caps, bucket hats andmore. For pickleball fans that do not live in the New York area, you can own a piece of the action by goingto the Imperial x CityPickle collection online. We’re thrilled to partner with Imperial to offer the best in class headwear for the CityPickle community,available in our pro shops and available online for the first time. Lydia Hirt, Chief Marketing Officer of CityPickle About CityPickle CityPickle is New York City's home for pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the United States. CityPickle partnered with Wollman Rink and is operating a 14 court installation in Central Park from April to mid-October, the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast. This summer, the brand will launch the first pickleball club in the City with the opening of its first permanent location in Long Island City, which combines climate-controlled courts with a full bar and restaurant, making it the ideal indoor destination to connect and spend quality time with friends, family and colleagues alike. The brand continues to partner with high-profile destinations, including Hudson Yards, Union Square, Industry City and Philadelphia City Hall.

After 94 years of unparalleled success, Paramount Apparel International has made the significant decision to rebrand itself and proudly introduce Imperial as its new corporate name. This symbolic change comes as part of our commitment to our flagship brand “Imperial” and an effort to continuously evolve, adapt, and meet the demands of an ever-changing market landscape. As we embark on this exciting new chapter of our organization, it is essential to acknowledge and honor the foundation upon which our Company was built. Paramount, a name that has become synonymous with quality and trust, will forever be ingrained in our history. Our success story began with Paramount, and it has shaped our values, expertise, and legacy. Imperial represents a natural progression for our Company, allowing us to celebrate our heritage while embracing our vision for the future. This rebranding signifies our evolution from being solely a manufacturer to becoming a significant consumer and trade brand known for our exquisite product, innovative solutions, exceptional customer service, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Todd Johnson, CEO of Imperial The decision to transition from Paramount to Imperial was taken with careful consideration. We believe that as Imperial, we are better positioned to solidify our brand identity, operate as a team of one, expand our reach to new markets, and forge new connections in an ever-evolving marketplace. Behind the rebranding initiative lies our firm belief that our success has foundations not just in what we produce, but in the trust, loyalty, and satisfaction we cultivate amongst our customers. With the rebranding, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, reliability, and integrity,” continued Johnson. “As we transition to Imperial, our customers can rest assured that we will maintain the same unwavering focus on their needs, ensuring the highest level of satisfaction, and exceeding expectations at every turn.” Paramount acquired the Imperial brand in late 2012, which had been based in the greater Denver, Colorado-area since 1916 and previously had several owners over the course of its almost 100-year existence. In 2013, Paramount closed its Denver office and moved all Imperial operations to Missouri. Over the past 10 years, the Imperial brand has experienced explosive growth in several channels, including the green grass golf market. Golf partnerships and affiliations also include the PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, United States Golf Association, and American Junior Golf Association. While our name may change, our core values, vision, and dedication will remain deeply rooted in the company culture. Imperial will be a symbol of our unwavering allegiance to the generations of customers who have entrusted us with their business. As we embark on this transformative journey, we thank all our loyal customers, team members, and stakeholders who have played an invaluable part in making Paramount what it is today. Together, we look forward to an exciting future as Imperial—a brand that not only represents our success but also defines our commitment to excellence—for the next 100 years and beyond. For more information, please visit our new website at imperial1916.com.