Cats lose, businesses lose

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Solid Blue fans are still hurting over Kentucky’s final four loss to Wisconsin, and so are businesses that sell UK merchandise.

Industry insiders tell ESPN that not bringing home a tournament win cost the school as much as a million and a half dollars in royalty fees, and retailers as much as 15-million in championship gear that won’t be sold.

Wildcat Wearhouse is one place that is facing a world of merchandise, that is now virtually worthless.  On Monday, only a few people came into the store on South Broadway.

"We still have the final four and "Undefeated and Beyond" t-shirts. We’ve had people come in today, just collecting that memorabilia for the season," says Rhea Stams, employee at Wildcat Wearhouse.

She says, however, the loss is anything but fatal to the store.  "If our business model was revolved  a national championship… we wouldn’t have a very good business model. And although we hope for the best we run 365 days a year."