COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gamecocks fans are searching for the perfect gear for the March Madness tournament.
"Foot traffic wise, it's beginning to build. It's kind of like the quiet before the storm," said Ken Halstead, market leader at Addam's Gamecock Gear.
In years past, Halstead said that the amount of gear people bought was quite a bit.
"I don't know really how to quantify it to be honest with you when it comes to that, it's a lot," Halstead said.
He said it's typically after the first game that they see fans rush through their doors.
But over at Miss Cocky Boutique on Main Street, staff explain they've been seeing anywhere from 10 to 15 more customers than normal wanting to rep the gamecocks.
"I've really seen a lot more foot traffic just coming for women's basketball gear than I have in a while," Miss Cocky Boutique employee M.K. Osborn said.
Women's basketball hats will likely sell out this weekend, and Dawn Staley "BOO" sweatshirts are almost already sold out, according to employees at the boutique.
Some fans like Phylliss Rodriguez already have a Gamecock visor and earrings.
"All the way to the shoes, yes ma'am," Rodriquez said.
But on Thursday, she still needed to pick up some extra items, specifically for March Madness: a poster of the women's team and a Gamecock bag.
"I just love the USC Gamecocks," Rodriguez said.
Halstead said March Madness collectors will be in a frenzy through the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship game.
"So in a twinkling of an eye, you'll go from an SEC championship, to what everybody wants, which is a national championship," Halstead said.
Check out these stores or visit the Soda City Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for opportunities to buy Gamecocks gear.