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From 1960 to about 1977, the Johnny Walker Brand of sporting goods were
distributed through Gibson's Discount
Centers, and associated franchisee discount
stores doing business under different
names. The company Imported
athletic equipment which included;
Fishing gear, Volley ball sets, Tennis
rackets & balls, footballs, baseball
gloves and baseballs.
By the 1970s Gibson's decline lead to most of their franchisees to
withdraw from the chain. The company's
largest franchisee, Pamida Inc., began
opening discount stores under its own
name. Pamida Department Stores sold
athletic equipment using their own
brand name, American Royale. At the
same time around 1977, the Johnny
Walker brand disappeared. Gibson's was
sold in 1984.
Johnny Walker Horsehide baseballs, made from 1960 to 1973 were made in
Haiti.
Baseballs made in 1974 and later, were made of
"Leather," after
manufacturers switched to cowhide, and
were made in Jamaica. Johnny
Walker also produced a Little Caesars
promotional baseball in the mid 1970s.
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