It's been a busy six months for Panini America. The NBA's trading card partner, the company circled the wagons following last year's lockout-shortened season and prepared its double rookie class, melding last year's rookies like Kyrie Irving with this year's crop. While that was happening, the company joined Topps in pushing what promised to be an NFL draft class for the ages. It didn't disappoint.
At the National Sports Collectors Convention this summer, there were more promotional sets and the hosting of a special pack-ripping shmoozefest for its most ardent supporters.
In November, it focused on Black Friday, a much talked partnership aimed at driving business into hobby shops around North America.
During the season, it touted an exclusive autograph arrangement with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who led the Colts to the playoffs and signed in an Indy hotel room for Panini Authentic.
Most recently, the company used the NFL playoffs for a weekend promotion discounting products through its online store, offering 25% off. The program was delivered primarily through social media and in each of the last two weekends, Twitter users around the country had to be wondering what #paniniwildcard was all about.
Here's a look at the most watched Panini items currently up for bid on eBay, a list that illustrates the new stars that have helped keep business on the upswing.
