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Imperial Named #1 Headwear Brand by the Association of Golf Merchandisers

January 19, 2026

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BOURBON, MO —  Imperial, a leading designer and manufacturer of premium headwear with a heritage dating back to 1916, has once again been recognized by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) as the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities. This marks the ninth consecutive year Imperial has earned the top honor from AGM members.

The distinction is based on AGM’s annual membership study, conducted late last year and recently released. In the latest results, Imperial earned a commanding 36% of total votes, nearly three times the share of the next closest brand at 13%, reinforcing the company’s clear leadership position within the golf headwear category.

Imperial’s continued success is driven by an ongoing commitment to product, design, and embellishment innovation, setting the standard for performance, quality, and customization in the marketplace. From advanced fabrications and modern silhouettes to industry-leading decoration techniques, Imperial continues to expand its capabilities to help golf retailers differentiate their assortments and elevate the consumer experience while maintaining fast turnaround times and low minimums that provide flexibility for today’s golf shops.

The brand also continues to lead across all facility types, with particularly strong performance at private clubs, where it remains the top-selling headwear brand among respondents. Imperial’s momentum is further supported by its position as the #1 headwear brand in the combined on- and off-course retail golf channels, as reported by Golf Datatech.

“Being recognized by AGM members year after year speaks volumes about the strength of our partnerships and the consistency of our product,” said David Shaffer, President of Imperial. “We’re proud to lead the category by such a meaningful margin. By continuing to invest in product and embellishment innovation, while offering quick turnarounds and low minimums, we’re able to help our retail partners react quickly, stand out on the shelf, and better serve their members and guests.”

Headquartered in Bourbon, Missouri, Imperial continues to invest in innovation while upholding the craftsmanship, service, and trust that have defined the brand for more than a century.

 

About Imperial

Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, Winston Collection and the Peter Millar Licensing Company.  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand that sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels.  Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Adidas and many other global brands.

Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for nine consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech.

Imperial supports the Imperial Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of sports—especially golf—and enhancing the well-being of communities it serves.

CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies.

For further information please visit Imperial1916.com.

Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats.

Media contact:
Jerry Biag
Director of Marketing

jbiag@imperial1916.com

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