With the start of the NHL hockey season around the corner, some Calgary merchants say more customers are getting outfitted in Winnipeg Jets hats and shirts than Flames gear.

And sales of the new team's colours are expected to be even better when the official Jets jerseys arrive this fall, said April Battenfelder at Jersey City in Market Mall.

"It's pretty crazy. Hats are gone. We can't seem to have them in the stores. As soon as we get them we're gone," she said.

"Men's shirts, we're getting more and more in all the time but they're just in and out -- it's like they're the national team now or something."

Battenfelder said Jets' merchandise is selling as well as Vancouver Canuck jerseys did during that team's Stanley Cup run last season. While many of the buyers are former Winnipeggers, some are from Calgary, like college hockey player Joe Babey.

"I think it's great for Canada, it's great to have another Canadian team. I think we need more," he said.

"I'll root for them, for sure. I don't know if I'd go as far as a jersey. We'll see how much the team grows on me. But a hat for sure."

The Jets seem to have an especially strong female following. Battenfelder said women are buying three times as much Winnipeg gear as men.