Goldy Gopher goes for the girls

Last update: June 18, 2008 - 7:48 AM

Goldy Gopher has gone sexy on us.

Next month, the University of Minnesota mascot will appear in Victoria's Secret stores, adorning hoodies, T-shirts (pictured) and panties (not pictured) in the chain's Pink collection of lounge wear for young women.

The lingerie chain, which has been trying to broaden its appeal as it struggles with declining sales, will carry merchandise from 33 universities as part of a licensing deal announced this week.

Big Ten rivals Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State also made the cut -- but not Ohio State, even though Victoria's Secret is based in Columbus, Ohio. Leslie Wexner, CEO of the chain's parent company, Limited Brands Inc., serves on Ohio State University's board of trustees, and the school wanted to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

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