City retail franchised out again? 'Partner'.

[john@staustell]

Or is it just a 'management company'?

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/20 ... l-partners

Manchester City is delighted to announce that online football retail specialist Kitbag has become the Blues’ new official retail partner.
Kitbag has been brought on board to develop the City retail business and will take responsibility for operating and running the Club’s retail services across all its channels, including the existing store at the City of Manchester Stadium, Citystore in the Arndale Centre and the online retail business.

Under the five-year deal, Kitbag will also have the Club’s backing to open Club-branded retail stores in other parts of the UK and around the world.

City’s Chief Commercial Officer Steve Sayer said: “Due to the success last season, both on the pitch with the team’s performance, and the developments off it across our entire retail proposition - such as the Citystores, replica kits, product catalogues and the Club website - City is fast becoming an internationally recognised brand.

“As the Club’s fan base continues to grow, so too must the way in which we engage with our customers. The internet will be integral as we continue to expand into new markets and drive growth across the business.

"Kitbag has proven expertise in maximising online sales for a number of major football Clubs and sports federations. The fact they are not only a market leader, but also a Manchester-based business that shares our values and proud local roots, makes them an ideal partner.”

Kitbag will provide an unrivalled shopping experience for Manchester City’s global fanbase. Fans can look forward to an enhanced online offering with advanced ordering and delivery services, and state-of-the-art retail environments with exciting product ranges, limited edition collections and a first-class service and in-store experience.

Managing director at Kitbag, Ray Evans, commented: “This is an extremely exciting partnership for Kitbag. Our team is passionate about football and we are looking forward to delivering an innovative retail offering for Manchester City.

"We believe that there is great potential to expand and develop the Club’s retail business and drive profitable growth.

“The Club’s ambition and hunger for growth and success mirrors our own, which will enable us to explore lots of different possibilities and provide an unrivalled football club retail offering.”

Manchester-based Kitbag is the world’s leading online football retailer and the No.1 destination for football merchandise. Its existing portfolio of clubs includes Chelsea, Everton, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The independent website has been in operation for more than a decade and offers replica shirts at club, national and international levels, professional training equipment and exclusive lines of stylish leisurewear.

[sandman]

http://www.kitbag.com

Kitbag are pretty good, they have ties with the company I work for (I think we own them but they may just be a contract of ours)

I've ordered through them in the past and everything has been top notch and arrived quickly..

[john@staustell]

I'm pretty sure when Swales had that little house at Maine Road (Claremont Road?)franchised out City made bugger-all.

But now this will have been done to maximise potential sales and 'globalise' our revenue streams, in Cook-speak!

[craigmcfc]

Anything that improves the online shopping experience currently on the OS can only be a good thing. Nice touch using a company based in Manchester too

[Dameerto]

As long as it improves the turnover...

[john68]

I'm pretty sure when Swales had that little house at Maine Road (Claremont Road?)franchised out City made bugger-all.

But now this will have been done to maximise potential sales and 'globalise' our revenue streams, in Cook-speak!

At the time the Swale's regime fell, it was quoted that he had sold the City merchandise for about £60K per year. That, in a year when Newcastle (a club of a similar size) made £9M from merchandising sales.
It became one of the 1st priorities of the Lee regime to bring our merchandising back within the control of the club.

The significant difference then was that City had only 1 shop outside the ground and there were no plans to expand. I think it is plain on this occasion that Kitbag are being used to expand the brand and increase outlets.

[Nickyboy]

the kitbag shop on market street is mint - good tie up IMO

[Vhero]

This deal is probably why we havn't heard anything about a date for UK release of shirt as they wanted all avenues to sell it wrapped up first. At least you will have more than 2 shops and online to buy your shirts now(from day 1 I mean).

[john@staustell]

This deal is probably why we havn't heard anything about a date for UK release of shirt as they wanted all avenues to sell it wrapped up first. At least you will have more than 2 shops and online to buy your shirts now(from day 1 I mean).

Looking forward to the St Austell branch. Got a few empty shops ready.

[Mase]

This deal is probably why we havn't heard anything about a date for UK release of shirt as they wanted all avenues to sell it wrapped up first. At least you will have more than 2 shops and online to buy your shirts now(from day 1 I mean).

Looking forward to the St Austell branch. Got a few empty shops ready.

Get to the back of the queue mate. We need to get Porthmadog a shop first.

[The Man In Blue]

the kitbag shop on market street is mint - good tie up IMO

agreed - hopefully they will sort out the frankly shambolic arndale citystore.

[Invisible Man Fan]

http://www.kitbag.com

Kitbag are pretty good, they have ties with the company I work for (I think we own them but they may just be a contract of ours)

I've ordered through them in the past and everything has been top notch and arrived quickly..

Correct Sir, we are a sister company of Express Gifts, who own Kitbag......35% off!! Even Better!!

[scrandled]

Just posted this on the OS Down thread, but the online shop is offline till next week - then its the new kit pre-orders!

"The Online Store is unfortunately currently unavailable.
But please be patient because it will be back, and better than ever, on Tuesday July 19 - when supporters will be able to pre-order the new away kit."