An agreement was signed on Thursday for Debenhams to be the exclusive distributor of the club's merchandise from June, when the new strip for season 2004-05 is launched.

An agreement was signed on Thursday for Debenhams to be the exclusive distributor of the club's merchandise from June, when the new strip for season 2004-05 is launched.

This is the first merchandising agreement between a multinational department store and a Scottish Football League club.

Not only will customers in Debenhams' Inverness store be able to buy Caley Thistle merchandise -- it will also be available by inter-branch transaction to shoppers at any other Debenhams store in Europe.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle chairman Ken Mackie commented: "We're delighted to have formed this alliance with such a prestigious household name with a wide range of outlets.

"We have made major progress in our merchandising strategy in recent months and the Debenhams connection can take us to a new peak. It has the potential to be a valuable source of additional income."

John Gibb, manager of Debenhams store in Inverness, said: "Our company already have a merchandising agreement with Celtic and we're delighted to now be in partnership with Caley Thistle to give our customers the chance to acquire their kit and club souvenirs.

"The club has raised the profile of the city by winning the Bells Cup, reaching the Scottish Cup semi finals for the second year in succession and making a strong challenge for the First Division title. So we're sure the agreement will be a successful one for all concerned."

Debenhams' co-operation with the club is already underway with the store becoming a sales outlet for tickets for the Scottish Cup semi-final with Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park on April 10. Tickets are on sale there from tomorrow (Friday).

Caley Thistle will continue to have their club shop open on match days at Caledonian Stadium.