BonnybridgeICT

In the context of this thread, I'd like to do my bit for the club by buying merchandise each season. Given my location, I don't get to many home games each season so I felt that by buying replica kit etc from stadium shop or online I was doing something to help the club whilst getting something in return. Fact is, the only way I was able to get the kind of clothing etc that I was after last season was by making some over-priced purchases off an ex club official. I wasn't asking for anything out of the ordinary - polo shirts, training tops. Of course apparently i'm one of only two supporters who are interested in such merchandise.... :( I joked on one thread a while back that we were headed in the direction of merchandise being sold via someone wandering round trackside with a wee tray tied round their neck at halftime shouting to folk to come down to the front if they wanted anything (i'd seen this laughable sight happening at a game at Morton in the 80s). Sadly, I'm now thinking of changing my user name to NostradamusICT. :(

You're of course correct but perhaps there's not been enough demand for the merchandise that they're selling, rather than demand for merchandise full stop? There's been umpteen different threads on here for folk asking for an increased range of training gear etc. Once you've bought your new replica shirt, there's only so many pencils, pens, keyrings etc that you justify buying.

Is the online shop and the handling of merchandise for orders etc now done completely independent of the club? Previously when I got stuff from the online shop it was dealt with by the club - would get receipt etc from the club shop. When I got my new away shirt the address for returns etc was through Born For Sports at their address down south.

Maybe the next genius commercial move will be to play all our home games behind closed doors to save on the cost of security, policing, producing the match programme etc.

Agreed. It's been discussed in several topics recently. Unfortunately those of us who argue in favour of the club increasing their range quickly seem to get shot down by the status quo brigade (no... not the band :angry: )

:) Right enough... it does. B) Maybe I could get a game in goals for us this season!

Got my new shirt through the post yesterday - next day service from online shop so can't complain there! I think it looks better in the flesh than in the pictures. Can't wait to give it a run out at 5-a-sides..... the breathable fabric will come in handy for cooling me down as I collapse mid-game.

Also unsurprising that they've not stuck it on the online shop yet for us far-away fans. .... and before anyone says, yes I know I could probably phone up and order one.

They look well chuffed with their kits! The guy in the middle looks like he's thinking about going out to buy a gun and a single bullet.

:)

:huh: Aye.... read that on the BBC website. Had to laugh at the comment that they used to have a problem with rabbits but the foxes sorted it out! :P The anti-fox hunting lobby will be camped outside Dens on the lookout for toffs on horses heading that direction.

I like it and will no doubt buy it the day it's available. Only thing that is slightly disappointing is that we've ended up with one of Errea's standard designs after all the suggestions submitted on here. Still like it though. An idea of what the back will be like (assuming ours is the same) can be seen on the errea catalogue image - design is called 'Degas'. The colour bands will only come round to the back slightly.

Maybe we could get lego to supply us with some players for next season too! The small adult Errea shirt would be just about the right size for them.

Nae bother... just got excited when I saw it pop up on the ICT forum B)

Why has this thread just been moved from the 'rumour mill' forum to the 'ICT forum.... has something contained within it now been confirmed?

Don't quote me on this but I think it was due to expire before last season but was extended...how long for I have no idea. Is errea the only known kit maker we've had? or have we had a better one than them we did have le coq sportif at one point Matchwinner back at the start of ICT too.

Thats a BIG thing alot of fans on this are for getting about. Esson ??? no one knows whats happening with him. So we should be at least looking for another 2 keepers Anyone? Rene Higuita He'd also solve our striker problem too.... he's got a cracking goal-scoring record according to Wikipedia!

Fair enough, but I think the missed opportunity was when we put in the North and South stands. I believe that more of an interest could have been generated then than investing money in an outlet after we are relegated. I strongly believe all available resources should be channeled into restructuring the team for a battle to get back up to the SPL whether it be a year or two. Good point... opportunity was def missed when the stands were getting done.

"personal crusade" Birdog? Does that not just apply if I was the only one advocating it? I'm not the original poster but just felt as strongly about it as others. If you're happy with the club shop as it stands and the range of merchandise on offer then fair enough. Personally, I would like the opportunity to buy more stuff and give the club more of my hard earned cash.

The club shop was still poor even when we were in the SPL. Even with all the extra money that was coming in You are missing the point dude, I think the club shop is adequate for the needs of the club. It is only a problem on matchdays when people who otherwise have no inclination to buy ICT merchandise decide to squeeze in to have a browse. Why spend ?20-30k building a new one or give away some of your profits by franchising the business out when, apart from matchdays, the shop barely justifies the wages of the staff in it? Any fan of ICT knows how to get the merchandise they are after. In case you don't the number you are looking for is 01463 222880, the lassies are very helpful and I am sure will put your order aside so that you can pick it up on matchday, making your purchase stress-free and quick, they may even listen to your ideas for new stock and explain why they will or will not order those items. Right enough, why bother speculating to accumulate, spending money on improving the shop or increasing the stock range to boost the revenue of the club and bring in more money to assist with improvements on the field. The club shop is absolutely fine and adequate for the needs of any club with aspirations to play in the second or third division. Better still, why not get a bloke to wander round the trackside at halftime on matchdays with a wee tray attached round his neck selling club gear.... I saw that once at Morton back in the 80s.

I think we're probably likely to be going in the direction of a 3 wheeled yellow van set up outside the stadium next season selling our replica kits out of a suitcase.

I've always been disappointed by the range of replica kit and training gear on offer through the club shop. For example, you can't get long sleeved shirts or goalie shirts anymore. The shop could easily off-set some risk by offering a pre-order pre-pay service when the new strip is due out. Fans wanting goalie shirts or long-sleeved shirts could then stump up the cash in advance for these 'lower demand' items. A small stock could then be bought in for sales throughout the season. Available training gear could maybe work the same way at the start of each season. The club could even have an official online survey running to assess the demand for othe items such as those mentioned by the op. In these tough times, the club needs to maximise all potential income streams. Sadly there are second division teams with better club shop set-ups than us. I keep wondering how long it will be before the club shop link on the official website changes from saying "new 08/09 home strip available online"!

The story is in todays Sun also.

They can if Falkirk beat us and Hamilton thump them enough to overturn the goal difference. Unlikely scenario but still possible. Hopefully that linesman who gave Falkirk a head start in the last league game won't be on duty this Saturday.

I've been to this place - went last year one evening. They employ folk to discretely wander about dressed up in dark cloaks to 'scare' the visitors (I bumped into one such employee who was poorly hidden). I was disappointed they didn't just take you on a tour of the place and let you see it for what it is.... I suppose they think they need to guarantee 'ghosts' for everyone as part of the appeal.