Oh dam was going to have a look as some look decent.

Oh well money lost for the club.

Weigh up spending cash up front on stock versus making lower sales but with delayed cash outflow.... risk vs reward.... when attendances and the fan base grows I'm sure they'll take more risk in buying stock up front.

What about putting samples on display and then taking pre orders.

that would be best of both worlds in my opinion

Think they should also have the merchandise pictured on people, as opposed to just drawings of the stuff.

Agreed

I used to work in the original cougar shops in Cavendish court, both locations and then down at the ground and I know from past attempts and experiences ordering club stock is very hard. A lot of companies want large orders and pre-payment. this makes it very hard for the club to do, every year we used to have far too much shirts left, and had to sell them at a very reduced rate, making it hard to make money. I do agree that a unit in town is a fab idea, the shop used to always have people in it, most drinking cups of tea and watching old match videos, but it still looked good, and created a good environment, it was also a good place for lottery agents to come and pay their money each week. I also think its fair that the club have sample stock available, and more varied stock. As both a female and a mum to 3 boys, I find it hard to buy things without trying it on first. I did notice that the club is trying to get a shop going in the ground, which is a huge must - especially on match days, the selections needs improving though, including with cheap cougar pocket money things for the kids, that they can get there and then on the day when they want them - not 6 weeks after ordering. I have a huge shopping list, and am hoping to ask the club to stock some of it soon.

Was the shop open yesterday and was there just replica shirts up for sale.
With over 16 hundred at the game and the first game of the season it presented a great opportunity to sell.
If we did not have any stock of polo's, hoodies, t-shirts etc for the start of the season it is criminal.
Is this another of the club's fiascos?

I completely agree with these posts and the problems faced.

I also find it difficult to understand why items are only sold in the following sizesReplica ShirtsAdult - Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large and XXX-Large
Junior - Small Only.

If we're actually wanting to develop new supporters, what size is 'Small Only' for the 'child' shirts?

T-Shirt
Youth - Small, Medium, Large; Adult - X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large

What is it about this area of merchandising that dictates that ACTUAL BODY SIZES are completely ignored? Who on this planet knows what 'Medium' or 'XX-Large' or 'Youth - Small' or 'Adult - X-Small' means when related to a specific body size?

When I've bought replica shirts in the past I've been told that;



Brilliant when you want them as a surprise for someone!

Is it not possible for someone, in fact anyone, to use their 'grey matter' and actually state the chest sizes of the products, instead of the ridiculous alpha-sizing that is currently used, in order to make it simple for everyone wanting to buy? Then the Mail Order sales might pick-up. Just a thought.

It might also help if the actual opening hours fo the shop were displayed somewhere on the Cougars' website.

I would hope that someone from the club answers the questions that have been generated by this thread. Who is in charge of oganising the replica merchandise. When can we expec to see samples and stock.
If there is an issue with the original supplier then what are we doing to sort it out. Can we go to another supplier to organise some merchandise from their held stock to satisfy demand short term at least and generate some money!

Shop was closed yesterday as far as I am aware due to a resourcing issue. Disappointing as with 1600 people maybe some additional money could have been put in the coffers.

I've got a feeling this maybe is a manufacturing decision rather than one taken by the Cougars. For the next home fixture there was a plan to include some q&a's with Gary in the programme covering merchandising/club shop/teamwear etc so this could be a good one to add to that list.

Good idea 'Dominance' but how many programmes are sold and to which set of supporters?

Wouldn't it be better for a simple 'flyer' to be produced instead and handed-out at the turnstiles with collection boxes dotted around the ground for responses or alternatively an email address for responses?

This might give a better response rate as how many supporters buy programmes?

Why don't they post an update on the website. We then don't have to wait 3 weeks or pay for the privilege of an answer. Failing that they could use a mass e-mail.
Why wait for another home game and waste another opportunity to sell some gear. This should have been sorted by early Dec at the latest ready for Xmas. We are now in mid March. This needs sorted now.

Tried the shop a few times yesterday at the match- but locked up ! Not open ! Come on Cougars 1600 plus people and you shut the shop Who is in charge of the shop and if items were not in stock why are you still using the supplier if they can not supply ontime