A full update on the new kits, club shop and #OX4Life
Whilst we already knew it, this summer has confirmed that nothing is ever quite as straight forward as it should be and we’re all frustrated with the slight delay to the delivery of our smart new playing kit.
As we reported earlier this year, the club has now taken full control of the retail and kit operation after a five-year period of Just Sport providing an outsourced solution. This process enables us to produce good value, bespoke playing and training kit as well as a range of leisure wear, gifts and souvenirs. We have been absolutely delighted with the positive response from fans to our home, away and training kits.
However, as with any new operation, there have been a couple of minor teething issues resulting in a slight delay in the retail kit being delivered to us. This unfortunate and unavoidable delay, whilst disappointing, has put us 7-10 days behind where we had hoped to be at this time. We fully appreciate how frustrating this delay is and we thank everyone for their patience.
Our first batch of retail home kit is due to be delivered later this week and will enable us to fulfil the kit requirements of our new 200 or so #Ox4Life junior supporters. There will be a dedicated collection point at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday 8th August ahead of the game for all #Ox4Life supporters to collect their #Ox4Life packs, including season ticket and their new home shirt. An email will be sent to everyone concerned today with details of this process.
The first delivery will also enable us to fulfil the home kit pre-orders that have been placed in the past week online. Supporters wishing to collect their pre-ordered home shirts on Saturday will be able to do so, and will of course be refunded for any postage paid at time of order. Again, a direct email will be sent all to supporters who have pre-ordered a shirt with an update.
The balance of all other kit, including all away and goalkeeper kit, will be delivered next week and will enable us to ensure that all away kit pre-orders are sent our immediately.
General sale of both home and away shirts online at OUFCShop.co.uk will then recommence on Monday 17th August once all stock has been received and we will endeavour to process all orders within a timely 48-hour period.
With regards to the club shop adjacent to DW Gym, the use of this space is currently still under review as we appreciate it is in a difficult location and sees a very low footfall on non-match days. We are in ongoing discussions to provide a more permanent match day retail operation to the stadium and again ask you to bear with us whilst we do so.
We are pleased to confirm an agreement with local independent sports retailer TopSport, who have four outlets, in Thame, Kidlington, Witney and Abingdon. TopSport are now stocking a wide range of gifts and souvenirs and will be licensed to sell replica kit from each of their stores once the delivery has arrived next week.
Again, we thank our fans for their support. Taking control of retail was certainly the right thing to do, and moving forward we have processes and relationships in place to significantly grow the range, choice and quality of our retail products.
Furthermore, we will soon be working on early concepts for next season’s kit to avoid any repeat of this year’s challenges. We will be asking supporters to assist with the design process and will be formalising this consultation in coming weeks.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we continue to make the changes to improve Oxford United Football Club.