by Beckford » Sat Sep 14, 2024 9:19 am
Sadly I think January is being optimistic.
To be honest I think there is little point in even releasing them now.! The damage to the relationship with the fans and our general reputation as a club has been done and I think sales would be very poor. Replica strips are generally not seen as good value for money. If they were released this late in the season, I think most folk would be reluctant to buy . As raised countless times, kids are desperate to have new strips for the summer holidays, so they must be released at the end of the previous season!!!
It is a disgrace that this has been allowed to happen in our 150th year. Hopefully the club will try and address its failings with the replica kits and launch a range of bespoke anniversary merchandise in January to try and compensate. We can not let the occasion pass without marking it and giving the fans an opportunity to buy items that can be worn with pride and/or kept as treasured collectors items.
I wish the club would reach out to the fans and engage with us. Every business in the world carries out market research and delivers product based on this. Dialogue with the fans would surely ensure we avoid PR disasters such as this seasons kit launch.
The ongoing situation with the club shop is really frustrating. , We look to be building a decent team that we all want to get behind. When the players come out for a game they need to see as many of us as possible in our colours. Give us a chance to buy some Accies!!! Why for example can the club not get a stock of small flags in to sell to kids. There is plenty of room in the home stand to wave them (largely due to the PATG prices but that's another debate).