The Rangers kits debacle is as unique a merchandising story in football as you’ll find.
During the furore of 2012, Rangers, or rather those running the club, sold their soul to the devil in a poorly weighted kit deal which essentially mugged the club off.
Kit after kit was released with minimal amounts going to the Club. Rangers fans, naturally, refused to accept it. Even it has been painful not buying merchandise, something Rangers are traditionally exceptionally good for.
With power in numbers, the fans did their talking with their walking. Boycotts lead to a murky legal war with retailer Sports Direct, but it was the fans who lost out. Whilst our neighbours were flying high and the streets were awash with their colours, Rangers fans were sitting in frustrated silence.
This was all about to end – or at least that’s the way it seemed last week.
People snapped up kits from online store
The Club sent out which on reflection now seems like a hastily arranged email campaign last week. In the email it invited Rangers fans to finally purchase a limited amount of shirts direct from their heroes. Naturally, there was an outpouring. Almost a decade’s worth.
But there was always going to be huge demand.
Rangers kits have been few and far between even though the fans have been sitting with pounds bunched in hands ready to purchase them. There were visions of a sea of blue, white and orange sifting through Glasgow City Centre. It was the next step to reclaiming the City.
But what transpired has been frustrating, impatient and utterly shambolic.
Hummel kits went on sale from retailed JD sports yesterday
There wasn’t a peep from Ibrox about JD Sports selling the kits from yesterday (Wed 26th Sept).
The email on Friday meant many rushed to Rangers directly online to purchase kits. Many are still waiting on confirmation. Thousands still haven’t been dispatched. The uptake had been overwhelming. Everyone knew it would be.
But whilst those who rushed online to support the club and get their kits wait – with no real time frame of how long – others can simply go outside and buy the home top.
The Rangers online store also charged £60 and £5 postage. JD are charging £55.
The whole thing feels disorganised and poorly structured, and once again it is fans who’re shouldering the brunt.
How long will those who’ve ordered from the site have to wait to get their kits?
I could not tell you. I am one of them.
But I can tell you one thing. Even if this is mightily frustrating. After waiting long enough, it looks like Rangers kits are finally coming.
