News broke yesterday that Rangers new store in Belfast City Centre is expected to open this weekend. And about time too.
Rangers’ Ulster connection has always been well documented, and now the supporters from across the water have a bigger Rangers presence in the city.
But whilst it’s an exciting time for the club and supporters in this regard, moving our retail operations into Northern Ireland is significant for another reason.
It shows the progress Rangers are making in this area of the business. Years ago, the notion we’d have a store in Glasgow City Centre let alone Belfast seemed an eternity away.
Rangers fans now buying strips again
Here we were, locked in the clutches of a poorly weighted, oppressive retail deal with he who shall not be named. We looked miles off it. We didn’t even know if we’d be able to buy a strip.
And yet now, Rangers have a strong relationship with Danish kit manufacturer Hummel, a thriving Rangers store opened in Glasgow in December, and you could realistically wander into either store and buy the whole place out them if you wanted.
The difference is monumental – kids get strips they can wear out with friends, there’s a stronger Rangers presence in both cities, and it is yet another step on the road to recovery.
This likely won’t be the last time we hear of the Sports Direct retail dispute. But it is highly unlikely the club started these new retail operations without a proper plan in place.
The new stores aren’t just good news for supporters who’ve been desperate to buy merchandise for years – but they’re also a solid sign of our off-field progress.
Rangers also slashed the online kit prices last month – suggesting preparations are underway for new releases this summer.
