Rangers have reiterated “for the avoidance of doubt” that the Ibrox club’s retail deal with Castore is a relationship solely between those two partners.
The club’s comments come after Sports Direct trolled supporters with a Facebook post about “exclusively” selling the club’s kits come the 1st of August.
Naturally, this evoked an emotional reaction from the Rangers support who have been subjected to bullying tactics and merchandising issues with the high street retailer for close to a decade.
“Following today’s unveiling of the 2020/21 home jersey, Rangers continues to look forward to their long term exclusive partnership with Castore, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is a direct agreement between those two companies with no other persons party to the deal,” reads a Rangers statement [Rangers].
“As previously stated, it offers a fresh start for the Club and a chance to purchase high quality clothing and other products that directly benefit Rangers.
“As is common practice in teamwear retail, Castore will form a number of wholesale supply arrangements with high street retailers in the UK and overseas because that is key to the global aspirations of both Castore and Rangers but the purpose of these arrangements will always be to maximise the availability and sales channels for Rangers products.
“Rangers exclusive partnership with Castore ensures that Rangers always directly benefits with a royalty from the sale of all of the Rangers products manufactured, distributed and retailed by Castore. This includes all products distributed by Castore to high street retailers.”
In short, Sports Direct are in no way a partner with Rangers and Castore but are free to buy kits (like any other high street vendor) directly from the source.
Sports Direct and Rangers continue to be at loggerheads in the courts – with former Gers chairman Dave King promising only to step back fully when this is concluded – and the situation remains sensitive.
Rangers fans rejoiced in May when club influencers and supporters were made to believe that any existing retail contracts with Ashley would officially come to an end from July 31st.
This allowed Rangers to sign the £25m deal with premium sportswear brand Castore which had been so hotly anticipated.
The High Street store’s official Facebook account tried desperately to take the shine off of what was a landmark day for the Ibrox club’s retail operations.
In a sad, trolling post, the Mike Ashley owned company resorted to childishly baiting supporters in order to evoke a certain reaction. In many ways, it worked.
The English billionaire had to watch on as Rangers’ kit launch saw close to 50,000 units pre-ordered in a single day.
The club’s supporters are being encouraged to continue the boycott of Sports Direct, even if they stock the new kit, and buy directly from Castore.
