Rangers fans have called on the club to produce a retro range which recreates classic strips after the Gers thanked fans for reporting counterfeit goods but threaten to remove “club privileges” for anyone punting them.
The Gers launched a specific club department earlier in the year which deals with fakes and unofficial merchandise as they look to fully harness the power of the club’s £25m Castore kit deal.
Rangers took to their official website to continue to encourage supporters to report fakes and reiterate that the club is “continuing to increase its focus and resource on brand protection”.
This has an increased focus as merchandise aplenty pops up everywhere in the aftermath of the club’s 55th title win.
“With our appointed brand protection partners and in close cooperation with Castore, Rangers will apply a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of our IP and take all necessary legal measures, including removing club privileges and tickets where required,” reads a statement [Rangers].
“We are also very grateful to the thousands of supporters who have purchased Official Champions products so far. These funds are directly invested into our club as we enter our 150th anniversary season.”
The deal with Castore hasn’t been without its hiccups but the popularisation of fake remakes of classic footballing kits has Gers fans looking elsewhere.
Rangers have also launched their official Champions collection and the ongoing emphasis on brand protection is clearly influenced by the Gers’ desire to maximise revenue off the back of 55.
The Gers might’ve set up their own brand protection scheme to protect club interests but for some supporters this isn’t completely getting to the crux of the problem.
Gers fans suggested that recreated replica retro kits may be the solution as bluenoses scramble to get their hands on classic kits of bygone eras:
https://twitter.com/harty9/status/1377191856568688640
https://twitter.com/PocaDolly/status/1377219357315633153
https://twitter.com/EwanKeirs/status/1377189389957144584
https://twitter.com/1872Palmer/status/1377190735297003521
Not that Rangers aren’t listening to supporters in this regard, with Castore even releasing a brand-new retro style kit earlier in the season.
The club also announced last week that alongside Castore they would be releasing “commemorative kits” ahead of the Gers’ 150th anniversary next season.
“Throughout the season, our kit and retail partner Castore will release commemorative kits that pay tribute to the rich heritage and success this club has been built on,” reads a statement [Rangers].
“These kit launches will be further complemented by special edition training wear, leisure wear and retro items for all ages.”
Going by the comments on Twitter, this should be very successful indeed and Rangers supporters are desperate for as much retro gear as they can gather.
Gers fans aren’t the only ones either – one Ibrox star may well have broken the rules to snap up a classic kit of his own this month.
