As always with threads like these there are some fantastic and interesting points. I am taking a good look at the club shop and how it can be improved so here are a few of my thoughts if anyone is interested:
I'll start with a few things I think have been done well/better this season, just because it's easier
1) Home / Away / Third shirts were available in June, with plenty in stock. We are approaching Christmas and there are still a large selection of shirts left, despite pretty consistent good sales since June.
2) When stocks were running low of the maroon third shirts a new order was put in, names were taken on a waiting list, and when they arrived all of those on the list were contacted.
3) We have introduced a new card for all our Performance Centre players who along with free entry to games, get 10% off in the club shop.
4) For something a bit different we have worked with Abbey Marble and Granite to have a range of BAFC slate products in the shop. Not for everyone I'm sure, but it's something different.
5) We have had kind offers from two fans to supply us with prints for us to stock - you can see them on the shop link below.
6) I appreciate it's not the biggest shop in the world and the shirts take up a fair amount of space, but there hasn't been an empty space in the shop since the start of the season, with hopefully at least something for everyone's liking.
As for the stuff that needs to change / get better:
Online Shop:
I had to laugh when this thread was put up as I was planning on updating the shop link this week to give people some ideas for Chrismtas Presents. It all looks a bit reactive now, but nonetheless here is the link:
http://barrowafc.com/shop/
As was mentioned in one of the club updates, we are getting a new website. I hope to have an update on it in the next few days. The new site will of course have a fully functional online shop, along with an online ticket office and the ability to book events and courses online too.
Stock:
I always make a point to check out other teams club shops on our travels and I have to say I think ours is at least on par with alot of them for the most part.
Some clubs have a fantastic shop. However, in almost all cases, there is a clear correlation between how "good" the shop is and the size of that clubs fan base. Two that stand out are Tranmere and Wrexham, and it is worth remembering that they are catering to a fan base which is simply much bigger than ours. They can take a punt on a bigger range of items knowing they have more people to sell it to.
Of course there are other factors, some which can be addressed (and will be) and I'm not saying it means we can't have a good range of products in our shop, but people will only buy so much each season. There are often minimum order limits for a lot of items too, so we need to make sure that we get a smaller range of decent merchandise in.
I reckon we have a lot of the basics right in terms of shirts, scarfs, hats, pin badges, key rings etc, but things can be improved and that must be done sensibly.
Shop Awareness:
Wintergreen's point about awareness is an interesting one. As happens with a few things, perhaps we just assume everyone knows we have a shop so that is definitely something to look at.
I will make sure the clubs social media and website promotes the shop more frequently than it does now. As Jim mentions in his post, the best way to promote it is to tell family/friends about it and drop subtle hints!
Going Forward:
Planning for getting new stock in the shop in the New Year has started, a proper plan is going to be put in place with targets throughout the year to offer a range of different things. There is a real desire to get the shop up to scratch in the New Year, starting with the new online shop. Of course when the time comes to look at new kits and training gear etc, having stock in for fans will definitely be looked at.
As he says above, Ste has offered to help out and I will be getting in touch with him to hopefully get some interesting items in the New Year.
If anyone has any ideas of what you would like to see in the shop, or have any questions then feel free to contact me. You can either email the office at
office@barrowafc.com or email me direct on
r.sutherland@barrowafc.com
As with improving the clubs social media, it will take time to improve and not everything will be perfect first time, but we are definitely heading in the right direction so bear with me/us and we will get there!
