City deal for Kitbag
E-COMMERCE firm Kitbag has secured a deal with Manchester City Football Club to become its official retail partner.
The five-year agreement will see Kitbag take responsibility for both online and offline sales of the club’s merchandise, and it will operate the club’s stores at the City of Manchester Stadium and its Citystore in Manchester’s Arndale Centre. Kitbag now plans to launch City stores in other parts of the UK and overseas.
Kitbag, which is part of West Yorkshire-based home shopping giant Findel, has been carrying out a similar arrangement for Premiership club Everton for more than a year.
Manchester City’s chief commercial officer, Steve Sayer said: “Due to the success last season, both on the pitch with the team’s performance, and the developments off it City is fast becoming an internationally recognised brand.
“As the club’s fan base continues to grow, so too must the way in which we engage with our customers. The internet will be integral as we continue to expand into new markets and drive growth across the business.
“Kitbag has proven expertise in maximising online sales for a number of major football Clubs and sports federations. The fact they are not only a market leader, but also a Manchester-based business that shares our values and proud local roots, makes them an ideal partner.”
Kitbag’s managing director, Ray Evans, described the deal as “an extremely exciting partnership for Kitbag”.“The Club’s ambition and hunger for growth and success mirrors our own, which will enable us to explore lots of different possibilities and provide an unrivalled football club retail offering.”
Kitbag already handles online retail for several major football brands including Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Last year, Findel held talks with a number of parties – including Bury-based retailer JD Sports – about a potential sale of the Kitbag business, but no deal was ever agreed.
Findel bought the website in 2006, but it has been in operation for more than a decade. Its last filed accounts show a £3.1m loss but a 36 per cent increase in sales to £32m for the year to April 3.
Mr Evans said the loss was due to a £3m investment in a new warehousing and stock control system which has helped to boost capacity. He has set a turnover target for the company of £100m within three years.
