The Ospreys have teamed up with Tesco in a new partnership that will see a range of merchandise sold in supermarkets across Ospreylia.
Under the new deal, Ospreys goods will be sold in a total of nine stores across the length and breadth of the region, with the retailer taking delivery of stock next week.
As well as the regular home and away jerseys, Tesco will also stock a selection of Kooga clothing that complements the existing range on sale at the Ospreys Superstore, including polos, t-shirts, track pants, beanies and scarves as well as a wide range of Ospreys goodies, including mugs and soft toys.
There will be a number of player appearances at the participating Tesco stores to help launch the partnership, where they will meet and greet fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, said:
“We are delighted to be able to confirm this new agreement with Tesco that will see our merchandise going on sale at their stores in the region. It is fantastic news for us commercially as Tesco leads the way in retail in the UK.
“For us to be able to work in partnership with them in this way will greatly increase the exposure and visibility of the Ospreys brand. We realise that not all Ospreys supporters are able to get to the Superstore, so by making our merchandise available for fans to buy while doing the weekly shop, it will obviously make it easier for them to get their hands on some of our high quality kit and leisurewear.”
Mark Grant, Tesco Senior Buying Manager for Wales, said:
“We are very excited about working with the Ospreys, and having the Ospreys range on sale in Tesco stores is great news for our customers. They will be able to buy merchandise from their favourite rugby team with us instore.”
The Ospreys jersey has proven to be a retail phenomenon in recent seasons, with in excess of 45,000 sold during the 2010/11 season, cementing its place as the second biggest selling club, regional or provincial shirt in UK and Irish rugby. The popularity of the Ospreys brand is further illustrated by sales figures at the Ospreys Superstore, which has seen tills ringing up more than £1million of merchandise sales in each of the last three full seasons.
The Ospreys range will be available at the following stores from next week:
Tesco Extra Haverfordwest
Tesco Extra Carmarthen
Tesco Extra Bridgend
Tesco Neath Abbey
Tesco Pembroke Dock
Tesco Pontardawe
Tesco Extra Fforestfach Swansea
Tesco Extra Llansamlet Swansea
Tesco Swansea Marina