Ospreys merchandise is set for take-off after the region secured a prominent spot in a brand new sports store that has opened for business at Cardiff Airport.
Travellers passing through departures can now stock up on Ospreys kit before they fly after the bosses at the airport launched the store earlier this year, which aims to celebrate the very best of Welsh sporting success.
The Ospreys jersey has been one of the biggest selling club or regional northern hemisphere rugby jerseys for a number of years, with the most recent figures (for last season) relating to clubs in the UK and Ireland, again showing that the region is second only to Munster in the volume of sales, ahead of European giants such as Leinster and Leicester Tigers.
This new outlet increases the reach of the Ospreys, who already have a long-term agreement in place that sees their merchandise being sold in Tesco stores across the region and beyond, with the Merthyr store the latest to start selling kit.
The new outlet at the airport will stock a selection of leisure wear in addition to jerseys, and is already proving a hit with travellers, be that long-term supporters picking something up to show their true colours on holiday, or visitors to Wales after a memento of their visit.
Yarnie Guthrie, Ospreys Commercial Manager, said that having a presence at Cardiff Airport will help the region’s long-term strategy of growing its international presence.
“We are delighted to be able to support Cardiff Airport’s regeneration by working with them in this way” commented Guthrie.
“Passenger numbers are rising once again, and the airport remains the gateway to Wales for international travellers - most of whom then have to head home via the departure lounge where the new sports store is located. It’s a great place to be, and our significant presence in the store is impossible to miss.
“We have a very strong brand internationally, with a number of Italian commercial partners, sister club relationships across Europe and very successful international summer camps that see hundreds of young rugby players enjoying the full Ospreys experience. Raising awareness of the Ospreys to travellers like this can only help to make our international brand even more powerful.”
Spencer Birns, director at Cardiff Airport said:
"We're proud of Wales's sporting success and we saw an opportunity to open a new shop which celebrated teams from the world of rugby, football, cricket and ice hockey."