So why no End of Season Sale in the Club Shop

[Ascotexgunner]

Very odd. Shirts normally get reduced just after Christmas then again at the end of the season with all the training gear and "other" bits.... But nothing.
We must be the only club charging full price for gear currently. ....
Thought it might have all shifted with the last few home games and put a few more bums on seats.

I can only assume we are either not bringing out new kits next year because I can't think of any other reason.

[RG30]

The notable difference is the club shop is now being operated and run internally rather than by Fanatics. I had heard a figure over the weekend that we still have 5k unsold home shirts for this year

[Readingfanman]

Given the changeover happened in the middle of the season, A possible reason could be that Fanatics weren't paid for the stock (Being that they paid for it upfront), only a buyout of the contract, meaning it's their choice whether it gets reduced at this point, and Reading won't get a say on pricing for 25/26 merchandise.

[AthleticoSpizz]

….or maybe RFC are doing the ‘right thing’ by eeking out two years usage before changing the kit?
Y’know just like they said they would be doing before they joined the fashionistas brigade and changed them annually

[themwasthedays]

Although the football was a bit 'Up Norf' (ie grim) I did pick up a very smart club tie & cufflinks for £5 (albeit with a damaged box).

[Ascotexgunner]

Given the changeover happened in the middle of the season, A possible reason could be that Fanatics weren't paid for the stock (Being that they paid for it upfront), only a buyout of the contract, meaning it's their choice whether it gets reduced at this point, and Reading won't get a say on pricing for 25/26 merchandise.

That sounds pretty much like it could be the reason. But let's be honest, why would anyone pay for out of date merchandise when when the new stuff is released in a few months.....

[Clyde1998]

I'd be surprised if that's the reason. Surely the buyout of the contract would've covered the cost of all the stock?

I'm fairly certain there's always been a separate contract for things like the kit and training gear anyway, as they're from Macron. That's really what people would've been expecting to go on sale by now.

[RoyalBlue]

Seems like a question for one of the owners when they next do a Q&A. That's assuming no one has contact details for Missy Couhig who I believe overseas the merchandising operations.

[RoyalBlue]

Someone on Twitter appears to have been told that they haven't got a lot of stock left, so there's no need for a sale at this time.

Seems rather optimistic in assuming that people might still buy last season's gear at full price!

[Wycombe Royal]

Apparently Luton have committed to two seasons use of kit so there might be a trend developing.......personslly I think it would be a good move.

[RoyalBlue]

Apparently Luton have committed to two seasons use of kit so there might be a trend developing.......personslly I think it would be a good move.

It would for supporters. However, given that the owners are trying to maximise revenue, I can't see it happening. It would also rather f up the higher One Royal subscription level offerings, unless they changed it to home shirt one season, away the next.

[Sutekh]

Apparently Luton have committed to two seasons use of kit so there might be a trend developing.......personslly I think it would be a good move.

It would for supporters. However, given that the owners are trying to maximise revenue, I can't see it happening. It would also rather f up the higher One Royal subscription level offerings, unless they changed it to home shirt one season, away the next.

It’s only on the Elite option and one would suspect many on that level either already have a home shirt or don’t necessarily give a toss about that specific benefit.

Personally would prefer all clubs to have a minimum 2 year cycle on shirts. Presume it’d also save a club some expense in new shirt designs and extra kit manufacture.

[Elm Park Kid]

Can you buy Reading shirts directly from China yet? I know a lot of PL fans who have started doing that this year and it can only be a matter of time.

Obviously no 'loyal royal' would deny the club a few quid for a top. But there's probably a decent number of fans that would.

[RoyalBlue]

Apparently Luton have committed to two seasons use of kit so there might be a trend developing.......personslly I think it would be a good move.

It would for supporters. However, given that the owners are trying to maximise revenue, I can't see it happening. It would also rather f up the higher One Royal subscription level offerings, unless they changed it to home shirt one season, away the next.

It’s only on the Elite option and one would suspect many on that level either already have a home shirt or don’t necessarily give a toss about that specific benefit.

Personally would prefer all clubs to have a minimum 2 year cycle on shirts. Presume it’d also save a club some expense in new shirt designs and extra kit manufacture.

They'd still have to alter the Elite option as, whether or not people care about the shirt, I doubt many would be happy to effectively pay £50 plus for something they didn't get. As for expense on new designs and extra kit manufacture, the kit suppliers have got used to the annual income and I'm sure would look to recover loss of that through their pricing on kits every two years. Sadly, I can't see many clubs, including our own, following Luton's example.

[RoyalBlue]

Can you buy Reading shirts directly from China yet? I know a lot of PL fans who have started doing that this year and it can only be a matter of time.

Obviously no 'loyal royal' would deny the club a few quid for a top. But there's probably a decent number of fans that would.

I'm not sure we/the demand are any longer big enough to make even a Chinese entrepreneur feel that it's worth doing!

[rabidbee]

I'm torn, because I would like the club to commit to a two-year cycle, but not on this set of God-awful kits.

[traff]

I'm torn, because I would like the club to commit to a two-year cycle, but not on this set of God-awful kits.

Assume it’s unlikely, as they are including a new shirt with the super-duper elite membership, and possibly a Trump Gold phone. I haven’t read the small print yet.

[SouthDownsRoyal]

One or two year cycle, just don’t buy a new shirt every year

[rabidbee]

One or two year cycle, just don’t buy a new shirt every year

Well true, and I have just closed my ears to my son's whinging. But a two-year cycle would at least put off extra whinging for 12 months.

[Jagermesiter1871]

Can you buy Reading shirts directly from China yet? I know a lot of PL fans who have started doing that this year and it can only be a matter of time.

Obviously no 'loyal royal' would deny the club a few quid for a top. But there's probably a decent number of fans that would.

I'm not sure we/the demand are any longer big enough to make even a Chinese entrepreneur feel that it's worth doing!

You can get them on the normal Chinese websites but they're a bit shit - the badge is iron on similar to the name and number. Not worth it even for £12 imo