Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
NRL Signs Classic Deal
Monday, February 25, 2008 - 3:56 PM
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7927/Default.aspx
A record $113 million in NRL merchandise sales has sparked one of the most competitive tender processes in the game’s history.
Just as fans raced in to buy the latest supporter jersey, iconic Australian brand Classic Sportswear has won the race to be the NRL’s official supplier of supporter and mascot apparel.
The four-year deal with Classic Sportswear, which runs from 2009-2012, comes as fans continue to show their passionate support for the game and their team.
That desire for fans to show their ‘team colours’ generated $8.5 million in royalties for clubs in 2007 - up 28% from 2006.
“It’s important fans know that when they purchase their team’s jerseys and club supporter gear that they are not just showing their support for their team, they are making a valuable contribution to their club’s future,†NRL Director, Marketing and Commercial, Paul Kind said today.
“The revenue NRL merchandise provides for clubs is the equivalent of a significant sponsorship deal. NRL Supporter apparel alone generated
$10 million in sales last year and continues to grow along with the popularity of the game.
“There has never been more interest in this range of merchandise, both at a commercial level and among fans, and we welcome Classic Sportswear’s commitment to giving Rugby League supporters a new and exciting range of apparel.
“Classic Sportswear’s innovative designs and concepts will keep fans in touch with all the latest fashion trends while showing their support for their team at the same time.â€Â
Queensland clubs have led the growth in merchandise retail sales with Brisbane (first), Gold Coast (second) and North Queensland (fourth) joining the Bulldogs (third) at the top of the list, while South Sydney’s first finals appearance since 1989 sparked the biggest increase in merchandise sales among NRL clubs.
The four-year deal gives Classic Sportswear another reason to celebrate - in 2009 the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, while Jim Brennan and Tony Magnus will also celebrate 20 years as co-owners of the business.
“The addition of the NRL supporter and mascot apparel license is a major part of our anniversary celebrations,†Mr Magnus said.
“Our Australian business is truly multi-cultural with around 20 nationalities of birth within our staff supporting a large cross-section of NRL clubs in a reflection of the history of Classic Sportswear.
“Over the past 75 years, Classic Sportswear has been involved with the vast majority of Rugby League clubs.
“Now we have a unique chance to work with the NRL to ensure Rugby League remains a leader in sports fashion in the Australian market with designs and fabrications developed to identify with our favourite teams and also with our Australian lifestyle.â€Â
Classic Sportswear is a current NRL licensee for special events apparel and is the official 2008 Rugby League World Cup apparel licensee.
Source: NRL
Monday, February 25, 2008 - 3:56 PM
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7927/Default.aspx
A record $113 million in NRL merchandise sales has sparked one of the most competitive tender processes in the game’s history.
Just as fans raced in to buy the latest supporter jersey, iconic Australian brand Classic Sportswear has won the race to be the NRL’s official supplier of supporter and mascot apparel.
The four-year deal with Classic Sportswear, which runs from 2009-2012, comes as fans continue to show their passionate support for the game and their team.
That desire for fans to show their ‘team colours’ generated $8.5 million in royalties for clubs in 2007 - up 28% from 2006.
“It’s important fans know that when they purchase their team’s jerseys and club supporter gear that they are not just showing their support for their team, they are making a valuable contribution to their club’s future,†NRL Director, Marketing and Commercial, Paul Kind said today.
“The revenue NRL merchandise provides for clubs is the equivalent of a significant sponsorship deal. NRL Supporter apparel alone generated
$10 million in sales last year and continues to grow along with the popularity of the game.
“There has never been more interest in this range of merchandise, both at a commercial level and among fans, and we welcome Classic Sportswear’s commitment to giving Rugby League supporters a new and exciting range of apparel.
“Classic Sportswear’s innovative designs and concepts will keep fans in touch with all the latest fashion trends while showing their support for their team at the same time.â€Â
Queensland clubs have led the growth in merchandise retail sales with Brisbane (first), Gold Coast (second) and North Queensland (fourth) joining the Bulldogs (third) at the top of the list, while South Sydney’s first finals appearance since 1989 sparked the biggest increase in merchandise sales among NRL clubs.
The four-year deal gives Classic Sportswear another reason to celebrate - in 2009 the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, while Jim Brennan and Tony Magnus will also celebrate 20 years as co-owners of the business.
“The addition of the NRL supporter and mascot apparel license is a major part of our anniversary celebrations,†Mr Magnus said.
“Our Australian business is truly multi-cultural with around 20 nationalities of birth within our staff supporting a large cross-section of NRL clubs in a reflection of the history of Classic Sportswear.
“Over the past 75 years, Classic Sportswear has been involved with the vast majority of Rugby League clubs.
“Now we have a unique chance to work with the NRL to ensure Rugby League remains a leader in sports fashion in the Australian market with designs and fabrications developed to identify with our favourite teams and also with our Australian lifestyle.â€Â
Classic Sportswear is a current NRL licensee for special events apparel and is the official 2008 Rugby League World Cup apparel licensee.
Source: NRL
