Boro’s successes in the Barclays Premiership and UEFA Cup have had a massively positive impact on sales of Boro’s home and away shirts.
A delighted Graham Fordy, the club’s Head of Commercial, described as “fantastic” news that this season’s shirt sales have already surpassed sales for the entire 2003-04 campaign.
In fact, by the end of December, sales of the white chest banded home shirt were 25% up on the whole of last season, while the white, navy and maroon away shirt is already 10% up on 2003-04.
Although it is not the club’s policy to reveal exact sales figures, Mr Fordy said sales had increased for a third successive season, showing a massive 62% increase since 2001-02.
“The fact that sales have already bettered figures for the whole of last season, when we won the Carling Cup, is a fantastic boost for everyone,” he said. “It just shows what affect success on the pitch can have on other areas of the business.
“The return of the white chest band on home shirt has been very well received by supporters, whilst it’s clear many fans have bought the shirt as memento because of the Carling Cup winners branding.
“Steve McClaren had always said that it was one of his ambitions to see more and more of our fans, especially children, wearing the Boro shirt. Clearly that is happening.”
Mr Fordy said sales for the rest of the season would again be affected by what was achieved by the team. “On the back of winning our first ever major trophy, we enjoyed a great first half of the season in both the Premier League and UEFA Cup,” he said. “They have both boosted sales.
“If the team continue to perform at that level then I’m sure we can build on our retail sales. We are bucking a national trend as overall shirt sales are fairly steady, but the challenge now is continue that growth and bring in more crucial revenue for the club.”
Certain sizes of the Boro home shirt are currently out of stock, with new stock due around February 10. However, all sizes of the away shirt are available from MFC Retail stores and mfc.co.uk.