Wondering what folks thoughts are on this at the moment? Appologies for the long post.
Been a huge issue for me for years now as i feel it should be a really important customer facing asset. Unfortunately both the products on sale have been piss poor and the service non existent.
I am really pleased with the efforts being made to improve the range of merchandise in the shop. My kids actually love going in now and have a chance to spend their pocket money. (Feedback from them is loads more stickers, badges, stationary etc would be great to buy and collect each week) The adults in our wee group have also purchased quite a few items and happy to continue to do so now and contribute to the club in our own small way. Its also great to see so many folks wearing our colours with pride.
I understand there is a bit of a generational thing regarding manufacuring brands. However for me, the range of gear available proves the value of an independent supplier. Having a bespoke hooped home top again is a big plus for me. But given the number of retro tops im seeing wondering if its not popular with all? Loosing the hoops has meant a loss of our tradition and identity for me, but comments from our new owner and things like the academy colours being used shows this is being addressed
Initial quality of our merch was an issue but id say this is being improved? Sizes also seem to be an issue, wee bit small for the more rotund guys like me. The new scarves we have are a big improvement.
For me the negative aspect that still needs improving is the customer facing role. Needs a much more proffesional set up. Some of the newer faces are very helpful but some simple things would make such a difference.
For starters can we set up a basic desk diary / system of logging calls and enquiries please? An A4 day to day diary is less than 20 quid. I know of umpteen instances where punters have visited the shop placed orders or asked for out of stock items to reserved for collection upon arrival. When asked for contact details they have been written down on scrap bits of paper by shop staff which i assume are then lost as the calls are never recieved. Too many instances of folk going into the shop to collect items at pre arranged dates and times only to be informed "oh so and so is off today, dont know anything about that" Put it in the feckin diary people, do a daily hand over or something!