The new shop run by Rugby Heaven will offer fans the new 2016/17 Dragons home and away replica shirts and an extensive range of official licensed merchandise from the club’s official kit supplier. There will also be an exciting new and exclusive ‘Rodney Parade’ range which will be available in the coming weeks.
In addition to this, away from traditional match days the shop will also supply fans with some of rugby’s favourite brands such as Wales and Lions merchandise.
The new and improved Rodney Parade club shop will be the retailer’s sixth shop across South Wales.
The Rugby Heaven store will be open for business on Friday for Ashley Smith and Lewis Evans’ Beneficiary match against the Cardiff Blues. This will be the first chance for supporters to get their hands on the new 2016/17 home and away replica jerseys, which are due to be launched tomorrow.
Jim Evans, owner of Rugby Heaven commented: “We are excited about the opportunity to take over the retail operation at Rodney Parade. We have 5 rugby exclusive stores in Wales which focus on supplying rugby players and supporters with everything from replica shirts to playing kits.
“We look forward to bringing our expertise in both rugby and retail to Rodney Parade and hope to offer the supporters a better choice and a more engaging retail experience. My staff and I look forward to meeting and building a relationship with the supporters.”
He added: “We like to think we offer a rugby shop for rugby people. On match days, the shop will operate with a strong Dragons’ focus. We are working with the Region’s kit suppliers to extend the range of official Dragons licensed products we offer as well as introducing a secondary range of Dragons leisure ware.
“Away from the traditional match days, whilst retaining a strong Dragons’ presence, the shop will run as more like our other outlets. So it will appeal to the both the general rugby shopper, looking for their Wales shirts and other memorabilia, and the local rugby player looking for their boots and head guards. With ample parking, it is an ideal place to call in to get some good advice on equipment or just to talk about rugby.
“Whilst we will be officially open from Friday, we aim to be fully up and running for the first competitive match of the season on 9th September when the Dragons take on Zebre. And as a welcome from Rugby Heaven, we will be offering all Dragons season ticket holders a free leisure t-shirt with every replica shirt they buy.”
Rodney Parade Commercial Director, Pete Grzonka added: “I have been aware that the shop at Rodney Parade, whilst operating as a stand-alone unit, has not been in a position to offer our supporters the range of items that they would expect. Rugby Heaven have been long term sponsors of the Dragons and are the undoubted rugby retail experts in the Region and by teaming up with them I hope that we will be able to take advantage of their economies of scale to offer more choice to our supporters.
“We have lots of plans for the shop going forward and working in partnership with our kit suppliers and Rugby Heaven, I hope that supporters will see a big improvement over the next few months.”
