real hassle for replica shirts

[caddyman]

Once again, your hero discovers a philosophical difference with a leading retailer over what constitutes a fair price for merchandise. You will recall that I decided to purchase a new England shirt ahead of the forthcoming World Cup tournament. So far, so good. There really is nowhere immediately adjacent to my workplace to buy one, although there is a couple of places around here that might be expected to maintain modest stocks.

Marks and Spencer seem to have struck up a deal with the FA that entails them making their own official merchandise, which is nice, but none of the various shirts, tees, jackets, jerseys and polos are actually replicas. There is something that looks reasonably close to the 1966 shirt, but not the current design. At least their prices are reasonable.

Army & Navy on the other hand (who now seem to have been rebadged as plain old House of Fraser) have an entirely different approach. They are selling replica shirts from just about every era except the current one, and have decided that they will charge between £50 and £55 for the privilege. Good luck to you, guys. I expect to see much the same stock back on sale in two years time when the European Championships are in full swing – provided we qualify, of course. It’s not as if there is an obvious leap in quality, either. Nope, just plain rip off, guys. More so when you consider that charging £35 - £45 is generally seen as overdoing it.

Ah well, back to Plan A. It’s games night and I shall be disappearing off at four, that will give me time to get to Oxford Street and investigate the mysteries of JJB Sports, where I hope, they are selling the Real McCoy at sensible prices. Failing that, I suppose that I shall have to go to the awkwardly located (from here, at least) Lilywhites as previously advertised.

In the face of all this hassle, my enthusiasm has yet to wane. I must be coming down with something.

Comments

[nattydreadi.livejournal.com]

JJB should sell them, but you aren't allowed through the door unless you are wearing tri stripe and a scrunchie.

[ellefurtle.livejournal.com]

you are beginning to frighten me.....

[oldnick.livejournal.com]

Surely this is the time of year (or even four years) for a nice plain button down Oxford shirt, with no logos, badges, or anything like that? That way you can get into all the establishments that will be blu-tacking up the "no sportswear" signs on the doors, and relax in comfort.

[pauln.livejournal.com]

Or for the Rugby or Cricket apparel...

[oldnick.livejournal.com]

I prefer not to rely on the intelligence and discretion of bouncers door staff to recongise the difference between types of sportswear.

[pauln.livejournal.com]

Probably wise, unfortunately.

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

There are such places? Very civilised...

[keresaspa.livejournal.com]

Replica shirts are indeed a rip-off. You could always take the skinflint option and just write 'England' (or for greater effect 'Ingland' or 'Englund') on a white t-shirt and glue on an England badge cut out of a recent tabloid. There would be something strangely credible about actually trying that.

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

It's only Football.....

[ellefurtle.livejournal.com]

*applause*

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

*shakes head sadly*

It's one thing whena gurl doesn't understand, but a bloke...

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

He's right, Bry.

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

Oh, pish posh.

I like me footie.

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

That's okay, however incomprehensible I may find it. Clearly, you like it enough to want to wear something that identifies you with the team of your choice. I want a nice waistcoat like the one Muddy Waters wears in the photo on the back of his Hard Again elpee.

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

Woa there big fella...

I'm a Crystal Palace supporter therefore my enthusiasm towards the beautiful game is directly proportionate to the success of my local team.

I will be in the pub cheerinng on England.

But I ain't shelling out 55 sqillion quid on the shirt unless it's Lucasfilm sponsored and comes with a free lightsabre/Carie Fisher (1977 pree heroin edition).... if this is the case I'll have one of each in 'mint packaging' C9

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

I ent shelling out £55 neither.

I was thinking more in the £20 - £25 bracket.

[ephraim.livejournal.com]

I secured myself a replica of last years England kit for the princely sum of £8 from JJB sports in February. Aside from the other shoppers and the vacant staff, the whole experience was relatively painless.

I do have last year's kit, tho.

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

For £8 I'd be happy with last year's version, too.