Warriors shop in Grand Arcade
Wigan Warriors will open a new town centre shop next week.
Doors of the new Warriors World store inside the Grand Arcade will swing open on Wednesday, with an official launch the following day to coincide with late night shopping in Wigan.
The move - in the run-up to Christmas - will delight scores of fans, who have long called for a Warriors presence in the town centre.
Jeanette Lusher, chairperson of Wigan's Riversiders Supporters Club, said: "This is a very positive step and all the fans are really pleased about it.
"This will really help raise the profile of the club and it all adds to the excitement of next season under Michael Maguire."
Wigan have agreed an initial six-month lease at the Grand Arcade but say that if the trial period is successful, they will look to extend the term.
The existing Warriors World shop, on Hilton Street, will close at 5pm on Tuesday, though the adjacent Lotto Office will remain open.
Wigan's new shop - on the ground floor of the 120m Grand Arcade - will stock the new home and away replica strips, which went on pre-sale last week.
And there will be a wide range of merchandise, from festive accessories such as Christmas baubles and calendars, gift ideas like wallets, toys and jewellery, rugby accessories for junior and amateur players, an extensive clothing range as well as Wigan-related books and DVDs.
John Sanson, general manager of the Grand Arcade, said: "We've been in contact with Wigan Warriors over the years and done several promotions with them, and we're delighted that it's going one step further now.
"Wigan's shop is positioned among a number of national and international retailers such as Carphone Warehouse, Jane Norman, H&M and Top Man. Hopefully this will be the start of a long-term relationship."
Chairman Ian Lenagan vowed to address the absence of a town centre club shop when he took control of Wigan two years ago.
Last season portable trailers were set-up on game-day, and a select range of Warriors gear was made available through the Club Shop at the DW Stadium - which sells predominantly Latics merchandise - as well as the nearby Asda store.
Warriors chief executive Mick Hogan - currently in New York on a fact-finding mission of top USA sports team - said the club had doubled its range of merchandise in the last two years.
He said: "We are delighted to have secured such a prestigious site within the town centre.
"The Grand Arcade is at the heart of the towns shopping area and provides an excellent location. We hope to attract both our existing loyal supporters as well as more passing trade."
Wigan have not yet confirmed when the new replica shirts will be available but it is expected to be within the next few days.
A club spokesman said pre-order sales had been "healthy".
The Grand Arcade opened in April 2007. Cash-strapped owners Modus recently called in administrators but experts have said tenants - and customers - would be untroubled by any take-over.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
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Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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