July 22 – Aston Villa have announced JD Sports as the club’s new official retail partner on a multi-year deal which will allow the retailer to stock official Aston Villa products online and in select stores nationwide.
The partnership aims to not only secure an increased retail reach but also increase the club’s ability to meet demand for official products as they enter Europe’s premier competition for the first time in decades, and the first time the club have played in the Champions League format.
Chris Heck, President of Business Operations, said: “This partnership with JD, a leading global sport and fashion retailer, is going to make a big difference to the way we approach our retail operation.
“Their international reach, alongside their huge presence in the UK, will allow us to showcase our retail offering on a world-wide scale alongside our revamped store at Villa Park.”
The club recently revealed their new home kit, which will be stocked at JD sports stores nationwide. The new strip is the first of Villa’s collaboration with Adidas after they signed a multi-year-deal with the sportswear brand earlier this year.
Commenting on the partnership, JD Global Managing Director Michael Armstrong added, “Aston Villa is an historic club and a brilliant addition to our growing presence in the English topflight of football.
“Our partnership will allow JD to further improve the consumer experience for Villa fans and those in the area.”
Aston Villa will travel to the United States to begin their pre-season tour later this week. The Stateside trip kicks off in Ohio against MLS Champions Columbus Crew on July 27 at Lower.com Field, before a match-up with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on July 31.
Based in Washington for the first part of the tour in the USA, Unai Emery’s men will round off the visit with three days in Chicago and a match against Liga MX Champions Club América, facing the Mexican giants at the Windy City’s Soldier Field on August 3.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731626984labto1731626984ofdlr1731626984owedi1731626984sni@g1731626984niwe.1731626984yrrah1731626984