Semifinal 1: Reds V Blues

[Jets]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-union/reds/selling-the-red-sea-20110627-1gmru.html

The Queensland Reds' on-field success has proved a winner with fans this season, with merchandise sales going through the roof as the team marched to the Super Rugby finals.
When the Queenslanders run onto Suncorp Stadium on Saturday against the Auckland Blues, they will be greeted by an unprecedented sea of Red in the stands, with the club moving more supporter gear this year than ever before.
Even before the end of the regular season, the Reds had doubled merchandise sales for 2010, with most fans picking up a jersey or scarf at the stadium on game day, according to chief commercial officer Daniel Herbert.
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Record crowds filing into Suncorp Stadium and a fruitful membership drive have fuelled merchandise sales, with May's game against the Canterbury Crusaders in front of an Australian Super Rugby record 48,301 causing a massive spike in sales.
“The Canterbury game was probably triple what we'd normally have on a game day at the stadium,” said Herbert.
“We are double 2010 and 2010 was well up on 2009 as well.”
Herbert said about 75 per cent of merchandise sales occurred on game day and this year's version of the jersey, which coach Ewen McKenzie and some players had a hand in designing, had proved a hit with fans.
“When I was running around it was maroon jersey, white collar, blue shorts,” said former the Reds and Wallabies centre.
“At the time we thought it was great, but you look at it now and it's like you're looking at an old movie.
“I think we've actually got one of the better ensembles going out there. I think the all red looks quite good, similar to the England and New Zealand, all being the one colour. I think it's quite imposing as well.”
Bigger crowds and a winning team is a sure-fire recipe for merchandise sales, but Herbert also points to a shift in rugby culture towards wearing team colours.
Long the preserve of NRL and AFL, showing your true colours on game day is becoming more common in rugby circles, which have traditionally taken a more reserved approach to stadium attire.
“Rugby people are starting to accept that it's OK to wear your colours,” Herbert said.
“I think rugby crowds, until recent times, didn't really get into the merchandise as much as other codes have. It's still in its infancy for rugby.”
It all points to more Reds jumpers making their way onto the streets, with the Reds set to ramp up their focus on merchandising in the future.
This year the club set its sights on boosting member numbers, and its efforts were rewarded with 15,474 members signing on.
The next job is to get them all in uniform.
“Like membership, (merchandise) isn't something we have focused on for a number of years,” Herbert said.
“That will be the next thing. It was important that we got a strong membership this year and get corporate hospitality up, and now we will turn our attention to merchandising.
“We still think we've got some way to go before we're happy with where we're at. We'll be doing some things over the next 12-18 months to improve the number of offerings.”
But all the marketing in the world won't sell jumpers if the team is flat-lining on the field.
Jersey sales in all codes typically reflect onfield success, with few clubs managing to capture their fans' clothing dollar during losing seasons.
Spokesmen for both the NRL and AFL said teams involved at the business end of the season typically moved the most merchandise.
Figures released last November had 2010 premiers St George Illawarra Dragons topping NRL merchandise sales, with the Wests Tigers, who finished a game short of the grand final, also in the top five sellers.
Perennial big sellers the Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs also broke into the top five, despite missing the finals.
An AFL spokesman said the two grand finalists each year typically sold the most merchandise, with each doubling the sales of the third-best selling club.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rug...the-red-sea-20110627-1gmru.html#ixzz1QS0PoBAD

 

[RedsHappy]

Thanks Jets.

Interesting on the business and 'brand' front, and good to hear of one D Herbert again, in a slightly different context than of old (and btw, the word is that he's done and doing a super job as Reds' Chief Commercial Officer).

 

[Jets]

The talk is that he is being groomed to take over as CEO one day. It will be interesting to see if it happens.

 

[Joe Mac]

I would love the Reds to win this one but I have a bad feeling about it... Blues seem to be hitting their straps just at the right time. C'mon Reds

 

[Ruggo]

The jersey needs a collar. It shits me that I can't wear it to more places than I would like. I would wear it everywhere if I could.

 

[mudskipper]

Reds have got this one... they wont do what they did against the Brumbies... good luck lads...

 

[Tangawizi]

Thanks Jets.

Interesting on the business and 'brand' front, and good to hear of one D Herbert again, in a slightly different context than of old (and btw, the word is that he's done and doing a super job as Reds' Chief Commercial Officer).

That's a very interesting story. Gone are the days of the Reds being overstocked with excess jerseys and flogging them off on eBay come August/September for about $40 each (which they did in 2008 & 09). Also, one of this year's fully signed official memorabilia shirts sold on there today for $396 unframed. In 2009 you could pick those up for around $150.

 

[TSR]

OK,
It's monday morning, Tah's are goooone. I think its time to get on the bandwagon. Would it help if I told you I was born is Brisbane and was once able to proudly hold up the Risdon Cup before skulling some XXXX from it, after an epic victory at Gold Park !!
Seriously, I am looking forward to this game. The prospect that excites me the most is Higgers V's Kaino. Kaino is hitting form and had a big one against the Tahs. Higgers has been great this season but has not yet convinced everyone that he can dominate in a wallabies jumper. Getting the upper hand on Kaino this weekend would give everyone this side of the Tasman a big warm and fuzzy feeling, given that Rocky hasn't had many minutes this year.
Red, Red, Red........

Good enough for me chasmac. Welcome to the fold.

 

[Nusadan]

The jersey needs a collar. It shits me that I can't wear it to more places than I would like. I would wear it everywhere if I could.

That won't get you into the SFS members' stand...found out one day to my cost...

But it's all academic as Reds games in Sydney would be at Homebush anyway, or at least in the near future...

 

[drewprint]

I've written a piece on the upcoming Reds - Blues match over at The Roar. Have a stickybeak if you're interested: http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/28/hopes-rest-with-the-queensland-reds/

 

[Riptide]

Reds have got this one... they wont do what they did against the Brumbies... good luck lads...

Cannot see the Reds losing to what I believe is a very average Blues team. The Blues are inconsistent, and have a flake at 9 and 10, neither of whom can really do anything except run downhill from good front-foot ball. Boric will be a loss.

Kaino and the younger Braid are playing very well, but the back three no longer scare off turnover ball, and the Blues defense has been porous. When is the last time Roko beat his man with speed or footwork?

Reds to win comfortably.

 

[RedsHappy]

"Reds' Crowds Set to Overtake Broncos"

If ultimately confirmed, this is simply fantastic for rugby in Queensland, and just as much for rugby in Australia. Shows what's possible in the code wars, who'd have ever thought it possible only 2 years ago:

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8266532

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Jets, that's great news for the Reds organisation. I'll give some props to the Force management too, because everywhere you look around at a home game you see nothing but cobalt blue jerseys (including on yours truly). I wonder what the merch sales are like at the other franchises?

 

[chief]

"Reds' Crowds Set to Overtake Broncos"

If ultimately confirmed, this is simply fantastic for rugby in Queensland, and just as much for rugby in Australia. Shows what's possible in the code wars, who'd have ever thought it possible only 2 years ago:

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8266532

We have to remember that Broncos matches are shown on Free to air at least most of them are. I think it's good news, but it's not the start of a revolution or anything.

 

[Set piece magic]

Yeah I've been thinking of this for months, we are currently like 500 behind the broncos average, the semi will see us away, final well away. Great effort but don't forget we aren't on fta and our season in shorter.

 

[liquor box]

We have to remember that Broncos matches are shown on Free to air at least most of them are. I think it's good news, but it's not the start of a revolution or anything.

A long walk needs a first step, it is not a revolution but it can be the start of something bigger. Now a dream of 40k per game seems possible.

Admittedly the Broncos are on free to air a lot, but this is also a great form of advertising for their games

 

[TOCC]

Edit: wrong thread

 

[Tangawizi]

Has anyone had a chance to listen the latest podcast yet? Did Harris give an update on his injury? And others?

 

[MrTimms]

He gave an update on his injury, there was a bit of other injury stuff too.

 

[MrTimms]

And though you should listen yourself

He is healing slower than he would like and will not be available this weekend, but is staying positive.

Beau played a half of club on the weekend and is good to go.

Ant and Digby are also available for selection.

Did I miss anyone?