Ciaran Hennebery of Hennebery’s Sports on Ashe Street which is all decked out in green and gold for the All-Ireland final on Sunday week. Photo by Dermot Crean
A QUICK run around to sports shops in the town centre revealed jersey sales have been brisk in the run-up to the All-Ireland final on Sunday week with the blue jersey proving a big hit in one outlet.
There’s a great feel good factor around town with the glorious weather and looking forward to the final and this is good for business.
“Even before the Mayo games sales were steady,” said Ciaran Hennebery of Hennebery’s Sports on Ashe Street. “We had a good load of stock at the time and to be honest we’re practically sold out, but we have a new shipment coming in on Friday. Hopefully we should have a good week and a half of sales on the strength of that,” he said.
So what are the big sellers in terms of Kerry merchandise?
“The Kerry jerseys would be No.1 easily, around 70% of the sales. Then you have the polo shirts and a couple of half-zipped track tops which are selling quite well. There’s a demand for the blue jersey too on the strength of them wearing it for the two Mayo matches but the green and gold would sell it by around five to one,” said Ciaran.
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Eileen Hanlon, Assistant Manager at Elvery’s Sports, with the Kerry jerseys which are selling well in the run-up to the match on Sunday week. Photo by Dermot Crean
Hennebery’s also sell flags, bunting and other products which many businesses are popping in to buy.
“The publicans and hotels have splashed out a lot and Camp Community Council were in to buy 30 or 40 flags for their area too,” he said.
“There’s a bit more anticipation about the game. I suppose we didn’t expect Kerry to get that far this year but there’s an air of confidence now about the game. I think they’re plenty good enough to complete the job now,” said Ciaran.
Over in Elvery’s Sports in The Mall it was a similar story.
“There’s been a steady flow all along,” said Eileen Hanlon, Assistant Manager at the branch. “With the Mayo game, the blue jerseys were flying out the door. People are kind of looking at that as their good luck jersey so there’s a high demand for them. But they’re playing in green and gold, so since that was announced, that jersey has been selling really well,” she said.
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Sales Team Leader at Lifestyle Sports in Bridge Street, Suzanne Rigney with the Kerry jerseys. Photo by Dermot Crean
“The purple jersey has been tipping away amongst women and kids as well, but the blue one has been the surprise hit,” said Eileen.
Business was brisk also at Lifestyle Sports’ Bridge Street branch.
“It’s been brilliant,” said Suzanne Rigney, Sales Team Leader at the store. “There’s a great buzz around about it and a lot of people have been buying jerseys. It’s great to have the range and the sizes in. We’re getting a load of new stock in on Friday, including the blue jerseys and children’s gear,” said Suzanne.
It appears Tralee people will be well-kitted out for the trip to Croker.
