Blackpool FC can confirm that following a review of the retail operation at Bloomfield Road a series of initiatives will be undertaken with immediate effect that will enable the club to develop this particular aspect of our commercial set-up and ultimately meet the ever increasing demands of our loyal support base.

The first noticeable change that fans will be able to see will be a refit of the current premises within The North Stand.The club acknowledges that changes need to be made in terms of the layout of the shop itself and a series of meetings are scheduled with local shopfitters to transform the current premises into a more sleek and efficient operation.

In order for the revamp to take place the shop will have to close for a small period of time but this will be done in order to cause the least possible inconvenience and will obviously be done without a scheduled home fixture on the horizon. It is, however, the clubs intention not to waste any more time in setting the wheels in motion so expect work men on sight rather quickly.

Another noticeable change that fans will see once the shop has its official reopening will be a significant increase in the range of merchandise available. It is a vital commodity of any retail operation that it caters for a wide and varied market and with BFC supporters covering all demographics there will be something for everybody in the new look club shop.

The buying policy of the club will be to constantly rotate its product lines in order to keep the shop looking fresh.Whilst some clubs may choose to buy in bulk at a discounted price, BFC have chosen to go down the route of ordering smaller quantities of a wider selection of products. This means we can provide a greater choice of designs and colours to our fans who of course will have differing views on certain lines.

Popular products will be reordered should they prove good sellers but by choosing this method of purchase it means there should always be something new whenever our fans walk through our door. Needless to say any product ever worn by a member of our playing or management staff will always be available in the shop.

One particular aspect of the retail operation that will undergo wholesale changes will be the online operation. The top and bottom of the changes will be that every product will become available to buy online. New products will be added to the online store immediately giving our fans the chance to purchase our merchandise 24 hours a day.Once orders are placed they will be dispatched without delay.

At this stage we are unsure whether the current online shop will simply be revamped or a new site built.

The club has already set about implementing some of the initiatives but in order to see them through a Retail Manager will also be appointed. It is hoped the position can be filled by a BFC supporter and therefore the vacancy will be advertised on the official website before the week is out.

The new employee will be responsible for all aspects of the retail operation and will be involved heavily in the refit of the shop and the products ordered to fill it. If you feel you have the drive and ambition to help take the shop into a new era then make sure you check out the website in the next few days.