Celtic’s new city centre store opened on Queen Street this morning, bringing a modern retail space for supporters and visitors after the closure of the long-running Argyle Street shop.
The new unit is bigger, brighter and more polished than its predecessor. Fans walking through the doors were met with sleek displays, exclusive memorabilia and the usual stock of Celtic merchandise. For the club, it is a clear attempt to refresh their retail presence in Glasgow city centre and attract both supporters and tourists.
The Argyle Street shop had served Celtic for more than two decades, becoming a familiar stop for fans on matchdays and during celebrations. Moving to Queen Street signals a new era. It places Celtic retail right in the middle of the city with a far more modern look.
That said, the timing is far from perfect. The board is under intense scrutiny after what many regard as a disastrous transfer window. There is frustration at the lack of investment in key areas of the squad and irritation at the way the board have refused to face supporters directly. The new store might look sharp, but many fans view it as another attempt to sell merchandise rather than a genuine effort to address the real issues.
Some season ticket holders have already said they will not be spending extra money on club products until they see meaningful change. That includes merchandise as well as add-ons around matchdays. It is a small form of protest that hits the club’s commercial income.
Tourists will still flock to the new location and younger supporters will enjoy the revamped layout. The Queen Street opening gives Celtic a retail upgrade. But for many fans, it is not the shop that needs modernising, it is the way the club is being run.
SEE INSIDE THE SHOP BELOW
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