Football is the biggest spectator sport. With 660 million fans around the world, half of them in Asia, the Manchester United Football Club is probably still the most famous football club, in spite if its recent under-performance. In an unusual move, the club has entered co-branding partnerships with two major brands that are not involved in football: Columbia Sportswear and TaylorMade.
Unveiled today, the deal with Columbia makes the brand the first Official Outdoor Apparel Partner of ManUnited. A dual-branded line of jackets and other garments for hiking, climbing, mountaineering, as well as water and snow activities, will become available for consumers to purchase in the autumn of this year. Some of the items will be shown on Columbia's stand at the Ispo Munich fair starting Sunday.
Adidas replaced Nike last August as ManUnited official supplier of team uniforms and replica jerseys. A few days ago, TaylorMade-Adidas Golf, part of the Adidas Group, announced a new global golf merchandise license with ManUnited. The partnership will see TaylorMade and Adidas launch a range of golf equipment, apparel and footwear bearing the marks and colors of the Red Devils, 20-time English champions.
The limited edition ManUnited golf shoe will feature the club's crest as well as red detailing on the sole and inner lining. The new product range will be available from The Old Trafford Megastore and online at www.store.manutd.com.
