The company, a subsidiary of BEC World, operator of Channel 3 television, also has the right to open Arsenal merchandise stores anywhere in the world.

With total retail space of 110 square metres, the Arsenal flagship outlet sells such garments as playing uniforms, T-shirts and polo shirts, bags, hats, umbrellas and mugs. Product prices range from Bt500 to Bt2,000.

BEC-Tero managing director Brian Marcar said his company had been quite successful in the entertainment and sports businesses.

"We have joined with Arsenal, a leading football club in the English Premier League, to open the first Arsenal flagship store in Thailand to sell Arsenal streetwear, apparel and club souvenirs. The store is Arsenal's first such outlet outside England," said Marcar. "BEC-Tero Entertainment also has the right, from Arsenal Football Club, to open Arsenal outlets anywhere in the world."

Marcar said the apparel available at the Arsenal store would not be limited to sport outfits, but would also include casual wear that fans of The Gunners can wear on any occasion.

"Our target customers are middle-class people and up, both teenagers and working people. The merchandise is available at reasonable and affordable prices," said Marcar, adding that initially the store would offer a men's collection. A women's collection will follow sometime next year.

"The Arsenal merchandise store aims to achieve sales of Bt40 million in the first year, rising to Bt80 million and Bt150 million in the second and third years, respectively," he said.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

 The Nation