Our History

Kitlocker was established in 2005 with the knowledge that leisurewear provision within the university sector was extremely disjointed. After extensive consultation with a number of Sports Unions and individual clubs, Kitlocker identified two key issues. Firstly was the problem of overly lengthy lead times on product turnaround. It was pinpointed that this was due to fragmented order processes which failed for a number of reasons (collating orders, clearing payment etc). These order processes appeared to be cumbersome and time-consuming for Sports Union staff and individual club committee members.

It was also evident that product ranges did not satisfy the majority of customers because of both style and purpose, (very little sport-specific clothing).

Kitlocker recognised the failings in provision and embarked on creating an innovative and comprehensive service to combat these issues.

Our Service

The key to cutting down lead times was the creation of a revolutionary e-commerce solution (website) capable of coping with the intricacies of each individual sports team within a university. In August 2005 Kitlocker launched its first individual university online store allowing customers from each club to place and pay for their kit order online. At the time of writing, Kitlocker has successfully launched four additional sites with new customers, all of which are proving extremely popular.

To complement this ordering system, Kitlocker has also been working with a wide range of sport-specific and general leisurewear clothing suppliers (see below for the full range). Predominantly we use an Italian manufacturer, Errea, for most of our sport-specific garments. Errea offers a diverse range of high quality products and their service allows us to order in stock at very short notice if the need arises. This provides us with an extremely fluid supply chain which is paramount to achieving instant turnaround. We also have a number of UK-based suppliers which grant us the flexibility of offering a product range that meets the individual requirements of each sport.

In addition, we also offer a comprehensive range of ‘standard’ leisurewear items, sourced from UK suppliers (hoodies, polos, t-shirts etc). These items are predominantly available within 24 hours, again allowing us to adhere to swift turnaround times.

Key Benefits

Speedy turnaround times: We expect that at least 77% of all orders will be completed within 15 working days, and that 99.9% will be completed within 4 weeks.

Less administration: As the order process is dealt with entirely online, neither the Sports Union nor individual clubs have to busy themselves with the time-consuming tasks of collating orders and cashing cheques.

24/7 ordering: Customers have the option of placing orders any time day or night. They do not have to wait or feel pressured into placing an order with the rest of the club.

Website: The website offers a secure and easy-to-use system which includes product images and specific details relating to sizes and materials for every available product.

Account Manager: Your dedicated Account Manager will deal with the day-to-day running of all aspects of the service. With the customer dealing directly with Kitlocker, it means that the specific Account Manager will deal with all product and service enquiries.

Extensive product range: Although we deal predominantly with Errea when it comes to sportswear, we also offer the following brands, allowing us to offer the majority of clubs sport-specific clothing: Nike, Asics, Errea, Macron, Kelme, Slazenger, RonHill, McDavid, Gunn and Moore, Dita, Grays, Rucanor, Gilbert, Mass.

No minimum order quantities: With our online ordering service, there are no minimum order quantities so clubs do not need to order in bulk.

Setting up the Online Ordering System

If you choose to implement the online ordering system, Kitlocker will allocate you a dedicated Account Manager who will set up an introductory meeting with the Sports Union. These preliminary meetings are designed to clarify a number of issues:

Brand Identity: Colours, logos, styles etc

Core Products: Products required.

Additional Info: Shipping options, potential revenue streams from sales, estimated no of orders, sponsorshop opportunities etc.

It is also important to note that we allow customers/clubs to place bulk orders if they choose to do so.

Please contact us on our University HOTLINE 0845 521 3124 or email sales@kitlocker.com to discuss the options in more detail.