Commonwealth Games official merchandise launched

NEW DELHI: The long wait has finally came to an end with the Organising Committee on Thursday launching the official merchandise for the Commonwealth Games with 29 types of products up for sale across Delhi.

The official Commonwealth Games merchandise will be available at the store being set up at the OC headquarters and includes branded sportswear like T-shirts, jackets, casual wear, kids apparels, generic items like umbrellas, key-chains, mugs, accessories like caps, bags, wristbands and cultural and handicraft items.

The product prices will range from Rs 25-300 and no product has been priced more than Rs 300 in the first phase of the merchandise launch.

"In the beginning, we will start with the single store in the OC headquarters, as well as four mobile vans that will take the merchandise to the doorsteps," said Suresh Kumar, chairman of Premier Brands Limited (PBL).

"From September 6, the products will also be available for online sales at premierbrands.inc. September 15 will see the launch of high-end products," added Kumar.

Earlier this month, PBL had pulled out of the deal with the OC, citing loss in revenue due to the delayed launch for merchandise which was supposed to happen on May 19.

But, Kumar said he has again joined hands with the OC keeping in mind the national interest.

"I am back to serve the country. I am not keeping in mind the losses. Merchandise has always played a big role in spreading the feeling of being part of the Games," Kumar said.

The merchandise will also be available at all the competition venues and Games village as well as at the high footfall areas in the capital that includes international and domestic airport terminals, metro stations, selected railway stations and retail outlets.

The mobile vans, which will visit schools, colleges, residential areas and shopping malls, will be offering a range of products and several other memorabilia.

"A rich plethora of items is being introduced in the market for people to touch and feel the Games. The merchandise range has been created to reach out to the masses," said CWG 2010 OC Treasurer A K Mattoo.

The second phase of sales will see 5-6 new stores being set up in the next few days across Delhi NCR. Over 60 stores will be opened at all the Games venues for the sale of these products.

Read more: timesofindia.indiatimes.com