Sunderland AFC store finally returning to Bridges shopping centre
There hasn’t been a dedicated SAFC shop in the city centre for some years.
An SAFC club shop is finally returning to The Bridges.
Although there’s been pop up club stalls in recent years, there hasn’t been a dedicated club shop in the city centre since The Debenhams concession closed.
But today, May 28, a sign went up on the former Fashion Bible unit opposite Next.
An opening date is set to be announced soon for the store, which comes on the back of the Black Cats’ sensational return to European competition at the weekend.
A dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday secured a seventh-place Premier League finish and Sunderland AFC’s place in next season’s Europa League — their first European campaign in more than 50 years.
As well as being huge for the club and its legion of fans, the breakthrough is expected to pump millions into the local economy and put the city firmly back on the international stage.
According to the North East Chamber of Commerce, qualifying for the Europa League “brings new levels of exposure” for the club, city and region as a whole.
Josh Maratty, the organisation’s policy adviser, said: “For the city, it means at least eight extra games during the season, with four home games. This means more people in the city spending money locally.
“Since Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, we know that beyond the pitch, hotels are reporting an upturn in overnight stays and ‘longer dwell times’.
"Local businesses are experiencing what they describe as spill-over spending, with matchdays becoming full-day economic events rather than just 90 minutes of football.
“The city will hope to build on this momentum following the club’s qualification.”
In summer 2024, the club unveiled a brand new store in Black Cat house, but at one time there were also club shops at locations including The Galleries in Washington and The Bridges.
The new club shop, in association with Fanatics, will also create new jobs, with an assistant manager’s role already being advertised, with a starting date of May / June this year.
The Bridges has previously said we can look forward to new additions heading to the shopping centre.