Reputation key to demand for VX3 cricket teamwear

Sportswear provider VX3 has seen a huge growth in demand for cricket teamwear this year. Jim Hindson finds out why

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It was quite a summer, with incredible men's and women's Ashes series the high points in the professional game.

Recreational cricket has also enjoyed a bumper season with the desire to look 'like a team' on the field reaching new heights.

VX3 sales manager for cricket Nick Halse picks up the story.

"It's true that cricket is our fastest-growing sector across all the sports we cater for. It is fuelled mainly by demand for the T20-style coloured kit, with a bespoke offering. And we have also seen a huge growth in orders for women's and girls' kits too."

VX3's entry into the cricket market saw them quickly establish a reputation for high-quality teamwear at a competitive price point with peerless customer service to boot.

"It's what sets up apart really," explained Halse. "What this means is that we get lots of repeat business and then word of mouth gets around too. A club or school in our kit will play and be asked by the opposition where their kit was sourced.

"Recommendations have been key for us in the last 12 months and it's really pleasing that our reputation is going before us. We are now seeing clubs come to us in their numbers as opposed to us reaching out to them.

"We can create bespoke kit and will often go back and forth with customers to get their often funky designs just right for them. We've also created a number of charity kits over the last 12 months, including a fantastic pink outfit to raise awareness and funds for a breast cancer charity."

And it's not just on the field that VX3 have made their mark. Halse continued: "Off the field, we also provide a full range of equipment including hoodies, jackets, caps, backpacks and yes, you guessed it, bucket hats. We had some really nice designs with reversible bucket hats that have been really popular.

"Personally, I think it makes a huge difference when a team are wearing the same smart kit on the field, while off the field, it has a tangible impact too. Players will wear their hoodies going about the local village or town and sponsors and supporters will see the logos on the clothing. It raises awareness and interest even away from the club itself which can only be a good thing.

"Alongside this, the ECB's focus on inclusivity is something we have been promoting forever really. We've always said it doesn't matter the standard you play or where you are based, cricket is a sport for all. And why not make it fun by creating really eye-catching kit to play in? It adds to the enjoyment and again, I think helps to break down barriers.”

VX3 also provide a traditional set of whites which remain a significant share of the market. To keep up with demand, there is always a good range of stock but Halse revealed a little bit of colour tends to find its way onto the whites too.

"These can be ultra-traditional with just a club or school badge, or we can add sponsor logos and names and numbers. Some clubs and schools will even opt for a little bit of colour within the kit to set them apart on the field. They look really smart."

Ordering with VX3 is a simple user-friendly experience, with years of experience across many different sports ensuring the customer journey is an enjoyable one.

Halse concluded: "We have a club shop system in place for ordering kit. First we will liaise with the club to get the design just right for them. Then we will often visit the club for a sizing session. This enables players and supporters to try samples of all of the kit we do, both on and off the field, to ensure when they order, they get the correct size.

"I actually love these visits as I'm a self-proclaimed cricket badger! I love seeing what kind of set up they have, how the clubhouse is and what the ground is like. It doesn't feel like a job to be honest! After the visit, we will set up the club shop and players and supporters can just order their kit – it is really straightforward. 

"Unlike other teamwear providers, we don't hide behind our website, as good as it looks. Customers enjoy an outstanding service from us and this includes having experienced friendly staff available to answer the phone and assist them every step of the way. It really is a partnership with a club and its one that we pride ourselves on."

For more on VX3 and their cricket range, click here