ALTRINCHAM will join the ranks of football clubs with a High Street presence next week when our brand new town centre retail store opens its doors officially for the first time.

In a momentous development that marks another significant milestone for the club's ambitious board, plans have now been finalised for a grand opening at the George Street outlet next Wednesday at 4pm.

It is hoped the timing will enable children to attend at the end of their school day, but there will be attractions for all ages as the Robins celebrate being open for business and standing shoulder to shoulder with household High Street names for the first time in the club's history.

For three hours from 4pm next Wednesday, Robins fans will have the chance to mingle with members of Phil Parkinson's first-team squad and chat about what has been a fantastic first half of the Vanarama National League campaign, as well as savour the novel experience of browsing a town centre shop that stocks nothing but Alty merchandise!

Mulled wine and mince pies are being provided by the club and will be served throughout to ensure what promises to be an unforgettable occasion has an extra festive feel to it during the store's 4pm until 7pm day one opening hours.

Commenting on a historic moment for the club, director John Coyne, the driving force behind an ambitious project that has now reached fruition, said: "Everyone connected with the club is incredibly excited and proud to have reached the stage where we can announce that an official Altrincham FC shop will be up and running in the centre of town in one week's time.

"A lot of thought, planning and hard work has gone into it, but it has been worth every minute to be able to say we are now ready to open our doors and welcome people in.

"With that in mind, I'd like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of some key people, in particular club partners Impact Signs, who have been instrumental in allowing us to open, two other partners, Puma and RedSoda, for ensuring we've got plenty of stock, and club volunteer Lynda Higgins, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

"It's going to be a special moment at 4 o'clock next Wednesday afternoon, and I hope as many Alty fans as possible will be able to get along and share the moment with us. It won't just be a celebration of a major landmark for us - the shop will be fully stocked with replica kits and a wide range of top-quality merchandise. Something for everyone, in other words, if ideas are still needed for Christmas gifts."

Following next Wednesday's launch, the store, which is located next to Jake Shoes in the Stamford Quarter, a few doors to the right of Costa Coffee, will be open as per normal opening hours up until Friday December 22nd.
Beyond that, Christmas and New Year opening times will be announced next week, here on the club's website and our social media channels.

So, to recap, join us at the store to share in this historic event from 4pm until 7pm next Wednesday the 13th alongside special guests from the first-team squad and local community, and watch out for the first picture of the store frontage once the shop sign is in place in the next few days.