The Cricket Store

Innovation key to The Cricket Store success

The Cricketer spoke with founder James Bryan and discovered how he is evolving online cricket shopping for the benefi t of cricketers, schools, clubs and brands

Having played cricket his entire life The Cricket Store founder, James Bryan, fi rst conceived of his new online concept when refl ecting on the progress and innovation of bat-making versus cricket retail and how the latter had been left behind.

The Cricket Store is now revolutionising cricket retail with a new way manufacturers and cricketers interact, creating a streamlined, bespoke system and sales process ensuring players are being provided a tailored service and product at the best possible price.

The Cricket Store’s technology platform and innovative business model o ers more options for cricketers, convenient deliveries, a better deal for manufacturers and even a kick-back scheme so you can make money for your school or club. They are currently the only retailer o ering a kickback scheme for schools and clubs which is a welcome bonus. “We are launching as a business and want to do the right thing by schools or clubs during these di cult times. This will not be a short-term incentive but one we will o er for the long term, meaning clubs and schools can build up a pot and invest it in their future,” Bryan explained.

With more and more manufacturers coming on board, selection is vast and, via their online hub, manufacturers can upload individual bats directly to The Cricket Store allowing customers to be safe in the knowledge that they are buying that specifi c bat.

Bryan explained: “Purchasing a bat online can be di cult and you often don’t see photos of the exact bat you’re getting. Most retailers are limited to a small selection of brands and the independent brands are often ignored whilst customer support can be slow. “Cricketers and manufacturers alike love the system we have provided a platform for, providing a better experience whilst also developing trust and building assurance that they are buying the right product. Based on customer feedback, we are confi dent we’re building a new alternative for cricketers, which o ers a better service and enables them to support their schools and clubs.

To cap it o , The Cricket Store o ers next day delivery allowing you to get your hands on your new kit quickly.

The Cricket Store’s innovative approach has been highlighted through winning investment from a sports start-up accelerator programme, just one of two start-ups to be selected, showcasing their credentials as the upstart in cricket retail.

ABOVE The Cricket Store support independent bat makers, like Scott Cricket bats

RIGHT The World Class Willow Chaos as used by Will Smeed is available on The Cricket Store

LEFT World Class Willow, Head Bat Maker, Mike Kennedy with Adnan, following Freddie Flinto ’s Field of Dreams on BBC