Sports Retail Specialist joins Rapid Retail

Rapid Retail, the Cheltenham-based supplier of portable shop units and kiosks, is excited to announce the appointment of Duncan Martin as its Retail Development Consultant. Duncan, who joins the company from Manchester City Football Club, will officially take up his position from the beginning of January 2010.

Duncan has substantially increased the retail operation at Manchester City through the use of Rapid's units, using over 1,650 square feet of Rapid's modular retail space. He has successfully developed proven concepts and will provide Rapid's customers with the opportunity to benefit from his vast experience and take advantage of his expertise in sports retailing.

Commenting on Duncan's appointment, Nick Daffern, Rapid Retail's Managing Director, said: "I am thrilled that Duncan will join Rapid Retail. He brings a wealth of retail experience to our company and has made a great success of his time at Manchester City. We very much look forward to welcoming him and working together."

Duncan Martin added: "After nine very successful years at Manchester City, as Head of Retail, I will be advising Rapid Retail on their continued expansion plans.

With over 17 years' experience in the Premier League commercial sector, I certainly understand how football club retail departments have to make every penny count. Rapid Retail's unique rental plan means that any club, no matter what size, can increase its match day retail footprint and show their directors a quick ROI. My experience gained, from the very first pilot with Rapid in 2005 to the new concepts being planned in 2009/2010, will help new customers gain confidence in the services offered."

Rapid Retail's bespoke solutions, together with its passion and commitment, have seen many stadia increase their match day commercialisation and boost customer penetration. Its units, branded with clients' colours and logos, are used throughout the sporting world in a variety of uses, including merchandise sales, programme operation, ticket collection and shirt printing. Costing from as little as £1.25 per square foot per game, the units are safe, secure and fully maintained, offering clubs the opportunity to increase their retail footprint with no initial capital expenditure.

The company, in business for four years, has taken its concept of rentable, branded and affordable retail space to many sports stadia, entertainment venues and events throughout the UK and Europe.