Rapid Retail to expand in France with appointment of agency

Rapid Retail appoints Céhère Capital as its consultancy agency in France

Rapid Retail, the UK-based supplier of portable shop and retail units, is excited to announce the appointment of Céhère Capital as its retail and merchandise agency in France and Belgium. Céhère Capital, of which its founder, Christophe Rousseau, is also the chairman and founder of Troisième Ligne, the successful sports branding and merchandise agency based in Reims, will help Rapid Retail develop its presence across the Channel.

Through his agency, Christophe brings with him a wealth of experience, including handling the official merchandise and licensing for both the National Rugby Union League and the Professional Football League in France, as well as French champions LOSC Lille Metropole, and has successfully developed proven concepts for many other sports clubs and events. He will provide Rapid with the opportunity to benefit from his vast experience and take advantage of his expertise in sports branding and retailing.

Commenting on Céhère Capital’s appointment, Nick Daffern, Rapid Retail’s Managing Director, said: “I am thrilled that Céhère Capital will become Rapid Retail’s agency in France, a country which is, undoubtedly, one of the top sporting nations in Europe. Christophe has made a great success of his agency Troisième Ligne and will be a significant asset to us. We very much look forward to working together and seeing our expansion plans in France come to fruition.”

Christophe Rousseau added: “I am delighted to be representing Rapid Retail in France. Having worked closely with Nick in reaching a deal with Valenciennes Football Club towards the end of last year, Rapid Retail demonstrated that they fully understand the complexities of managing high volume crowds in a short period of time. Its innovative shop units enable customers to maximise the space available around each stadium or event and offer fans in all locations the opportunity to purchase the official merchandise and programmes or food and drinks more efficiently.

In addition, the company’s unique rental plan means that any club, no matter what size, can increase its match day retail footprint and show its directors a quick return on investment.

With an impressive client list, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter and AC Milan, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to expand Rapid’s business in the French marketplace.”

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, shirt printing, turnstile operation, as bar, food and beverage units and as replica high street shops. Costing from as little as £1.25 per square foot per game or event, the units are safe, secure and fully maintained, offering clubs and event organisers the opportunity to increase their retail footprint with no initial capital expenditure.