Bundesliga Side FC Cologne's Alternative Jersey Drives Surge In Merchandise Sales

Bundesliga club FC Cologne's alternative jersey "has become a hot item at the team's fan shops," according to Bauer & Frank of BILD. Cologne GM Alex Wehrle said, "They are selling better than any previous alternative jersey." Fans "cannot believe their eyes" when they look at the alternative jersey, which has been described as a "parrot jersey." The cash registers "are buzzing, and Cologne is dreaming of a new revenue record." Last year, the club generated €8M from merchandise sales, which was a new record. This year, the club wants more and is aiming for €10M ($13.3M). Wehrle said, "We are currently 25 percent above last year's jersey sales and therefore notably higher than our plan. We have already sold 50% more of the alternative jersey than at the time last year." Cologne wants to sell about 40,000 jersey this season (BILD, 8/19).