Former Arsenal star, Martin Keown, opens Brent Cross store (From Times Series)

Former Arsenal star, Martin Keown, opens Brent Cross store

1:20pm Tuesday 31st July 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Hundreds of Arsenal supporters flocked to the Club’s new store at Brent Cross Shopping Centre on Friday.

The Arsenal Brent Cross opened its doors to the public with Gunners legend Martin Keown on hand to officially welcome the first customers into the new store and sign autographs.

Later in the day, midfielder Jack Wilshere made a guest appearance, taking part in a special signing session for 250 pre-invited fans.

The store, which is located in a traditional heartland of Arsenal support, is situated on the upper mall of Brent Cross Shopping Centre, adjacent to Fenwicks Department Store.

It stocks the Club’s new Nike replica home kit for 2012/13, as well as a range of Arsenal training and leisure wear and traditional merchandise.

Nick Peel, retail director, Arsenal Football Club, said: “The Brent Cross development is an exciting addition to the Arsenal retail arm and further evidence of the Club expanding and investing further afield.

“The new store will help us to engage with a wider fanbase, while reducing our reliance on match day traffic.

“Our aim was to create a destination which was fresh and innovative and which fans would find appealing and we are delighted with the outcome.”

Tom Nathan, Brent Cross General Manager, added: "Brent Cross is thrilled to open Arsenal Football Club's first official flagship store in a major retail location.

“We have many Gunners supporters among our shoppers so they in particular will be able to combine two of their great passions - shopping and football - in a single visit. 

“The store looks amazing with a unique design and a stunning array of merchandise that benefits one of the biggest football clubs in the world.”