11 Aug 2011

Adidas boycott campaigners yet to be convinced

5:41 pm on 11 August 2011

The woman who started a Facebook page aimed at boycotting Adidas says she will be watching the company closely to see whether it follows through with its promises.

The page was set up after it was discovered New Zealanders couldn't buy the company's All Blacks Rugby World Cup jerseys on some overseas websites.

The jerseys have a recommended retail price of $220 in New Zealand but are on sale for about half that on overseas websites.

Adidas says international shipping will now be reinstated, and has apologised. But Carolyn Farrell, who started the Boycott Adidas web page, says some sites are still not shipping to New Zealand.

Ms Farrell says that is incredibly offensive, and the company will have to work hard to get its critics onside again.

The boycott site has more than 4000 followers, some of whom state they will never buy Adidas again.

Adidas recognises 'fallout'

Adidas admits there is massive consumer frustration over the price of the All Blacks jerseys but is still not moving to give fans any direct relief.

The company's stance over the jersey price has been criticised by retailers and politicians including Prime Minister John Key, Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully and Labour Party leader Phil Goff.

Adidas has cancelled the pre-Rugby World Cup event it was due to hold in Auckland on Thursday night while it deals with the issues.

The company's New Zealand manager, David Huggett, told Morning Report he recognizes there is fallout and a lot of work is needed to rebuild the confidence of New Zealand consumers and retailers.

He says the firm has a commitment to continue to invest in grassroots sport. Mr Huggett says the New Zealand Rugby Union has been extremely supportive.