It's Just Cricket: "Buying online is as easy as buying in-store"

A huge choice of all equipment, paired with personalised customer service and worldwide delivery makes It's Just Cricket the go-to online cricket store

It has been fantastic to see so much cricket being played in the last few weeks. However, the game isn’t entirely as it was before lockdown.

New hygiene regulations are one big change but another, that strongly applies to the recreational game, is that players are no longer allowed to share equipment.

This, paired with an apprehension to go into cricket shops, means that online cricket stores are now hugely important, not only in the choice they provide, but also the customer service they offer.

It's Just Cricket's online store stocks everything any cricketer could need. Bats of all ranges, brands and price points sit alongside an unrivalled choice of protective equipment and accessories. With worldwide shipping and an enormous choice of junior and women and girls equipment, it doesn't matter where you are, or who you are, It's Just Cricket are here to kit you out.

"We established in October 2011, the website went live the following December and the physical store opened in February 2012," founder Paul Cole explained.

^{IJC film their own kit reviews and their personalised service makes the online store feel like you are in their London showroom}

However, with Covid-19, cricket was forced to shut down in a physical sense at least. But IJC were prepared, as their online store was already well-established.

"We had already seen the opportunity to reach a far wider community by developing an online presence and using social media. This has proven to be very effective and we have developed a loyal base of customers in every corner of the globe."

Their YouTube channel, in particular, is outstanding. Nearly 50,000 subscribers are treated to regular cricket content reviewing the entire kitbag, from bats and thigh pads to balls and accessories. During lockdown, videos were uploaded on a daily basis.

"We have found YouTube is an excellent way to communicate with a global audience, many of whom are looking for answers to the same questions, such as 'how do I knock in my bat, what are the best shoes for pace bowlers or how do I apply a grip to my bat?'. We are also developing our presence on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and are constantly looking for other channels to reach the ever-growing cricket family."

"We help by providing an accessible platform for cricketers globally, many of whom are unable or unwilling to visit a physical store.

"We try to make equipment selection as easy as possible for online customers. IJC provides video content, photos, exact weight, specs and dimensions wherever possible to replicate the in-store experience and give the customer additional confidence when shopping online."

By stocking a huge range of gear for all levels of the game at competitive prices, IJC are aiming to serve more of the cricketing population. With them, buying online is as easy as buying in-store.

Even for a standard bat range, customers can get in touch with the experienced staff and chat about which bat would be best for them. The same too for any piece of cricket equipment. The quality of protective gear is often overlooked, but it is essential. Pads, gloves and helmets need to feel right just as much as a bat does.

IJC can ensure every piece of kit you buy is exactly right, without having to go in-store.

^{IJC's founder Paul Cole}

IJC also offers customers a premium service whereby the team will order any product the customer specifies from their current brand partners on receipt of a deposit. As part of this service the team will even personally hand pick bats to customers' exact specification directly from the factories and warehouses.

"Hand picking bats is a practise that is very important to us and many of the bats IJC stock are hand picked by the team by default. However, the premium service takes that hand picking to another level as it is specific to each customer.

"Bats vary a lot in quality, especially when they are mass-produced. You could look at 100 bats, all made by the same manufacturer, at the same price and in the same shape, but they will still differ greatly in terms of looks, pick-up, balance, mallet response and finishing.

"We pride ourselves on offering the very best quality and value for money for all of our customers, and handpicking the bats gives us more confidence that we can do just that."

There is no doubt that IJC offer outstanding customer service, which is their core goal. Customers certainly agree, with an 'Excellent' Trustpilot rating (currently 4.7 out of 5).

The cherry on top of this online cake is the IJC store, based only a slog sweep away from The Oval.

"There were no real cricket specialist stores in inner London at the time so we wanted to be the go-to option for cricketers living and working in London."

Commuters heading home can drop in and enjoy the ultimate cricket shopping experience.

"The Platinum Lounge is another name for our physical showroom. We try to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for the customer."

The shelves are packed with bats and kit and you can enjoy a free drink as you browse.

"However you choose to visit IJC, whether in person or online, you can be sure that you will be dealing with people that share your passion for our wonderful game."

To find out more about It’s Just Cricket, and to browse their products, visit www.itsjustcricket.co.uk or visit them in store. Follow IJC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube