OSSL Accused Of Muscling In Over College Hoodies Sale
JCRs may soon be selling college hoodies.
A row has broken out between JCR Presidents and the Student Union over a plan to sell low-price college hoodies to students through college JCRs. The proposals would see the Student Union and JCR Presidents purchasing high quality, ethically-made garments from Oxford Limited (the commercial arm of the university), then offering them to students far cheaper than they are currently available in private retailers.
However, a bitter war of words has erupted between OSSL (the commercial arm of the Student Union and publisher of this newspaper) and some JCR Presidents who believe the Student Union is trying to ‘muscle in’ on their venture and take an unfair share of the profits. The plan would involve the purchase of hoodies, T-shirts and other items from Oxford Limited, which would then be sold through JCRs. Yet problems arose when OSSL offered to manage the administration of the venture.
They had planned to market the garments through catalogues and events targeted at bulk-buyers like college sports teams and asked for a £1 adminisration charge per item to cover costs. Figures seen by The Oxford Student show the cost of a hoodie from Oxford Limited is £15. OSSL suggested selling the hoodies to students for £18 which, after their administration charge, would give JCRs £2 profit on each sale. But some JCR Presidents are furious OSSL is trying to take a cut of the profits.
One JCR President said: “A lot of people are pretty unhappy at OSSL trying to impose what seems to be a totally arbitrary charge on the sale of college-branded clothing. “The organisation of this is not going to be that much work. OSSL has simply muscled in on our scheme .” OSSL has defended its role and insists it is acting in the best interests of students. Managing Director Daniel Finley said: “It was OSSL that initiated negotiations with Oxford Limited.”
“It was always our intention to begin selling collegebranded clothing. “Ultimately we are just trying to provide the best possible value for students.” Claims OSSL is cheating JCRs out of revenue have been strongly refuted by the Student Union: “We’ve got to balance securing the best prices for students and the financial interests of JCRs,” Finley explained.” There remains disappointment amongst some about the attitude the Student Union has adopted.
“This should have been a great opportunity for JCRs to make a bit of extra cash whilst providing a useful service for their members”, said Jo Lee Morrison Christ Church JCR President. “It’s a shame it has instead turned into a wrangle with OUSU.”
21st Apr 2005