Retailers in Leicestershire have seen sales rocket by as much as 30% as Leicester City Football Club fans top up on their celebratory supplies in the wake of the club’s odds-defying Premier League title victory.
On Monday (May 2) Leicester City fans saw their side achieve an unprecedented title victory, branded as one the greatest sporting stories of all time. Celebrations carried on throughout the night as the club became the first in the Midlands to win the Premier League after title-challengers Tottenham Hotspur failed to win against Chelsea.
“It is a massive achievement and everyone in the city is really proud and we expect celebrations to continue for weeks as there is a real buzz in the local community,” said Raj Aggarwal, owner of Spar Wigston, Leicestershire.
He added: “Sales were up on Sunday May 1 by 30% when Leicester played Manchester United and up by 30% again on Monday May 2 when they officially won the title after Tottenham drew. We have sold lots of alcohol, snacks and pizzas and every single category is up. We are making sure everything is well stocked ahead of the weekend and we maximise availability so fans have a big range to choose from.
“We have made our own Leicester City-themed POS material by decking the store out with blue flags and have put all the newspapers in the windows so their Leicester front pages are on show. Not only have local retailers been benefiting, the local pubs are busier than I have ever seen them.”
The Costcutter store on Forest Road in Leicester has also been enjoying a sales uplift, with owner Jagbir Athwal expecting this weekend to be even more profitable as the Foxes lift the Premier League trophy on Saturday in their final home game of the season. There are also plans for an open-top bus victory parade through the city centre on May 16.
Jagbir said: “I expect the store to be very busy this weekend as customers plan barbecues, parties and special occasions and stock up for their guests. I hope the celebrations continue and I am even considering introducing deals on alcohol ahead of next season when Leicester play in the Champions League. Last weekend was great, sales across all categories were up.
“I have taken the opportunity to get some of my old Leicester City memorabilia out which includes flags, scarves and even a signed shirt by legends gone by, that now has pride of place behind the till. We also have posters around the store that say ‘We’re backing the Blues’ on them - these are great talking points for customers who enjoy coming in and talking football with us while they shop.”
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