Birmingham 2022 opens first retail store
The first official retail store for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opened in the city yesterday.
Located on New Street by the iconic Bullring, the 3,200ft� store is stocked full of official Birmingham 2022 merchandise, including clothing, hats, caps, water bottles and soft toys. Sports fans can also get their hands on Team England T-shirts, vests and hoodies.
Perry, the official mascot of Birmingham 2022, was there to open the store and will be making special appearances at the store over the coming months. To mark the opening, the first 50 paying customers were lucky enough to receive 25 per cent off their total bill.
Open seven days a week, the store will employ 25 people and overall more than 400 jobs will be created as part of the official merchandise programme.
Where possible, staff will be recruited with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people.
Midlands-based company, Cube International, was appointed earlier this year as the Master Licensee responsible for designing, sourcing, delivering and retailing official licensed products at all the official Birmingham 2022 retail stores they deliver.
Hammerson 's flagship destination transformed Birmingham city centre when it was developed and continues to be at the heart of the city 's social, cultural and arts programme.
Hammerson worked closely with Birmingham 2022 and the Master Licensee to support in the delivery of prime retail space in the heart of the city for the launch of the official merchandise programme.
Ian Reid, chief executive at Birmingham 2022 said: “We thought that this busy part of Birmingham city centre, with so many people passing through, was the ideal location to showcase our official Birmingham 2022 merchandise.
“With less than 250 days to go until the Games begin, we 're really excited to be opening the store in the heart of Birmingham. For many people, the store will be their first experience of Birmingham 2022, so this is a really momentous occasion for us. I 'm encouraging all people, whether you 're from the West Midlands or a visitor to Birmingham, to show your support, get behind the Games and buy some official Birmingham 2022 merchandise! ”
Alongside the Birmingham city centre official retail store, around 40 official retail stores will be set up at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs and Games venues in the run up to and during the Games.
Stephanie Lacey, General Manager of Bullring, said: “Bullring is a major landmark in Birmingham and a must for overseas visitors coming to the city. It 's great to have the first Official Retail Store of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games located at the Bullring as the energy and excitement builds ahead of 2022.
“We continually look for new ways to engage new and loyal customers and the new Commonwealth Games store not only complements but enhances our offering. ”
The store will be open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 8pm Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Pictured: Perry, store manager Aheesha Zahir and Cllr Ian Ward Leader of Birmingham City Council