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Wasps set to boost business for Coventry Market

A posse of rugby fans could be heading for Coventry Market to make sure they are geared up for the arrival of Exeter Chiefs this weekend.

When the Chiefs came to the Ricoh Arena last season, Wasps gave out 5,000 free cowboy hats to their fans – and are urging them to don them again for Saturday’s (December 5) clash.

And that is spelling good news for a fancy dress business at Coventry Market.

Christine Lowe runs Toyland Fancy Dress in the market, which stocks a range of cowboy hats, and she is hoping for a pre-game surge in demand.

Christine said: “It’s brilliant that Wasps are carrying out initiatives like this to increase support – and it certainly seems to be working judging by their recent results. If anyone hasn’t got their hat from the last match, they can pop here to get one.

“I used to live by the Ricoh Arena, and there was always such a good atmosphere surrounding all the games and the rugby has helped increase that.

“Wasps beat Exeter 36-29 at the Ricoh Arena back in April and will be looking for a repeat of that result this weekend.”

Toyland is one of 180 stalls in the indoor market – which is the busiest it has ever been.

Brian Sexton, manager at Coventry Market, said: “The market has never been busier, and never been as diverse. We have stalls that cater for everyone, from vintage clothing to your typical fruit and veg mix.

“Thousands of people enjoy shopping at the market every day and we like to think we have something for everyone – including cowboy hats!

“Coventry is a very diverse city and we like to reflect that with the range of goods we sell. We’re also a very welcoming city. We have welcomed Wasps – and now they are helping to increase the profile of the city.”

Echo & the Bunnymen and Buzzcocks will also performing after the match as part of the first in the Offload Series in the Jaguar Hall at the Ricoh Arena.

Tickets priced from £25 for the live music and rugby combined, at £15 for the live music only and from £15 for Wasps v Exeter Chiefs rugby only, and will be available from www.ricoharena.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .