Cup Match sparks mini-sales boon

The game has yet to be decided – but stores and beauty salons have already notched up a triumph due to Cup Match.

The two-day annual holiday — the biggest event of the summer — has given the sector a much-needed boost in sales as people prepare for the long weekend.

Paula Clarke, CEO of Gibbons Company, the clothes to home wares giant, confirmed the firm’s outlets had scored a few runs.

She said: “Fashion — not just for women, but for men and children — is an important part of Cup Match. We do see that people want a new look, a different look.”

Ms Clarke said that casual women’s summer dresses were selling well, as were white trousers and up-to-the minute short shorts, while T-shirts, shorts and sandals were big with the gents.

Younger customers are going for tank top and shorts sets and dresses for girls and T-shirts and short sets for boys.

She added that home wares like home entertainment items, camping gear and acrylic glasses and tableware were also flying off the shelves.

Charity

Casual shoes by TOMS, ethically produced by a charitable company, are also selling well and the firm guarantees to give away a matching pair to a child in a developing country for every pair sold.

Rick Stearns, of Masters hardware store in Hamilton, said beach chairs and umbrellas, tents, gazebos, kayaks, barbecues, charcoal and portable fans, as well as mains-powered ones, were all selling well.

He added: “There is definitely a spike in business — people are still going out and camping and we bring in the usual supplies because we’ve been doing this for years.”

Even hairdressers are getting in some extra cuts – with club-coloured theme hair and nails proving popular.

Joyce Brown, a hair stylist at Hair Fantasy in Hamilton’s King Street, said: “We’ve seen a few people want the Cup Match colours, blue and blue or red and blue, for their hair and nails.

“We expect more before the match starts on Thursday — I’m hoping things pick up before the end of the week, but it’s already been a bit of a boost.”

Melissa Morine, of Bang Bang Hair on the city’s Reid Street, said: “I did a lady who wanted red hair — we have had some other girls in wanting red. It’s not a huge thing, but we have had some.

“But people are definitely getting their hair done for the event, though. Also a lot of people are leaving the island for the holiday and want to look their best.”