Retailers left disappointed after promise of Olympic trade 

It has been a summer of excitement followed by celebration and success with London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games. But for the retail industry, the initial excitement was, for a large number of retailers,met with disappointment. Many believed that the London 2012 Olympics could do more than just warm British pride - it could offer a certain lift to an unstable economy. There were hopes for its aid to unemployment, inflation and shop vacancies. Hotels in and around London and other Olympic venues could rely on business during a bustling two weeks, regardless of the notoriously unreliable British weather.

While there was no doubt that people travelled from all over the country and all over the world to support and be a part of the Games, it was reported that throughout the country both shop and online sales suffered from the engrossing Olympic action.

Retailers in Greenwich, playing host to the equestrian events for London 2012, had prepared for a thriving weekend as visitors flooded in. Yet, as BBC News reports, many stall-owners were left feeling frustrated and disappointed after barriers were put in place to marshal visitors to events, completely bypassing Greenwich market. One stall-owner claimed it had been ‘the worst weekend on record’ for the market. Transport messages too became a concern for many retailers as they warned many visitors to avoid busy areas where retailers were ready and waiting for trade.