Christmas came early for some West Ham United supporters when the Club opened its festive retail pop-up shop at John Lewis at Westfield Stratford City.
Shoppers were treated to a surprise launch on Tuesday lunchtime, attended by Club Ambassadors James Collins and Marlon Harewood, alongside Hammers fan Bianca Westwood!
The trio, along with Club mascots Hammerhead and Bubbles, were in store to mark the official opening of the West Ham United retail pop-up unit at the John Lewis branch, which will run throughout the festive season, all the way through to 31 December.
Ranging from festive decorations to Christmas jumpers and replica kits, the pop-up shop – which, located on the street level, is open every day in normal trading hours – has it all. The pop-up unit is just one of the ways that the Hammers are celebrating The Gift of Claret and Blue this festive season, making it even easier for fans to find the perfect gift this Christmas.
The launch saw Collins and Harewood, who made 214 and 170 appearances respectively for the Irons during their playing days with the Club, joined by broadcaster and fashion influencer Westwood, for a special Q&A.
Westwood reflected with Collins and Harewood on Sunday’s Premier League victory against Manchester United at London Stadium, before turning the focus to Christmas and their memories of the festive period during their time as players.
Earlier, the former Hammers duo, alongside Hammerhead and Bubbles, surprised shoppers by appearing in the shop window of the John Lewis store, taking part in some fun and games and interacting with Irons supporters via the use of walkie-talkies, with lucky passers-by having the chance to win prizes as they shopped!
Collins said: “It’s great to see West Ham having a retail pop-up in John Lewis this Christmas period.
“It was great fun interacting with all the shoppers – and I’m sure Hammers fans will take full advantage of the pop-up over the coming weeks, as the clock ticks down to Christmas."
West Ham United Head of Marketing, Emma Taylor, added: “We’re really delighted to have a West Ham United presence this festive season at such a renowned retailer like John Lewis.
“This year’s Christmas campaign is themed around ‘The Gift of Claret & Blue’ – and our festive pop-up in John Lewis is an exciting part of our plans to showcase our vast range of gift ideas for Irons fans.
“We’re excited about seeing West Ham fans in store at John Lewis over the coming weeks, as well as at our other stores – the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway!”
There will be plenty more activations taking place in the countdown to Christmas, so watch this space for further announcements!
West Ham supporters can, of course, also pick up all their festive must-haves for Christmas from our four other stores, located at London Stadium, Romford, Basildon and Essex. For more information, click HERE.
