Christmas came early for some West Ham United supporters earlier today, when the Club opened its retail pop-up shop at John Lewis, Westfield, Stratford.
Shoppers in John Lewis on Tuesday lunchtime were treated to a surprise launch, 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 town to mark the official opening of the West Ham United retail pop-up unit at the John Lewis branch in Westfield, Stratford, which will run throughout the festive season, all the way through to December 31st.
Ranging from festive decorations, to Christmas jumpers, to 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 East London club is celebrating The Gift of Claret & Blue this festive season, making it even easier for Hammers fans to find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Today’s launch saw Collins and Harewood, who made 214 and 170 appearances respectively for the Hammers 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.”
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’ll 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 (https://shop.whufc.com/page/find-a-store)
