Olympics has golden touch for businesses

Supermarkets and shopping centres are seeing an increase in customer numbers and sales as Olympic fever sweeps the nation.

At Cannock Shopping Centre visitors have increased during July by around 4,000. Administrator Linda Hopkins said: "The numbers for July are up slightly compared to last year.

"This time last year there were 387,000, this year there were 391,000 – so that's an extra 4,000.

Bosses at Stafford's Queen's Retail Park have also noticed a boost in business since the Games began.

Centre spokesman Jimmy Bragg said: "We've extended our trading hours during the Olympics period which has meant people can watch the sport and still come shopping. Many shoppers are tending to stay here for longer because they know they can catch up with what's happening at the Olympics at night."

Sainsbury's in Oldbury has seen an increase in sales of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and crisps as people hold Olympic parties and barbecues.

Meanwhile bosses at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill said more shoppers were taking advantage of the relaxation of Sunday trading laws during the Olympics which allowed trading hours of 10am to 6pm.

And it emerged yesterday that the Olympics has boosted Walsall's economy to the tune of almost £5 million. A total of 13 borough businesses have won contracts worth £4.3m to supply the Games with items like locks, stamps and cleaning services.