With King Charles III’s coronation approaching on May 6, Retail Week takes a look at what retailers are doing to gear up for the historic occasion

Coronation ranges are being sold at luxury London department stores, including Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, with the latter hosting afternoon tea.

Iconic venues in the capital such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Burlington Arcade have been decorated with flags and banners to celebrate the upcoming coronation.

Carnaby Street is hosting events over the bank holiday weekend and will be offering discounts at various shops, free eye tests, free 15-minute makeovers and limited-edition products.

For consumers planning street parties, discounter Aldi is holding a competition with the chance to “win a feast”. Meanwhile, Iceland’s coronation food range includes a new coronation chicken Yorkshire pudding.

Other retailers have released products including furniture, clothing, souvenirs and stationery to entice shoppers and tourists.

The coronation is expected to give a huge boost to the economy, with the Heart of London Business Alliance chief executive Ros Morgan saying it will have a massive impact on businesses in the West End.

Morgan said: “There is a royal festival feeling in the West End as we approach the coronation, which is set to be a momentous occasion for local businesses.

“The additional bank holiday will be particularly special for St James’, a district synonymous with royalty having been the home of the UK’s kings and queens for over 300 years. Since then, there has existed a cluster of businesses here with a Royal Warrant, making this the perfect backdrop for a royal celebration.

“From hospitality venues to retailers and cultural institutions, businesses will be hoping for a boom in the number of domestic and international visitors to the area and a much-needed boost as a result. Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations last year brought in an extra 2.6 million visitors to London and an additional spend of £80mn.

“This year, we’re expecting 2.3 million people to descend on the capital from across the UK and another 125,000 visitors coming from abroad to watch the coronation precession. The hospitality sector in London is expected to see a £200m boost in spending. Across Britain, the tourism sector will see an increase of £250m and consumers will spend an extra £1.8bn pounds in shops.”

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