Sports shop at Oxford's Covered Market is to close

The owners of Blue Blood Sports have announced that the shop is to close as the business is expanding and needs to move to a new headquarters near Thame.

Dale Harris and Ben Cook opened the shop in 2019.

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Mr Harris had worked at Elmer Cotton sports shop in Turl Street for 19 years before it closed and he launched the new business with Mr Cook.

A statement this week told customers: "Blue Blood is expanding and moving to new premises in 2024.

"We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to set up our new Blue Blood HQ complete with in house Embroidery and Print team with state of the art machinery on site.

"Our new location is now fully operational and we must announce that we have decided to leave our Covered Market store in the spring and move to our fantastic new purpose built unit on the outskirts of Oxford."

The statement added: "Please note a range of equipment will be available to purchase on our website and you will still be able to access the personal service that you have grown to love from the Blue Blood team online and via phone.

"We will still be offering college drops and deliveries by bike across Oxford so be sure to say hi if you see us cycling around.

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"As you may know, we chose to open the Covered Market Store back in 2019 and we have really enjoyed our time here.

"Thank you to everyone that has supported us during these early years of our business, we have so enjoyed meeting each and every one of you.

"As we are coming into our sixth year we are excited to make this step forward in our Blue Blood journey. We would like to take this opportunity to give a massive thanks to everybody in the Market including all of the wonderful porters and fabulous traders who have been so supportive during our time here.

"We have always been and always will be a proud Oxford-based business."

For more visit bluebloodsports.co.uk or email info@bluebloodoxford.co.uk for personalised sports kit, equipment, workwear, teamwear and more.

The owners added: "We look forward to continuing to supply the fantastic people of Oxford with all your sportswear needs.

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Blue Blood team."

Several new businesses have opened at the market in recent months including Il Corno, an Italian bar and cafe.

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