BUSINESSES in Oxfordshire are hoping the spring’s Royal Wedding will bring a boost to the economy.
And firms are already preparing products to mark the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Husband and wife David and Sally Emery, who own the shop Comma in Iffley Road, Oxford, have created a special tea towel showing a royal corgi.
Mr Emery said the tea towel had already attracted international attention, with a film crew flying in from Canada.
He added: “We just wanted to create something that was quirky and different because a lot of the stuff being offered, particularly things with photos on, is terrible. .
“We are hoping people think this is more kitsch and cool.”
The tea towel goes on sale in the next few weeks.
Pieminister, which has a shop in the Covered Market, announced it would be releasing two limited edition pies to celebrate the wedding.
The Kate and Wills pie is made with British beef, wine, bacon, pearl onions and mushrooms, with a dash of brandy.
And the Royal Pear pie consists of poached pears, rum and Fairtrade chocolate. Both will be available from March until May.
A company spokesman said they hoped to send some of the pies to the Royals for the wedding breakfast.
Ester Mahelova, manager of the Oxford store, added: “'We’re all very excited about the wedding here at Pieminister.
“Eating these delicious pies with friends, and maybe a glass or two of Champagne, is a great way to join in the celebrations this spring.”
Ginette Gower, spokesman for the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Royal Wedding will bring a feel-good factor that will boost consumers and businesses in Oxfordshire.”
But one organisation that won’t be coining it in from the wedding is Oxford City Council – it has scrapped plans to charge for street parties.
Spokesman Louisa Dean said the aim was to encourage people to get together to stage street parties on April 29.
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