With people across the globe eagerly anticipating the imminent birth of the child of Kate Middleton and Prince William, it is predicted that the royal birth could also provide a significant boost to the British economy.
The child, whether boy or girl, will be third in line to the throne. According to Professor Joshua Bamfield, from the Centre for Retail Research, through increased merchandise, tourism and souvenirs sales the royal birth could add more than £240n to the British economy.
"Retailers have seen the royal birth as significant, possibly not as significant as the Royal Jubilee or the Royal Wedding but no doubt, they got their Union Jacks there both to show in the display rooms and also to sell to the public."
British businesses are taking the opportunity to showcase their products, with baby retailer jojo Maman Bebe launching its own royal baby wear collection.
"The reality is we needed something that had a feel good factor in this country. We haven't had the weather this year but we are getting a royal baby and I'm sure that everyone in the British mother and baby industry is grateful to her royal highness for turning the eyes of the world onto the UK and onto UK designed mother and baby brands."
Once the royal baby arrives, it seems the feel good factor will continue across the country and provide fresh confidence to retailers in the UK.
