Plymouth bans Exeter Monopoly
Exeter really does have a monopoly on the world’s favourite family board game, Monopoly.
That’s because the city dubbed too posh to have an Old Kent Road on its board has seen its Devon rival ban the forthcoming official edition, it is announced today (Thursday 27th August 2015).
The much-loved and visited Cathedral city recently hit the national headlines, as social media went into meltdown, after it was claimed Devon’s ancient capital was just too well-heeled to have its’ own equivalent of Old Kent Road, the board’s most moderately priced location.
But now it appears the game really is exclusive and won’t be travelling west of Exeter.
“Stores all over Exeter have been pre-buying the game in massive numbers so they have enough boards right through till Christmas Eve,” says Dan Taylor, Head of Customs Games at the board’s makers Winning Moves UK, who are producing the game under official license from Monopoly owners Hasbro. “But in effect a ban has been slapped on it in Plymouth.
“The board is not exclusive for Exeter and we are expecting huge sales on Amazon and online to tourists who have visited and visit Exeter as well as ex-pats.
“There are a lot of commuters who live and work in Exeter and Plymouth and vice versa. There are also families who live in one city with close relations in the other. So we expected Plymouth retailers to take up stock for Christmas sales, but maybe the regional rivalry is just too strong. It appears there is a Plymouth retail ban working here even if subliminal.”
On 14th October the Monopoly: Exeter Edition board will be launched in spectacular style, as a gigantic replica of the board is unveiled in Exeter city centre at exactly the same time as the game hits shop and online shelves. A RED carpet is even being rolled out to mark the occasion ..but most definitely not in Plymouth.
The launch will take place on the medieval cobbled streets of Exeter city centre, when all 22 Monopoly property sites will be revealed at exactly 10am on October 14th.
The makers say they are “delighted” with the location that has secured Old Kent Road, despite the national and social media brouhaha, and that the landmark itself is too, so much so that they are rolling out a red carpet.
“We are keeping the board in general and Old Kent Road and Mayfair in particular under our Monopoly hats until the launch,” adds Mr Taylor. “But the announcement WILL be at the Old Kent Road landmark to send a message that Exeter is a united city.”
The board will be available at all good toy and book stores from October 14th in Exeter at Argos, Smyths, Waterstones and WH Smith. The board will also be very widely available online, including www.amazon.co.uk
