Retailers and hospitality venues are set to cash in on £84.5m as consumers tune in to England’s opening fixture of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Haiti on Saturday 22nd July, a new report reveals.
The Women’s World Cup 2023 Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk predicts the game will be watched by 5.4m football fans in homes, pubs, bars, and restaurants across the UK.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis paired with the tournament being held on the other side of the world in Australia and New Zealand, means retailers are set for a revenue boost from England’s first game as 4.3m consumers are expected to tune in to the game from home, driving a total spend of £70.3m. Food and drink purchases are set to make up the highest proportion of the total spend at £51.8m as fans head to local supermarkets and retailers to stock up their fridges ahead of the game.
Breaking predicted retail sales down further, consumers are set to spend £8.6m on electronics, £6.2m on sportswear, £2m on merchandise, and £1.7m on decorations in preparation for the opening fixture.
As the Lionesses’ first, and only, group stage game held on the weekend, hospitality venues can still expect to be busy, as 1.1m fans are set to brave the 10.30am kick off time and head to their local pub, bar or restaurant. Hospitality venues are predicted to generate £14.2m in sales during England’s first game, broken down into £10.8m on drinks and £3.4m on food.
Throughout the group stage of the tournament, which ends on the 3rd August, retailers and hospitality venues are expected to receive a combined £158m boost.
Maureen McDonagh, SVP international & managing director at VoucherCodes.co.uk commented: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, paired with the early kick off times means that many consumers are choosing to watch England’s first game from home. As a result, retailers can expect a busy period in the run up to the game as fans snap up food, drink, sportswear and merchandise for the game.
“With 4.3m consumers expected to tune in from home, there are plenty of opportunities for retailers to take advantage of England’s first fixture. Offering competitive discounts and offers across a range of appropriate products will incentivise people to shop with you.”
