Retailers to see sales worth '£115 million' as Brits stock for semi-finals

Retailers are predicted to see sales worth £115 million as consumers rush to stock up on essentials ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals to be held on Wednesday (16), a new report reveals.

The Women’s World Cup 2023 Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk reveals that of the 9.3 million supporters around the UK are set to tune in to see if the Lionesses make it through to the final. About 8.4 million people (90 per cent of the total viewers) are set to watch from the comfort of their own homes, as fans continue to be presented with early kick off times due to the tournament being held in Australia and New Zealand.

Retailers are expected to make £115.2m during this two-match stage as fans will stock up on their match day essentials from local supermarkets, with breakfast and brunch items high on their shopping list. Despite retailers seeing the highest sales from food and drink (£87.5m), stores are also set to make £13.6m on sportswear, £4.4m on electricals, £5m on merchandise and £4.7m on decorations as consumers cheer on the Lionesses.

Furt 2 million fans who are expected to head to their local pub, bar or restaurant to soak up the atmosphere – the highest number seen throughout the tournament.

Despite England’s game taking place at 11am on a Wednesday, hospitality venues are expected to generate sales of £12.9m on food and a whopping £18.9m on drinks as consumers flock to their local pubs to enjoy the penultimate games of the tournament.

Across the Semi Final stage of the competition, retailers and hospitality venues are predicted to cash in on a combined total of £147m.

Maureen McDonagh, SVP International & Managing Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk commented: “Due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the early kick off times, many consumers are choosing to stay home in a bid to save money. With this in mind, retailers can expect a busy period during the penultimate stage of the tournament as consumers stock up on match day essentials.

“Marketing World Cup offers to families is key to driving sales for retailers due to the excitement of women’s football and the tournament gaining a family following.”