The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is predicted to significantly boost retail sales in the UK, with earnings estimated at £463m.
- Approximately 7.1 million UK residents are anticipated to watch the fixtures, with only 4.9 million likely to frequent pubs, bars, or restaurants due to early match times.
- The Women’s World Cup is forecasted to inject £578.9m into the economy, surpassing hospitality spending with retail sales leading the charge.
- Food and drink purchases, particularly during the quarter-final stage, are expected to dominate consumer spending, reaching £92.9m.
- Retailers are advised to capitalise on family-friendly offers and maintain availability during the tournament’s quick transitions between matches.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is expected to deliver a substantial economic boost, particularly to the retail sector, with anticipated sales reaching £463 million. This surge is driven by consumers preparing to enjoy the matches from their homes due to significant time differences in match broadcasts.
A forecasted 7.1 million viewers across the UK signal a strong national interest in the Women’s World Cup, although only 4.9 million are likely to watch matches at public venues like pubs or restaurants. This trend suggests many fans will opt for home viewing, which contributes to the expected rise in retail sales as they purchase match day essentials.
The tournament as a whole is projected to add £578.9 million to the economy. Within this, sales in retail are expected to significantly outstrip those in the hospitality sector, which is predicted to see spend levels of around £32 million. This is partly attributed to higher spending on food, drink, and goods associated with the event, such as souvenirs and sportswear.
Particularly notable is the expectation that during the quarter-finals, spending in supermarkets and convenience stores could reach £116.3 million, with food and drink accounting for £92.9 million of this expenditure. This highlights the pivotal role grocery retailers play in meeting consumer demand during the tournament.
Maureen McDonagh of VoucherCodes has commented on the opportunities for retailers to attract customers by focusing on family-friendly offers during the matches. Early kick-off times and economic considerations are likely to lead fans to prefer watching from home, necessitating that retailers keep promotional offers available, especially over weekends as the tournament swiftly progresses.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup presents a lucrative period for retailers, with significant sales expected, particularly in food and drink.
