Fifa opens World Cup store
29 January 2008
The first official Fifa store has opened at Singapore's Changi International Airport, making football World Cup merchandise available all year around, and not just in World Cup host countries, for the first time.
"As Fifa's first permanent retail location, the Fifa official store represents an important milestone toward further connecting fans around the world to Fifa's rich heritage dating back to 1904 as well as the excitement and anticipation of future events, including South Africa 2010," said Global Brands Group president Gary Schoenfeld on Fifa.com.
Fifa merchandise will also be sold at various official Fifa World Cup stores across South Africa, as well as through a web-based store on Fifa.com, by mid-2008
After Singapore, further Fifa official stores are due to open in London, Tokyo and Los Angeles, as well as in important emerging markets such as Latin America, China and India, and will be managed by Global Brands Group, which is Fifa's exclusive licensing representative until 2014.
"Fifa and its various World Cup events will become part and parcel of people's everyday lives in the official store, which is only the first of many more to follow," said Fifa executive committee member and Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam at the store's opening on 16 January.
Fifa said on its website that the pioneering concept creates a memorable experience for fans of both football and fashion by offering a unique range of official merchandise inspired by the past, present and future of the game.
Designers have created five unique clothing lines for the Fifa official store, reflecting the heritage and dynamism of football.
From vintage-style jerseys that honour Fifa World Cups of the past to casual wear and high-end apparel, each item bears the "Official Licensed Product" logo as a seal of quality.
The lines - code, trophy, editions, events and sports graphics - will be targeted at male and female consumers of all ages and will appeal to football fans and trendsetters alike.
Source: BuaNews
