Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Women's soccer gear in demand after historic England win

“More women’s merchandise was sold in just four hours following the final whistle than in the seven days leading up to the final.”

Women's soccer gear in demand after historic England win

Weekly sales of women's soccer gear have tripled since the start of the women's European Championship that ended on Sunday with a historic England win, according to retailer Fanatics Inc, which sold official merchandise for the tournament.

The spike in sales demonstrates the growing appeal of the women's sportswear market, as social barriers are broken and participation levels increase. The previous England senior team success was the men's side winning the World Cup in 1966, at a time when women's football was banned in the country.


An extra-time goal from England's Chloe Kelly secured a 2-1 win over Germany at London's Wembley stadium on Sunday in front of nearly 90,000 fans, an attendance record for any UEFA tournament, including the men's games. The final also had a peak television audience of 17.4 million people on the BBC, the highest UK audience for a women's match.Read full story

In the four hours after England won the match, online sales of women's merchandise - from jerseys to scarves and mugs - spiked about 640%, Fanatics told Reuters. The company, which is the world's biggest licensed sports merchandise retailer, operates the official online England Store and works with brands like Nike NKE.N and Adidas RIC.

"More women's merchandise was sold in just four hours following the final whistle than in the seven days leading up to the final," Jack Boyle, Fanatics' global co-head of direct-to-consumer sales, told Reuters.

Brands and sports retailers from Nike and Adidas to U.S. chain Dick's Sporting Goods DKS.N have been actively making more room in their inventories and aisles for women's gear and merchandise.

Adidas' head of global brands, Brian Grevy, counts "sales growth of the Women's business" among his personal bonus criteria, according to the company's 2021 annual report. The company is trying to grow currency-neutral net sales for its women's business at a mid-teens percentage rate every year on average between 2021-2025.

"In the past two or three years, we've seen more of an investment from Nike and Adidas, especially in women's soccer - so as they're putting their dollars behind the sport, it's benefiting them," said Jessica Ramirez, an analyst at brokerage J Hali and Associates.

The women's sports apparel market alone in 2018 was valued at $26.8 billion, according to data from Euromonitor International, compared to $80.1 billion for the total sports apparel market. Euromonitor did not have more recent figures.

"It could be worth four or five times what it is today, but I hate to put a cap on it because I think it's unlimited," Boyle said. Last year, global sales of Fanatics' women's sports merchandise were up 28%. "I think we're in the right place to capitalise on the momentum," he added.

(ANI)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less