The World Cup quarter-finals are forecast to deliver a substantial sales boost for the UK, with one estimate putting the combined increase at nearly £500m. The uplift is being driven by demand for pints, takeaway food and new televisions as England prepare to face Norway on Saturday.
Hospitality businesses are among the biggest winners. UKHospitality said pub sales on matchdays have risen sharply compared with a typical Tuesday, while the British Beer & Pubs Association estimated that Saturday alone could bring in £27.5m from an extra 5.5m pints. Some venues hosting ticketed screenings have also reported selling out quickly after England’s win over Mexico in the last 16.
Outdoor fan zones and large watch-party venues are seeing strong demand, with Boxpark chief executive Matt Snell saying each match could be worth about £500,000 in ticket, drink and food sales. He said the company had already hit capacity at one site during the Mexico match and that quarter-final tickets sold out within hours. Indoor venues are also benefiting, with cinema chains and other event spaces offering live screenings alongside regular entertainment.
According to the report, the quarter-final is expected to be especially busy in venues catering to both England supporters and Norwegian fans, including a London pub that serves as a gathering place for the local Norwegian community. The wider tournament has already provided a notable boost to retailers and hospitality operators, and England’s continued progress has kept spending above earlier expectations.
Source: theguardian.com
