Brazil's national football team will play its first game in the World Cup today. But even if the team does not do well and ends up loosing the Cup at the end of the competition, Brazilian retailers will celebrate.

World Cup has taken over the countrys commerce, creating a boost in sales.

Rio's Retailers Association (Fecomercio-RJ) says that in April there was a 20% increase in sales in Rio due to the biggest sport event of the world.

Fecomercio-RJ expects to make R$ 165 million (US$ 71.7 million) with Cup products between May and June. Bigger sellers are Brazil's national team jerseys, the country flags, large-screen televisions and plastic in Brazil's colors (yellow and green), used to decorate the streets of the country's cities.

Among the jerseys, Ronaldinho's number 10 t-shirt leads the sales.

Major stores specialized in soccer gear say this month might seem like the busy Christmas shopping season. The Sao Paulo's Retailers Association (Fecomercio-SP) said 55% of the fans interviewed in a research planned on buying Brazil jerseys or other clothing items.

Fecomercio-SP officials also dismissed the notion that the World Cup is only for men. Women are also taking the opportunity to visit shops. Many sports and fashion chains now offer shirts, jewellery and even lingerie with football themes.

Page:

1

2