Demand for Euro 2024 jerseys and merchandise heats up among Singapore fans

SINGAPORE: Customers in Singapore have been snapping up Euro 2024 jerseys and merchandise as the football tournament, which is held every four years, gets underway.

Some sports retail stores told CNA they are seeing brisk sales compared with the previous edition held in 2021, which took place a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Creative jersey designs have also been a big hit with fans, particularly those of England and host country Germany.

The tournament kicked off about two weeks ago with 24 teams. The final group stage matches are set to be played on Wednesday (Jun 26), with the Round of 16 knockout stage kicking off on Saturday. 

It will reach its climax on Jul 14, with the finals taking place in Berlin.

At the Weston Corporation store in Queensway Shopping Centre, a popular shopping spot for football fans, rare jersey designs of underdogs Albania and Georgia have fuelled interest among customers.

“We do have people being surprised that we do carry these items, so it's what the fans have been looking for because they cannot find it anywhere,” said the firm’s brand manager Taufiq Samsuri.

While jerseys can cost about S$100 (US$74) each, fans are unfazed by the prices, with this year’s creative and nostalgic retro designs proving popular.

“If you’re really a diehard fan for this country … (the price) doesn’t matter,” Taufiq added.

To attract customers, he said that Weston stores across Singapore have been stocked with special and exclusive items, with everything from the official Euro 2024 footballs to Euro boots.

Germany kits have been flying off the shelves, as well as England’s due to the large English Premier League fan base in Singapore, he added.

As for individual players’ kits, Taufiq said that customers have been