Jersey sales surge for Arsenal, Newcastle United and AC Milan ahead of Singapore friendlies

SINGAPORE: Jersey sales of Arsenal, Newcastle United and AC Milan in Singapore have jumped by more than 20 per cent as football fever hits town.

Local fans told CNA that they are excited to welcome the teams, with many hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite players and even score autographs during their visit.

These European clubs are in Singapore this week for two pre-season friendly matches at the National Stadium. 

Arsenal will take on Italian giant AC Milan on Wednesday (Jul 23), before taking Premier League rivals Newcastle on Sunday. 

Sports store Weston Corp has been accelerating preparations this week, including for an AC Milan event in Singapore on Tuesday, geared up to welcome both players and fans.

It said that pre-season tours such as these often bring a surge in foot traffic and sales.

“Every time there's a pre-season (tour here), we do see an uptick in business,” said Mr Ami Chopra, sales director of football at Weston Corp. 

“When those jerseys launch, you do see a slight, significant increase. Come closer to the date, people (feel like because their) team's playing, they need to wear something,” he added. 

“So usually (because of) impulse buys, (we) will have quite a big spike in sales.”

The store will also run pop-up booths offering exclusive gear on match days, with extra staff on hand to meet the expected rise in demand.

For Newcastle fan Terence Ong, buying jerseys is a ritual. 

He has amassed 85 Magpies shirts in his collection since the 1990s, including the Carabao Cup winners' print this year to celebrate the club's first domestic trophy in more than 70 years.

The local fan club NUFC-SG has also produced a special tee to mark Newcastle's visit.

“I think the club is realising now that there is an untapped