Winter World Cup could benefit retailers, says research

More than three-quarters of fans (79%) are expecting to watch the tournament at home, with the remainder going to the pub or friends’ homes, according to Vypr, the product development and research company.

The competition provides a traditional boost for retailers and 61% of those in the survey said they planned to buy snacks, with 60% intending to buy alcohol.

Soft drinks were on the shopping list of 47%. More than half (51%) plan to buy take-aways, while 42% intend to buy food to cook at home, such as wings, burgers and pizzas.

Vypr also asked what people thought about the tournament and found a clear division, with 35% saying it will be a great boost but 38% disapproving of where it is being held.

“I think it’s extremely disappointing and inappropriate that it’s being held in Qatar,” said one respondent.