Walmart to operate 2010 FIFA World Cup Event Stores
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Walmart Signs Deal to Operate Official Event Stores
for 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM
Retailer to offer exclusive 2010 FIFA World CupTM licensed merchandise
at its stores around the world
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 3, 2009 - Walmart announced today that it will collaborate with FIFA's exclusive worldwide master licensee, Global Brands Group (GBG), to operate 2010 FIFA World CupTM Official Event Stores in nearly all of its retail markets around the world. Walmart will feature FIFA event branded shops inside select stores that will offer exclusive FIFA World CupTM official licensed products and host special events leading up to the games.
"We want soccer fans around the world to participate in the world's most spectacular sporting event by giving them access to exclusive FIFA World Cup merchandise at a great price," said John Aden, senior vice president, Walmart International. ''This is a unique opportunity for us to leverage our global scale, bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM experience to Walmart stores for our local customers."
The FIFA World CupTM will begin June 11, 2010 and finish July 11, 2010. More than 26 billion cumulative viewers watched the 64 matches of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM. Soccer is by far the biggest sport in Europe, South America, Africa and the majority of markets in Asia.
Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General, said, "This is an important milestone in our goal to connect with fans around the world. Given Walmart's global leadership position in the retail industry, it is the ideal platform to showcase the world-class merchandise we have been developing specifically for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM."
Mark Matheny, CEO and Co-Chairman of Global Brands Group, said, "We are delighted to work with Walmart for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. In the 105 year history of the association, this is the first time that such a coordinated retail presence with one retailer has been achieved."
All 2010 FIFA World CupTM branded merchandise will be customized for the country where it will be sold. With everything from hats and bags, to soccer balls and T-shirts, fans who visit the shops will be able to support their team like never before. Walmart stores in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom and the United States are anticipated to participate.
About FIFA
For more than 100 years, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, founded on 21 May 1904 in Paris and better known as FIFA, has continued to provide the essential leadership role to the international football family. The eighth FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter (Switzerland), guides the organization today with a commitment to the evolution of FIFA as a modern and dynamic association. For more information on FIFA and its competitions, especially on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM, visit the official website at www.fifa.com
About Global Brands Group
Global Brands Group is the world's leading independent, international brand management, retail and licensing company. Global Brands Group's passion for managing brands is tied to its desire to build sustainable equity and create new branding opportunities through geographic expansion, category extension and retail innovation. With corporate headquarters located in Singapore, Global Brands Group has a network of 14 offices in major cities around the world including London, Dubai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Buenos Aires and Johannesburg. www.globalbrandsgroup.com
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), or "Walmart," serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,000 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2009 sales of $401 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.1 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine's 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.
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