World Cup, U.S. Women's Soccer Team Merchandise Sales See Big Spike
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The World Cup victory is a big score not only for the women's team but also for merchandisers as fans are grabbing everything and anything they can find that's team-related.
As CBS2's Jill Nicolini reported, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team took home its first World Cup since 1999 on Sunday and was the most watched soccer game in U.S. history.
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"It's World Cup fever, it's unbelievable. I mean, 25 million people watching -- more than the NBA finals, more than playoffs, more than anything. That's wild!" said Mitchell B. Modell, CEO of Modell's Sporting Goods.
"Little girls need this, I think women need this, I think even more than just women's soccer needs this, and I think it just means so much to how people view women playing sports," said Jersey City resident Kristen Mercado.
Modell told Nicolini the women's national team's win has been like Christmas in July because sales have picked up tremendously.
"The momentum -- our website was almost crashed with all the orders that we have," he said. "Everyone wants to feel and act like a champion, and to help celebrate the fabulous women of the U.S."
The store offers an array of apparel, including World Cup jerseys and women's national soccer team T-shirts. The most popular jersey being sold is No. 10 Carli Lloyd, Nicolini reported.
Even stars like Beyonce and Fergie posted photos on social media donning their favorite soccer jersey.
"I just think it's an opportunity for young girls to see how if you put in the hard work and you put in the time, that great things can happen," said Michael Banning, tourist from Arkansas.
"Well it's a great tradition to pass on to my daughter," said one shopper.
Sales on Fanatics.com, the largest online sports retailer, said after the big win merchandise sale spiked 3,000 percent.
