The world’s first FIFA Official Store located at Singapore Changi Airport’s new Terminal 3 was officially opened on January 16, 2008. Designed to evoke the passion and enthusiasm exhibited by football fans around the globe, the FIFA Official Store features five unique FIFA-branded apparel lines, authentic FIFA World Cup merchandise and popular football-themed apparel and footwear from well-known international sports brand adidas.
The official opening event was held at Singapore Changi Airport’s new Terminal 3 in attendance of Mr Mohammed Bin Hamman, FIFA Executive Member and President of Asian Football Confederation and Mr Tan Lye Teck, Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Mr Roberto Graziani, President & CEO The Nuance Group and Mr Jonathan Sieff, Chairman of the Global Brands Groups as well as other guests of honours.
Following a series of speeches, the store was converted in to a stage, providing the backdrop for a pantomime performance enacted by models dressed in FIFA outfits. The show demonstrated the label’s personality and style and highlighted the different collections. The FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy was brought in for the day to allow guests to have their picture taken next to this very special object.
The 157 square metre store was designed on behalf of FIFA by Global Brands Group in its capacity as Master Licensing Representative of the world governing body of football, and is operated by Nuance-Watson (Singapore).
Roberto Graziani, President & CEO, The Nuance Group, commented: “We are pleased and honoured to have been chosen as the operator for the world’s first FIFA Official Store. We want to thank FIFA and its Master Licensing Representative Global Brands Group for their trust and support and look forward to jointly creating a true success story for football retailing here at Singapore Airport.”
“With today’s world premiere of the FIFA Official Store, fans now get the opportunity to buy year-round a unique piece of football experience. FIFA and its various World Cup events become part and parcel of people’s everyday lives in the official store which is only the first of many more to follow,” said FIFA Executive Member and AFC President Mohammed bin Hammam at the store’s opening.
“As FIFA’s first permanent retail location, the FIFA Official Store represents an important milestone toward further connecting fans around the world to FIFA’s rich heritage dating back to 1904 as well as the excitement and anticipation of future events including South Africa 2010” said Gary Schoenfeld, president and co-CEO, Global Brands Group. “The store’s unique design and exclusive merchandising appeals to both the passion and lifestyle of the world’s most popular sport.”
