Are you ready for kick-off?

No one could fail to notice that something has gripped this nation over the last week. You only have to switch on the TV, open a paper or log on, to find some kind of offer that will help you celebrate the World Cup season. So now, more than ever, your business needs to pull out all of the stops.

Last month, thanks to the football and the weather, research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that retail sales grew by 0.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared with May 2009, and total sales rose by 3 per cent.

Stephen Robertson, director general at the BRC, says: ‘The run-up to the World Cup helped sales of televisions, though this was largely discount-driven. With the tournament getting closer, there should be a further uplift to other football merchandise such as flags and replica kits.’

But don’t just focus on the football fanatics – after all it is a game of two halves. Those who aren’t interested in the game will also need the same level of satisfaction. Many people will take the opportunity to enjoy the empty roads, shops and restaurants and go out and spend. Just make sure your business isn’t caught off-side.

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