• Times of India, Friday, December 4, 2009 10:51 AM

Wal-Mart will feature branded shops inside select stores around the world that will offer exclusive FIFA World Cup licensed products, as part of a deal announced yesterday by the retailer and FIFA's exclusive worldwide master licensee, Global Brands Group. Wal-Mart also will host special events leading up to the 2010 games.

"This is a unique opportunity for us to leverage our global scale, bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa experience to Walmart stores for our local customers," said John Aden, svp of Wal-Mart International. All of the World Cup branded merchandise -- from hats and bags, to soccer balls and T-shirts -- will be customized for the country where it will be sold.

It's the first time in FIFA's 105-year history that it has struck such as coordinated retail presence with one retailer, according to Mark Matheny, CEO and Co-Chairman of Global Brands Group.

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