Fans might spend GBP 1 Billion for World Cup entertainment

World Cup fans will shell out more than GBP 1 billion on home entertainment equipment to watch England’s World Cup campaign this summer.
 
A shopping spree building toward June 9 could even see a run on TVs, DVD players and satellite boxes.
 
A survey by Direct Line Home Insurance found, among English supporters, 20 percent are expected to go for a wide-screen TV for the big event. Average spending among fans of GBP 369 each is expected, as 3 percent might purchase satellite boxes and 2 percent go for recordable DVD players.
 
Roughly 29 percent are planning to invite friends who may damage the equipment during goal celebrations. During the 2002 World Cup, 12 percent reported that problem.
 
Most was caused by spontaneous celebrations, with the most common misfortunes being stained carpets or upholstery from drink spillages (12 percent) and broken furniture from people jumping on it (1 percent).
 
Research revealed a big gender gap among football followers, with men expected to spend GBP 461 each on World Cup amenities, and women spending about half that, at GBP 245 each.
 
“Once again, World Cup fever is set to sweep the land with millions of homeowners snapping up the latest home entertainment kit and inviting friends and relatives over to enjoy the games in surround-sound, full colour glory,” said Direct Line Home Insurance spokesperson Simon Ziviani.
 
“It great so many people are getting into the spirit of the tournament. However the downside is that in spite of the obvious risks, more than half of those planning expensive purchases tell us that they won’t re-assess the value of their home contents for insurance purposes. These people risk footing the bill themselves and should take care their World Cup celebrations don’t come back to haunt them.”