Pro: Direct Soccer 2026 Expansion: from Blackpool Fc Deals to Global Retail Takeovers
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What is the main draw of the Liverpool ONE flagship store compared to the website?
The Liverpool ONE store is designed around the Crossbar retail experience, allowing players to physically test boot traction, touch, and strike performance in interactive simulator spaces before buying. It also provides on-site customization counters and community events that cannot be experienced through an online app.
Q2: Why did Blackpool FC partner with Pro:Direct Soccer instead of a traditional kit manufacturer?
Pro:Direct signed on specifically as the official training wear sponsor on June 24, 2026. This allows the club to tap into Pro:Direct’s young digital demographic and broad distribution channels, while the retailer gains high-visibility branding across all professional EFL training sessions and pre-match warmups.
Q3: How does the House of Merc pop-up fit into the company's US growth strategy?
Launched on June 5, 2026, during the North American World Cup, the House of Merc pop-up introduced the brand to international soccer players through an interactive speed-boot retrospective, live creator shows, and limited gear drops. It established physical brand awareness across high-growth American soccer hubs without taking on permanent long-term commercial lease risks.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
