Boston Soccer Shop Buzzes with Activity Ahead of World Cup

A new pop-up store in Boston’s Seaport is attracting soccer enthusiasts as the countdown to the World Cup begins, with less than two weeks to go. Classic Football Shirts opened its doors on Thursday and has seen a surge of visitors since then. “It’s been crazy,” stated manager Sean Hemenway. “This is the first time we came to Boston and it’s a great opportunity for people to come and see.”

Inside the shop, an impressive array of soccer jerseys adorns the walls and hang from the ceiling, showcasing kits from various clubs and national teams spanning decades of soccer history. Originally founded in the UK, Classic Football Shirts has now established a global presence, including several permanent locations across the United States, as well as temporary pop-ups in anticipation of the World Cup, such as one in Dallas.

Hemenway expressed his belief that the Boston area has a larger soccer fan base than many realize. The store offers customers the chance to bring in vintage kits for authentication, allowing Classic Football Shirts to purchase them directly. Hemenway noted that their authentication team is set to visit Boston later this summer.

As fans from teams competing at Boston Stadium begin to arrive, Hemenway pointed out, “They love Boston. They haven’t been loving the weather lately, and ... They’re looking forward to the World Cup here in Boston.” Among the top-selling items are the Team USA kits, alongside those featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway. However, he anticipates that the busiest days are still ahead, stating, “We’re expecting massive amounts of foot traffic.”

On June 13th, Haiti will face Scotland, adding to the excitement in the lead-up to the tournament.