Wolverhampton wanders into Shanghai
Wolverhampton Wanderers players sign jerseys for local fans at their first official store in China at the Bund Finance Center.
English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers has opened its first Chinese store in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Center amid the city's efforts to boost its economy by attracting more "first stores."
About 500 brands chose Shanghai to open their first store in China between January and June this year, nearly double that of 2018.
They include 13 international brands that made world or Asia debuts of their new stores in the city.
The Wolves Mega Store, designed by famous Australian architect Jeff Bonner, creates a "future football experience space" with "immersive shopping experience," according to the store.
Local fans can buy the latest jerseys and other souvenirs of the team as well as other fashion and sports products designed for the Chinese market.
Various events and exhibitions will be held regularly at the store.
Star players, including team captain Conor Coady and legendary player Steve Bull, attended a ceremony with their fans at the store. Eight historical jerseys of the team are also being exhibited.
Founded in 1877, the Wolverhampton Wanderers has won seven major championships.
The team is seventh in the 2018/19 season of the premier league.
Other brands that opened debuted in Shanghai this year include the Anna Sui Active sports store, three-Michelin-star restaurant Da Vittorio and Spanish wedding dress brand Pronovias.
Landmarks such as the Bund Finance Center, K11 and iapm Mall also attracted many new brands and restaurants.
The city's retail consumption increased 8.4 percent on year in the first half of 2019, hitting the highest since 2015, according to Shanghai Statistics Bureau.
Wolverhampton Wanderers open for business.
Wolverhampton Wanderers opens its first Chinese store in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Center.
A fashion show for the opening of Wolverhampton Wanderers' first Chinese store at the Bund Finance Center.
