Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 14
Wild Bill's Sells Out $750 Raccoons After Haaland's 7-Goal World Cup Run
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 14

Wild Bill's Sells Out $750 Raccoons After Haaland's 7-Goal World Cup Run

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 14

Summary

  • $750 taxidermy raccoons and $450 stuffed squirrels sold out at Dallas' Wild Bill's Western Store after Erling Haaland bought one and posted it on Instagram.
  • The Manchester City striker made the 90-minute shopping trip after Norway's June 30 win over Ivory Coast, leaving with a Whiskey Raccoon, two squirrels, python boots, a Stetson hat and other Western gear.
  • Wild Bill's opened international shipping for the first time and is now sending orders to Norway, Germany, the UK, Brazil and Australia as Haaland-linked items fly off the shelves.
  • Three more raccoons are on order for next week, though future supply may depend on persuading the maker to come out of retirement.
  • The surge reflects how North America's 16-venue World Cup has turned visiting fans toward Americana merchandise, amplified by Haaland's seven goals in five matches and growing U.S. popularity.

Insights

Was Haaland’s viral raccoon moment a lucky break or a masterclass in covert marketing?
What can a taxidermy raccoon teach businesses about the future of global social commerce?