Shopper numbers are expected to fall by 9 per cent compared with last Saturday, according to shopper traffic monitor SPSL.
One fashion retail executive said: 'We had a great week last week, but we think things will be very quiet this Saturday. In fact, during almost any of the big matches you can expect business to be slow.'
Despite the forecast£1.25 billion uplift in spend on the back of the World Cup, those likely to be hardest hit will be DIY and entertainment players, as customers focus on buying food, drinks and football fashion.
Shopping monitor FootFall reported that when England beat Jamaica 6-0 last Saturday, numbers were down 18.1 per cent on the week before.
However, the further the England team progress in the tournament the better the news for retailers.
If England crash out early, retailers may be left with unsold stock and the nation's morale will be low, which will have a negative effect on consumer spending.
One retail executive said: 'It's vital that England make it through the first round. If they don't, it would be a disaster for retailers.'
Woolworths is targeting footie-mad women, with a third of its 300-line World Cup offer aimed at females. Top sellers include girls' England pyjamas at£9 and an England football cheerleader outfit at£10.
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