Erling Haaland's visit to Dallas store sparks viral trend, international sales

A visit by Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland to a Dallas store during the 2026 World Cup has transformed the business, turning a local shop into an international phenomenon.

Wild Bill's Western Store, a Dallas establishment with nearly five decades of history, experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity after Haaland shared photos of his purchases on social media. The striker's visit, which occurred after Norway's elimination from the World Cup, lasted only 90 minutes but created a viral sensation.

The most sought-after item was a taxidermied raccoon holding an empty bottle of Greenall's Wild Berry gin. The image of Haaland carrying the raccoon as he disembarked from the Norwegian team's plane in Oslo circulated globally, making the peculiar item a must-have for fans. According to The Athletic, the raccoon, priced at $750, sold out within hours. Store owner Julie Newport confirmed that the taxidermist who created these pieces has retired, limiting future availability.

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It was ours. We had a couple of those stuffed raccoons in the store for years and, obviously, they caught his eye, along with some squirrels.

The "Haaland effect" extended beyond the raccoon. The immense attention prompted Wild Bill's to change its business model after almost 50 years. For the first time, the store began offering international shipping. Newport stated that before Haaland's visit, shipments were exclusively within the United States. Now, approximately 30% of orders come from international customers, a dramatic shift for a store that previously catered mainly to tourists and Dallas residents.

Haaland's influence has also led to the creation of a dedicated space within Wild Bill's, showcasing photographs of his visit and his time exploring the store. The store has embraced the striker's impact, solidifying his connection to the establishment.

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Before the Norwegian striker's visit, we had never shipped products outside of the United States.