Between the FIFA World Cup matches in British Columbia and Washington, we found ourselves in the middle of a rare and exciting moment. Canada had just played Switzerland in Vancouver, and Egypt was set to face Iran in Seattle the following day. With fans traveling up and down the I‑5 corridor, Seattle Premium Outlets saw the perfect opportunity to welcome international visitors—and introduce them to Simon+, their new free rewards program.

As one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest shopping destinations, the outlet went all‑in on the celebration. And our Embroiderrific team was lucky enough to be part of it.

Setting the Stage: FIFA Energy Meets Retail Buzz

When our team arrived that Thursday morning, the center plaza was getting transformed. A giant inflatable soccer ball was being anchored the space, instantly pulling you into the World Cup spirit. Brand ambassadors were starting to find their stations throughout the area, greeting guests, handing out treats, and guiding people toward the different activity stations.

There was a prize wheel, a cake pop tasting table, and—most importantly—a Simon+ sign‑up booth where guests received a free Adidas belt pouch. Our team was hired to personalize those belt bags with live, on‑the‑spot embroidery.

Nothing gets people more excited than something free… except something free and customized.

The Rush Begins

We set up early, knowing the crowd would hit fast. And right at 11:00 a.m., it did.

A line formed almost instantly. Guests from Dubai, England, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and so many other countries stopped by to sign up for Simon+ and then headed straight to our table to get their bags embroidered. It was incredible to see how global the crowd was—people speaking different languages, wearing different team jerseys, all sharing the same excitement.

We offered a handful of design options. The soccer ball and Seattle skyline were both popular, but personalized names were the clear winner. Once people realized they could get their own name stitched onto their bag, the line doubled. Then tripled.

At one point, the wait time reached an hour and a half—but no one seemed to mind. If anything, it gave them more time to shop.

Rain, Tents, and Nonstop Stitching

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pacific Northwest event without a little rain. But the marketing team came prepared. Tents covered the activity stations, so everything continued smoothly. We kept stitching through the drizzle, through the crowds, and through the afternoon.

By late afternoon, we had embroidered hundreds of bags. Our machine barely had a moment to rest—and honestly, neither did we.

But it was worth every minute.

Why We Love This Work

Our favorite part of live embroidery activations never changes: watching customers’ faces light up when they see their finished piece. There’s something special about handing someone an item that’s been customized just for them—something they chose, something that reflects their name, their moment, their experience.

It’s a small detail that becomes a meaningful memory.

And on a day filled with global energy, soccer excitement, and community celebration, those moments felt even more special.

Want to Bring Live Embroidery to Your Event?

If you’re planning a brand activation, corporate event, or customer experience and want something interactive, memorable, and personalized, live embroidery is one of the most engaging ways to connect with your audience.

We’d love to help you create something unforgettable. Contact us today.