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Mehedi Hasan, an apparel seller from Bagerhat, recently came to Gulistan Co-operative Market, popularly known as Somobay Twin Tower, to buy different sports goods, including jerseys. He had seen a spike in demand for these items ahead of the T-20 World Cup early in October and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Gulistan Co-operative Market, the country’s largest sports merchandise market located in one of the capital’s busiest places, has been supplying all kinds of sports items to sellers like Mehedi for about two decades.
This year would have been great for sellers and customers alike as it might be the last world cup for sports icons, such as Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo. Sports fans were supposed to go crazy over buying jerseys, footballs, and other sports items. But the reality is different amid the current economic situation of the country.
Ashraful Alam Ovi, owner of Robin Sports at Gulistan Co-operative Market, imports premium jerseys and other items. He expected moderate sales this year amidst the high dollar rate. But sales were even lower.
“The price of every sports item is high now. Every product has a different category and price range. Besides, if you want to buy a premium product, you may not afford it,” he added.
Football and cricket have somewhat different crazes all over the country and separate fandoms. Sellers said football jerseys sell more than that of cricket. But it is a different story this year.
“The demand for cricket items, especially jerseys, is not satisfactory this year. The poor performance of Bangladeshi cricketers is the main reason why fans are losing interest,” said Md Zahirul Islam, owner of One Sports at the market.
“I figured it out before purchasing products. That is why I ordered fewer cricket items. Yet, most of the products are still unsold,” he added.
Shorif Hawlader, a shop owner, came from Barishal to buy jerseys, trousers, crests, and footballs. Argentina, Portugal, and Brazil jerseys usually see the highest sales in his store.
“I will buy some Bangladesh cricket jerseys as well as football jerseys of Germany. There are customers of these items in my area. I think Messy and Neymar jerseys will be sold the most,” he told The Business Post.
The prices of jerseys and other items vary depending on categories, with imported jerseys being the priciest. The wholesale price of an imported jersey can range between Tk 580 and Tk 1,100 whereas the locally made ones sell for Tk 250-500.
Md Mostafa Kamal, general secretary of Somobay Twin Tower Shop Owners’ Co-operative Society, told The Business Post wholesale businesses have to order products before the season and the quantity is usually based on the previous year’s sales.
“But every market is currently unstable and unpredictable. The current state of the economy played a key role in reducing consumers’ purchasing power,” he said.
He further said consumers would think about spending on entertainment after they were able to meet their daily needs amid high inflation and the economic crisis.
“We hope to get better sales once the season starts. Otherwise, sellers may face losses.”
Gulistan Shopping Complex (Hall Market) near Somobay Twin Tower is another wholesale market of sports items. There are about 200 shops on the second floor.
Freedom Fighter Md Abdul Motin has been running Joy Sports for a decade at the market. He said sales are average these days.
“We have both local and imported jerseys. Badminton, cricket, and football items are not manufactured here, and we import them in bulk,” said Muhammod Joy, manager of the shop.
During the world cup season, sporting clubs and educational institutions organise tournaments all over the country. Redwan Khan came from Birulia to buy crests and trophies for such a tournament. He bought customised crests and trophies from Khelar Sathi at the market.
“We are getting enough orders this year. But I am not saying sales are very good; it is just sufficient to run my business,” said Md Sohel Ahmed, owner of Khelar Sathi.
Dr Muhammad Shahadat Hossain Siddiquee, an economics professor at the University of Dhaka, told The Business Post real income, which is the income of individuals or nations after adjusting for inflation, had shrunk due to the international economic situation.
“Global inflation has reduced consumers’ purchasing power, and this has affected Bangladeshis as well because we heavily depend on imports,” he said.
He also said consumers would only think about spending on entertainment and hobbies after paying for their basic needs, including food, clothing, and healthcare.
“As most people are struggling in the current situation, it is obvious that the sports goods market will see a big drop in sales,” added the professor.
