JEDDAH, 30 April 2003 — The multimillion-riyal sports goods industry continues to expand with new outlets opening across Saudi Arabia. Demand for tennis, squash and badminton rackets as well as fitness equipment are particularly in high demand, according to a leading trader in the sports goods business.
“There are four to five major players in the sports goods industry, each of them having a sizable share,” Mohammad Amin Malik, Jeddah regional manager of Racquet Shop, located off Tahlia Road, told Arab News.
“The steady expansion of Racquet Shop in the Kingdom’s major cities speaks for the growth of the sports goods market. The spurt in demand is due to an attractive offer of discounts, but it is also because of an increase in fitness awareness and growing interest in sports activities, he said ahead of a marketing sale being launched on May 1.
Tennis, squash and badminton racquets, whose prices range from SR200 to SR1,100, are among the best selling items in the store.
Sports shoes from Prince range between SR175 and SR309, while those from Adidas cost from SR175 to SR550,” Malik said. According to him, Prince racquets are the players’ first choice.
Likewise, fitness equipments like treadmills of Life Fitness and Cybex brands are generally preferred.
“We also deal in tennis apparels of Italy’s Sergio Tacchini brand. We solely distribute Polar Heart monitor from Finland, which is the best, accurate and individual indicator of physical condition. It guides you to do your exercise and training right in the most effective way,” he added.
Asked about Racquet Shop’s plans, Malik said: “Since its opening in 1980, Racquet Shop has marked a checkered growth. We recently opened a “Champion” outlet in the Iceland Mall at Prince Sultan Street in Jeddah.
It showcases the entire range of tennis and squash apparels, shoes and accessories of world’s reputable brands.”
According to him, ladies fitness equipments are also growing in demand, which explains the increasing awareness of fitness among them.
The Delta Marketing Co. Ltd., with Hassan Alireza as its managing director, owns the Racquet Shop chain, which has currently seven outlets. They include four in Jeddah — at Al-Andalus Street beside Danube Super Market, Mahmal Center at Balad and an Adidas Shop opposite the Sands Hotel, aside from the newly opened one at Iceland Mall; two in Alkhobar at Rasheed Mall, including an Adidas shop, and one in Riyadh at Olaya, opposite Saudi British Bank.
Racquet Shop also provides top coaches for tennis in each region — Mohammed Ather in Riyadh, Farhan Ali in Jeddah and Jase Amitta in Alkhobar.
“What additionally attracts shoppers to our outlets is service,” said Malik whose experience in the business exceeds 15 years.
