Sports accessories businesses in Bangladesh are making a comeback as people, particularly the younger generation, are returning to fields to play again following the easing of restrictions and sharp fall in coronavirus caseloads. 

Traders say the revival would help them recoup much of the losses they have incurred in the last one and a half years as the spread of the virus forced the authorities to enforce lockdowns, upending everyday life and prompting the cancellations of sporting events, both professional and amateur.

They, however, believe that it will take at least a year for the business to return to the pre-pandemic level.

November, December and January are the peak seasons for traders in the sporting goods sector. According to traders, more than 60 per cent of the accessories are sold during the three-month period.

Bangladesh Sports Accessories Merchant Manufacturers and Importers Association estimates that Bangladesh has a Tk 1,500-2,000 crore sporting goods market. The sector employs about 50,000 people directly.

The sports accessories for the games such as cricket and badminton, popular among the youth, are already high in demand.

The largest wholesale and retail market for sports merchandise in Bangladesh are the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium Market and the Cooperative Twin Tower Sports Market, which is located on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.

Traders at the markets say items used in the badminton sports are currently on the top of most buyers' lists alongside cricket kits as enthusiasts in the cities and villages alike like to play the two games as the winter sets in.

In addition, many are buying footballs, volleyballs and basketballs.

Dil Mohammad Pir, proprietor of Islam Enterprise at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium Market, says sales are picking up as expected.

"We are gradually recovering from the losses we incurred after the pandemic struck the country. I believe if sales remain good this peak season, I will be able to make up for almost half of the financial loss I suffered during the business slowdown."

He, however, says businesses will take more time to return to normalcy.

Manjurul Islam Sujan, owner of Galaxy Sports at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, echoed Pir about the business turnaround.

"With the current income, I can make ends meet by paying the shop rent and the salaries to the employees, and paying off loans."

Before Covid-19, he used to sell products worth Tk 15,000-20,000 daily, which now stands at Tk 8,000-10,000.

There are 265 shops in Gulistan's Railway Supermarket and 200 shops in the Cooperative Twin Tower Sports Market.

Traders there say orders from outside of Dhaka have had a recovery of 60 per cent compared to the normal times.

SM Sirajuddaula, president of the Cooperative Twin Tower Sports Market Traders Association, said the last one and a half years had been very bad for them.

"Now the business is good. A large part of the financial losses has been recouped. But it would take more time to make up for the losses."

Traders outside of Dhaka say the demand for badminton accessories is much higher than that of cricket goods presently.

Mizanur Rahman, proprietor of Kheladhula shop in the Khulna city, said: "Accessories for badminton are in high demand. Besides, t-shirts and cricket items are also selling well."

Sujan Das, owner of Fitness First at Chattogram's Aziz Stadium Market said: "It's just the beginning of the season. And we hope business will be better this winter."

Rangolal Talukder, general manager of SNP in Sylhet, says they have been involved in the business for about 25 years.

"Our store was closed for four months during the lockdown. But staff salaries and floor and warehouse rents had to be paid regularly although there was no income. The business has rebounded after the lockdown was withdrawn."

Shafiur Rahman Sajib, owner of Sajib Sport at Katakhali Police Station area of Rajshahi, said the price of sports accessories has gone up as wholesale rates surged.

In the past, he used to sell a shuttlecock for Tk 80 to Tk 100. "Now you have to buy it for Tk 120."

The appreciation of the US dollar against the taka and the exorbitant shipping cost have all pushed up the prices of sports accessories by 15-20 per cent.

Still, tournaments are being organised across the country.

For example, the Dhaka Reporters Unity, a club of reporters based in the capital, yesterday organised the final of its annual cricket tournament, where 52 media outlets took part. Because of the pandemic, the association could not hold any sporting events for its members in the last 18 months.

At least Tk 30,000 was spent alone to buy cricket bats, tennis balls, tapes, gloves, and stumps for the cricket tournament, said DRU Sports Secretary Maksuda Lisa. The association is going to hold the annual football tournament next week.

Mohammad Bacchu, owner of Khelaghor at the Pabna City Seven Star Market area in the northern district, says examinations are being held across the country at the moment. "I hope sales will accelerate when the exams are over."

MR Shamim Patwari, president of the Bangladesh Sports Accessories Merchant Manufacturers and Importers Association, says traders are in a good position at the moment in real sense.

"Business are bouncing back and this is helping them clear bank loans."