Several bicycle outlets and leading sport shops in Qatar saw a significant decrease in sales of bicycles since November, a peak season for such an item, compared to the same period in 2015 and 2016, it is learnt.
Despite continuous sales promotions, few customers would consider buying a unit and often prefer the cheapest offer, according to an employee of a leading sport chain in Qatar.
“Some items, not listed to be on sale this month, were also included just to attract more buyers,” he said, adding that they failed to meet their targets in the past two months.
He noted that several units of various models and types of bicycles had piled in their stock room, a situation that requires them to do something to sell more.
Sales of bicycles for children slightly increased in November and December but the numbers remain substantially lower than the two previous years in the same period, he explained. The growing competition in Qatar is also taking a toll in each of the outlets, which are struggling to attract enough customers every month.
Some competitors, he pointed out, are continuously investing and beefing up their marketing and public relations by sponsoring sport events and activities.
“Besides giving promos and discounts, such strategy works because a good image matters, it creates curiosity and entices people to try and use the product,” he said.
The employee noted that many of their regular customers also decided to either forgo plans to upgrade their existing units or look for another interest or hobby this winter.
“Some sell their bikes to buy new cameras and take photography lessons, and this has become popular in Doha because of photography competitions,” he added. Another employee of a bicycle outlet echoed the same sentiments saying they had to offer promotions and special prices to attract customers.
“In previous years, we did not give any promos during this time of the year because there is a surge in demand, and many customers do not even ask for a discount,” he said. “But now, it is totally different, they start to bargain.”
However, he remains optimistic that the demand for bicycles will again increase in the coming months. “More professionals such as nurses, engineers, and accountant, etc, from different countries are coming to Qatar as the 2022 World Cup gets closer and would find cycling a good sport and hobby for them and their families,” he added.
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