At Queensway Shopping Centre, the quaint sports apparel haven of Singapore since 1976, a fierce competition has long existed among businesses that sell similar products.
Within the group are a number of Indian-run shops that have stood the test of time. On level two are three racket shops – Hello Sports (S), Newlink Sports and Smash Sports – managed by Indian owners.
Hello Sports has been in business since 2008. Mr Ahamed, 40, who runs it with his brother and father, said they get their customers primarily through word of mouth.
He added that the shop attracts customers from all over Singapore, and that brick-and-mortar shops retain the upper hand in after-sales racket restringing services.
Covid-19 was a huge challenge for not just him but also his competitors, as they had to close temporarily during the Circuit Breaker.
The pandemic, however, hastened his push to e-commerce, and today Hello Sports sells its products on Carousell (@hellosports) as well.
Smash Sports, also run by two brothers – Deen, 34, and Hashim, 21 – and their father Shaik Mougamadou, 63, has been at the shopping centre since 2003.
It has harnessed the power of social media, with 144,000 followers on TikTok (@smashsportsco), 15,000 on Facebook and 9,000 on YouTube.
It is also on Shopee and Lazada and delivers goods beyond Singapore.
Besides posting regular vlogs reviewing their latest merchandise, the store joins hands with renowned brands like Yonex to host demo events where a lucky few try out the latest rackets.
The brothers are also certified professional racket stringers from the European Racquet Stringers Association.
“It was a hard-earned certificate. I failed three times, travelling to different countries for each attempt,” said Mr Deen.
One floor below, SAH Sports Centre specialises in sports shoes.
Its manager Ahmed said: “It’s important to be smart in procurement, and adapt to changing trends in the sports world. That’s how we survive.”
