It was a dream weekend for many Ecuadorians, who saw the Ecuadorian team triumph over the host country in the opening match of the World Cup in Qatar, something that has never happened in the 92-year history of the World Cups. This, in sports, since businesses also took advantage of the World Cup fever to grow sales and strengthen the economic recovery of various sectors.
On the part of the offer, discounts and promotions with a World Cup theme; and in the case of the demand that accompanied a strong turnout in shopping centers and other businesses, it was the tonic of the weekend, where according to Miguel Ángel González, president of the Ecuadorian Business Committee (CEE), the businesses that benefited most from the World Cup increased their sales between 10% and 35% such as sportswear, televisions and restaurants.
Customers got up early for discounts and offers at the Mall del Sol event
“This weekend multiple businesses were carrying out their offer campaigns for the festivities at the same time that the World Cup began. This allows people to purchase more products to encourage the Tricolor at a lower price,” said González.
The consumption of drinks and food was in strong demand, especially in shopping centers that broadcast the game on giant screens and to a lesser extent in restaurants that also hosted the match, according to Francesca Ferrero, president of the Association of Bars and Restaurants of Guayas.
However, the reading of the sector is not entirely positive, warned Ferrero, who assured that the schedule of the World Cup matches, which are broadcast in the morning hours from 05:00 to 13:00 maximum, does not favor restaurants that have had to modify their hours and menus to attract customers.
In the particular case of this Sunday, Ferrero explained that as it was a family lunch day and due to the time of the meeting, 11:00, the restaurants were unable to attract the demand they were projecting and registered a “slight movement.”
“In most (of restaurants, the demand) fell instead of rising, since many people preferred to stay at home as it was early (…). The expectation of yesterday (Sunday) in the premises was a little higher. There was a greater influx in certain areas of the city, especially in public areas or shopping centers, where customers can watch on a giant screen”, explained the businesswoman, who assured that many restaurants that normally open between 12:00 and 13: 00 began serving between 09:00 and 10:00 to attract more customers.
Despite the inconveniences, Ferrero hopes that for the next Tricolor matches, on Friday, November 25, at 11:00 a.m., and on Tuesday, November 29, at 10:00 a.m., the situation will improve for restaurants, especially the next Friday that is linked to a weekend, when the black fridayanother peak sales date for commerce in general.
Sales of televisions grow 20% driven by the World Cup, although the industry projected a greater increase similar to that of 2018
“We hope that on Friday Ecuador wins and enhances the entire weekend in celebrations and meetings,” said Ferrero, who asked the Government for flexibility or the elimination of the curfew, which runs from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.; so that the tourism sector, that of restaurants and bars can maintain the celebration of the World Cup and grow in turnover. (YO)
Source: Eluniverso
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