(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Local retailers selling various kinds of camping equipment have said they are witnessing a 'considerable increase in sales this year as customers who would earlier buy their stuff from neighbouring countries are now doing so in Qatar owing to the blockade.
Some of these retailers claimed that sales had gone up by nearly 80% in some cases compared to previous years, according to a report in local Arabic daily Arrayah.
With Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt imposing a blockade on Qatar since June 5, customers who used to purchase camping equipment from some of these countries earlier have been unable to do so this time. Consequently, they are buying their camping material from local stores, giving the latter's business a huge boost.
Besides, the local retailers affirmed that they had enough stock to meet the increasing demand and were able to secure a steady supply of such goods from India, Pakistan, China, Germany and other places. In addition, some locally manufactured goods were also available at 'reasonable prices, the report said.
Tents, which are among the most vital requirements for camping, have been imported from Pakistan due to their 'high quality and good prices, while fishing gear has been brought from China and Germany.
Hassan Salem, a shop owner who sells tents and various types of camping tools, said there has been a good turnout - since last month - of customers looking to buy tents. He also confirmed that there has been a 'good increase in sales compared to the same period last year.
While acknowledging that there has been a slight increase in prices compared to previous years, he said this also largely due to the availability of high-quality products that can be used for many years with no need for any major maintenance.
Umran al-Kuwari, a customer, stressed that it is time to set up a local factory to cater to various winter camping requirements and the local demand is good enough to support such investment. Besides, local production will also help stabilise prices and may eventually bring them down.
Mohamed Sherif, a salesman, said all upholstery works are done locally and the fabrics are generally imported from Syria, Turkey and China by both air and sea. He added that the difference in prices is nominal when compared to last year, noting that the blockade has not had a negative impact on this sector.
Mohamed Ubaidan, another shop owner, said he has seen brisk business this year and started receiving orders as early as August. All relevant goods are available in the local market in adequate numbers, giving customers a wide range of options.
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