Doha: Momentum has continued into the third week of the World Cup with sales still soaring at Souq Waqif, a traditional market popular with locals and tourists.
The Peninsula talked to three salespeople, who said they are earning more even before the start of the football fiesta as tourists began arriving. They observed that although sales have been generally on an upward trajectory as the competition approaches the finals, the largest increase in sales was during the first week of the World Cup.
Samim from the Souq Waqif Store said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been a big boost for their business. “Our average daily sales are between QR3,000 and QR3,500, and that foreigners and residents are mostly buying flags, shawls, jerseys and hats.”
For Mohammad, whose shop sells tea bags, and other kitchen items, his most selling product is the tea bags. He noticed that not only football fans are buying World Cup memorabilia, but also items that they don’t have back home. “The tea bags are the tourists’ favourite item, which is also like a picnic bag, perfect for the weather nowadays.”
Ali who’s been working at Souq Waqif for 11 years said the World Cup has helped them increase their sales. “We are earning between QR3,000 and QR4,500 daily, compared to the average QR1,000 to QR2,000, so it’s double income, which is a very good business.”
He explained that they added World Cup-related items to their usual clothing and accessories merchandise. “Fans like jerseys which are cheap and priced at QR40 or less, whether it is a terno, a jersey or a shorts. The Argentina-themed items are best-selling ones. Other best-selling items include shawls and hats shaped like a football and with horns. We also have thobe designed for some of the teams qualified.”
Kash from Toronto said that Souq Waqif is one of his top five preferred places in Qatar. “I’ve been here a couple of times since I arrived last week, it’s always a different feeling whenever I come. I bought some souvenirs for my family back home, like the thobe and headdress, and other items such as magnet and bags. I’m also thinking of buying the lamps.”
“Souq Waqif is very vibrant and also a perfect meeting place where everyone comes here, celebrate and cheer for their team. I’ve bought some souvenirs for my friends in Spain. I bought shawls, thobes for my husband and seven-year old son, and the headdress for myself,” Tania from Spain said.
