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Bana Store (PRT) Reports Boost In Hardgoods + Girls Skate Categories
Opened in 1992, located in Carcavelos (Portugal), Bana Store skate and surf shop stood strong in the pandemic peak time. Founder Jose Marques (aka Bana) tells us how the female skate category boosted sales in his newly established online shop and also reports success in the hardgoods sector.
How did you cope with the lockdown when Portugal closed down?
The lockdown was obviously hard on everyone. I had to close the shop, but the positive part of it, I was able to finish my website!
You have a physical interaction spot and a newly established online store. How did both perform during the lockdown?
Well, my presence online only started because of the lockdown. Since I was unable to make any physical sales, this was the ideal timing to actually polish my website, set it up and running.
We’re hearing skate and surf hardgoods have been super popular. Can you confirm? How did it affect you?
Since people were confined for such a long period of time, everyone started to think of practising outdoor sports. It’s about having this freedom sensation, exactly what surf and skate are popular for. So, yes, hardgoods are pretty popular now and the sales are good.
Have you noticed anything interesting about your clientele these days? More localised?
I honestly am pretty surprised with a new phenomenon of rising female interest. Girls boosted the sales! But in general, people are back to buying in their local neighbourhood stores instead of shopping in the malls.
How did you work around SS20 orders ready for arrival while your doors were closed?
For obvious reasons I had to cancel some of the collections I’ve ordered. I kept the spring-summer collection of 2020 pretty limited and managed to sell most of my old stock.
Throughout the closure, which brands showed you the greatest levels of support?
Won’t be calling names. However, the brands, who actually helped me the most are represented by Portuguese providers/distributors.
What percentage has COVID-19 affected your business for 2020 Q2, Q3 and how do you expect it to affect in Q4 and 2021 Q1 & Q2?
Covid didn’t affect me all that much during the Q2 and Q3 because the government was helping out. But for the Q4 and the 2021 Q1, and Q2 I predict a downfall, since we are not going to have any exterior help. A lot of small businesses may close and the unemployment rate for sure is going to be crazy.
What are the current opportunities facing your store?
I will definitely make an extra effort on the entire online business and bet more on the sales of skate and surf hardgoods.
