From the Pitch to the Sports Shop: The Growing Appeal of Kudus Sports Tourism
KUDUS – A growing public interest in physical fitness is driving positive momentum across various sectors, including the sporting goods industry. In Kudus Regency, two long-standing retailers, And1 Sport Kudus and Pacific Sport Kudus, report a significant surge in consumer demand for athletic gear over the last several years.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, reliable equipment is essential for daily activity. As health-conscious lifestyles gain popularity, access to running shoes, football cleats, team jerseys, as well as swimming and badminton gear has become increasingly convenient through improved local retail availability.
And1 Sport: Growing with the Athletic Community
Established in 2010, And1 Sport Kudus began as a small shop specializing in football boots. The business has since expanded rapidly, now operating two locations: the primary store on Jalan Lukmono Hadi and a new branch on Jalan Lebuhawu, Jepara.
And1 Sport Kudus owner Muhammad Reihan Falah attributes the company's growth to the rising popularity of sports, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public awareness regarding fitness has increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic. This is clearly reflected in the sustained growth in demand for athletic footwear and jerseys,” he said.
And1 Sport carries a comprehensive range of athletic equipment, including gear for football, futsal, and running, as well as apparel brands such as Ortuseight and Mills. The store also offers custom jersey services, including complimentary design assistance for teams or community groups.
“We provide free design services for our custom jerseys, with prices starting from approximately one hundred thousand rupiah,” Reihan explained.
He noted that football boots remain the store’s top-selling item, driven by the strong presence of football communities in and around Kudus. However, demand for running shoes is also steadily climbing in parallel with local health and wellness trends.
Beyond serving the general public, And1 Sport has become a primary shopping destination for local athletes and several sports teams. Its involvement in regional sports activities has significantly contributed to boosting sales.
“We strive to provide education to our customers, especially those who are just starting out in sports. Many do not yet understand the functional differences between various types of footwear, so we assist them by providing recommendations tailored to their specific needs,” the representative added.
As a retailer that sources products directly from official brands, And1 Sport guarantees the authenticity of its merchandise while offering regular promotions and specialized customer service.
Consumer Trust as a Key Asset
Customer trust has been a vital factor in the continued growth of And1 Sport. This sentiment is shared by Yoga, a physical education teacher who frequents the store.
“I frequently purchase running shoes and sports gear at And1 Sport because the products are authentic and the prices are affordable,” he said.
According to Yoga, the wide variety of available products ensures that customers have plenty of options to match their needs and budgets. As a physical education teacher, he often recommends And1 Sport to his colleagues and students looking for sports equipment in Kudus.
“Whenever someone asks for a recommendation for a sports store in Kudus, I almost always point them to And1 Sport. There are many choices and the prices remain budget-friendly,” he remarked.
Pacific Sport, A Comprehensive Sports Retailer in Kudus
Similarly, Pacific Sport Kudus has a long history of serving the community. The business began by selling sporting goods in Jepara in 2003 before officially opening the Pacific Sport store in 2007.
Pacific Sport has since expanded to two branches and is now recognized as one of the most well-stocked sporting goods stores in Kudus.
Pacific Sport owner Meiliawati explains that the store provides a range of athletic gear for all ages, from children to adults.
“We supply gear for nearly every sport, including badminton, tennis, soccer, running, swimming, and school athletic needs. You could say it is quite comprehensive, with the exception of golf equipment,” she said.
Among the most sought-after products are badminton rackets, tennis rackets, swimming goggles, swimwear, athletic shoes, and team apparel.
With competitive pricing and a diverse inventory, Pacific Sport remains a premier destination for those seeking quality sporting goods.
Comprehensive Product Selection is a Key Draw
The breadth of product inventory is the primary reason many customers choose Pacific Sport. One such customer is Elly Purnomo, a physical education teacher at SD 1 Samirejo.
She noted that she frequently shops at Pacific Sport because nearly all sporting needs can be met in one location.
"When looking for sports equipment for the school or teams, I usually head to Pacific Sport because their selection is comprehensive. From sportswear and athletic gear to supplies for events like fun walks and marches, they have it all," she said.
Elly also believes that the sports scene in Kudus is developing rapidly. There are numerous facilities and activities available to the public, catering to everyone from beginners to professional athletes.
"The development of sports in Kudus is excellent right now. There are many venues and facilities that support various disciplines. Stores like Pacific Sport are also helpful because it makes sourcing equipment much easier," she added.
Contributing to the Regional Sports Ecosystem
The presence of And1 Sport and Pacific Sport demonstrates how local businesses can thrive alongside a growing sports culture. Beyond supplying equipment, both retailers play a vital role in the regional sports ecosystem through their engagement with communities, athletes, schools, and various sporting events and competitions.
A rising public awareness regarding the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle continues to bolster the role of local sports shops in providing gear for both everyday activities and athletic training.
This progress aligns with Kudus' growing identity as a sports hub. Throughout the year, various regional, national, and international sporting events populate the local calendar. The Hydroplus Sirkuit Nasional (Sirnas) A Central Java 2026, the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League, and the upcoming international women’s soccer tournament, the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, scheduled for August 14–23, 2026, are examples of events that reinforce Kudus as a sports tourism destination.
Furthermore, competitions such as the Sukun Youth Series III Season 2025–2026 for table tennis, the Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA), the IPSI Regency Championship for pencak silat, and various other tournaments continue to stimulate athletic activity in the city. This series of events draws athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from various regions, generating activity that benefits the local tourism and economic sectors.
Through collaboration between business owners, communities, educational institutions, and event organizers, Kudus continues to build a robust and sustainable sports ecosystem. With an active competition calendar year-round, Kudus is solidifying its position as a Home of Sports. In this city, sports serve not only as a competitive arena but also as a catalyst for tourism, economic growth, and public life. (sns/mkk)