KUDUS – The growing spirit of sports in the community is generating positive momentum across various sectors, including the sporting goods industry. In Kudus Regency, two long-standing local staples, And1 Sport Kudus and Pacific Sport Kudus, report a marked increase in public interest in athletic activities over the past few years.
For sports enthusiasts, high-quality gear has become essential for daily fitness routines. From running and soccer shoes to team jerseys and badminton equipment, items are now more accessible as public health consciousness continues to rise.
Established in 2010, And1 Sport Kudus began as a small shop specializing in soccer footwear. Over time, the business has expanded significantly, now operating two locations: one on Jalan Lukmono Hadi and a new branch on Jalan Lebuhawu, Jepara.
Owner Muhammad Reihan Falah attributes the business's success to the surge in community interest in sports, which accelerated following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since the early days of the pandemic, public awareness of physical fitness has increased significantly. We have seen a steady rise in demand for athletic footwear and team jerseys,” Reihan said.
Today, And1 Sport provides a comprehensive range of gear, including footwear for soccer, futsal, and running, alongside apparel brands such as Ortuseight and Mills, as well as a custom jersey service. The shop offers free design consultations for customers looking to create personalized gear for teams or community groups.
“We provide free designs for custom jerseys, with prices starting at an affordable rate of around one hundred thousand rupiah,” Reihan explained.
He noted that soccer cleats remain the store’s top-selling product, driven by the strong presence of soccer clubs in Kudus and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, demand for running shoes continues to grow in line with the broader healthy lifestyle trend.
Beyond serving the general public, And1 Sport has become a go-to destination for local athletes and several sports teams. Its involvement in various regional sporting activities has contributed to a boost in sales.
"We strive to educate our customers, especially those just beginning their fitness journey. Many do not yet understand the functional differences between various types of footwear, so we assist 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 providing various promotions and personalized customer service.
Customer trust remains a vital factor in And1 Sport's continued growth, a sentiment shared by Yoga, a physical education teacher who frequents the store.
"I often purchase running shoes and sports equipment at And1 Sport because the products are original and affordably priced," he stated.
According to Yoga, the variety of products available offers customers plenty of options to match both their needs and budgets. As a physical education teacher, he often recommends And1 Sport to colleagues and students seeking sports gear in Kudus.
"If anyone asks for a recommendation for a sports shoe store in Kudus, I usually point them to And1 Sport. They have a wide selection and the prices remain budget-friendly," he said.
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.
Today, Pacific Sport has expanded to two locations and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive sports retailers in Kudus.
Pacific Sport owner Meiliawati stated that her store provides a wide range of athletic equipment for all ages, from children to adults.
"We stock equipment for nearly every sport, including badminton, tennis, soccer, running, swimming, and school sports requirements. We are quite comprehensive, with the exception of golf gear," she noted.
Among the most sought-after products by customers are badminton and tennis rackets, swimming goggles, swimwear, sports shoes, and team apparel.
With competitive pricing and a diverse inventory, Pacific Sport continues to establish itself as a premier destination for the community’s sports equipment needs.
Product variety is the primary reason customers choose Pacific Sport, according to Elly Purnomo, a physical education teacher at SD 1 Samirejo.
She frequently shops at Pacific Sport because it offers a comprehensive selection of athletic equipment in one location.
“When I need sports gear for school or a team, I go to Pacific Sport because they are fully stocked. From uniforms and athletic equipment to supplies for events like fun walks and marches, they have it all,” she said.
Elly also noted that the local sports scene in Kudus is developing rapidly, with numerous facilities and activities now available for everyone from beginners to professional athletes.
“Sports development in Kudus is very good now. Many venues and facilities support various disciplines. Stores like Pacific Sport are helpful because it makes obtaining necessary equipment much easier,” she added.
The presence of And1 Sport and Pacific Sport demonstrates how local businesses can thrive alongside a growing regional sports culture. These establishments go beyond retail, actively supporting the regional sports ecosystem through collaborations with communities, athletes, schools, and event organizers.
Rising public awareness regarding healthy and active lifestyles continues to bolster the role of local sports shops in providing equipment for daily exercise and athlete development.
This progress aligns with Kudus' rising profile as a sports hub. Throughout the year, regional, national, and international events populate the local sports calendar. Examples include the Hydroplus Central Java National Circuit (Sirnas) A 2026, the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, and the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 international women's football tournament—scheduled for August 14–23, 2026—which all strengthen the city's identity as a sports tourism destination.
Furthermore, competitions such as the Sukun Youth Series III 2025–2026 season for table tennis, the Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA), the IPSI Regency Championship (Kejurkab) for pencak silat, and various other tournaments keep the city’s athletic activity vibrant. These events draw athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across the region, providing a boost to local tourism and the economy.
Through collaboration between businesses, communities, educational institutions, and event organizers, Kudus continues to build a robust and sustainable sports ecosystem. With an active year-round calendar, the city is cementing its status as the Home of Sports. Here, sports serve not only as a venue for competition but also as a driver for tourism, economic growth, and community life. (sns/mkk)