KUDUS – International sporting tournaments extend beyond the playing field. When participants arrive from abroad for an extended stay, their presence creates a ripple effect across the city, driving demand for hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and sporting goods stores.
This impact was evident at Rank Sport Kudus during the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup. The U-16 girls' soccer tournament, held from August 14–23, 2026, brought together teams from seven countries, including Indonesia.
Rank Sport Kudus saw a surge in visits from international athletes, officials, and support staff, all seeking gear for their tournament needs and general travel requirements.
Jery Kurniawan, Outlet Manager at Rank Sport Kudus, noted that many team contingents visited the store to purchase sports equipment, particularly soccer boots and related accessories.
“Ahead of the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, participants visited specifically for soccer gear, including boots, equipment, and other sports essentials,” Jery said during an interview at the store on Tuesday (August 25, 2026).
These visits varied in intent, with some groups arriving with specific products in mind, while others explored the selection and tested items in-store.
The Malaysian U-16 Girls' National Team was among the contingents that visited the store, accompanied by a tour guide and translator.
According to Jery, the group immediately inquired about Ortuseight, a brand they recognized due to its established distribution in Malaysia and Thailand.
“Because Ortuseight is distributed internationally, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand, this Indonesian local brand is already well-known to them,” said Jery.
The Malaysian delegation ultimately chose the Ortuseight Catalyst Liberte soccer boots, which feature an upper knitting design.
Their selections extended beyond just football boots. The team also purchased travel accessories, including Ortuseight card holders and large-capacity travel bags.
The visit highlighted that a contingent's needs go beyond match-related gear. Equipment for personal travel and storage were also key items purchased during their stop in Kudus.
Proper athletic equipment can significantly enhance player comfort and performance. This was a critical part of pre-match preparations for the Thailand U-16 women's national team, which went on to win the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup.
Among the items sought was the Ortuseight Jogosala Volta V3 futsal shoe in Black Gold. Jery noted that the group had been in Indonesia for approximately three days and had previously attempted to locate the specific model at several other locations.
The product happened to be in stock at Rank Sport Kudus. Upon finding the items, the Thai delegation purchased the shoes and inspected several other available products.
They also tested the Ortuseight Catalyst Vision V6 K-Lea football boots, which feature a kangaroo leather upper.
According to Jery, the material proved to be a key draw for players after they tested the equipment firsthand.
“They were very comfortable after trying out an Ortuseight model, specifically the Ortuseight Catalyst Vision V6 K-Lea, which features a kangaroo leather upper,” he said.
In addition to soccer and futsal gear, the Thai delegation also purchased Ortuseight Hyperblast 2.0 running shoes.
These choices demonstrate that the team's visit to the shop extended beyond strictly match-day requirements, as they also stocked up on training and lifestyle footwear during their stay in Kudus.
The Jordan U-16 women's national team arrived with different expectations, initially focusing on global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
They sought models such as the Nike Tiempo Maestro Academy and Adidas Adizero Evo SL, but were unable to find a suitable fit after testing several options.
Staff at the store assisted by suggesting alternatives based on the players' needs and comfort. Through this process, the Jordanian players began testing local Ortuseight products.
Ultimately, they selected the Ortuseight Hyperblast 2.1, which was available under a Buy 1 Get 1 promotion at the time.
"After trying them on and finding the right fit, they ultimately purchased eight pairs of Ortuseight Hyperblast 2.1 running shoes," said Jery.
The Jordanian contingent also bought several pairs of walking shoes from Nike and Adidas.
The visits highlighted varying purchasing patterns among the delegations. Malaysia arrived with specific brand knowledge, Thailand sought particular models, and Jordan discovered alternatives after testing the products available in the store.
Activities during the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 attracted more than just international athletes and officials. Keysa Arabela Manisya Nian, a forward for the Indonesia Women's U-16 national team who scored three goals during the tournament, also took the time to buy shoes at Rank Sport Kudus between matches.
The presence of spectators from outside Kudus also boosted retail activity. Numerous fans traveled from Rembang, Blora, and Pati to watch the matches and explore the city.
Many of these visitors purchased sporting equipment. The selection at Rank Sport includes futsal shoes, firm-ground soccer cleats, and a wide variety of running shoes, ranging from daily trainers and speed shoes to walking and trail running footwear.
Consequently, shoppers during the tournament period come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from team delegations and tournament officials to spectators.
For Rank Sport Kudus, the influx of tournament participants has significantly influenced sales patterns.
Jery noted that visits from international delegations helped bridge the sales gap between weekdays and weekends, as these participants do not follow the typical shopping habits of local consumers who mostly shop during their time off.
Their movements are dictated by match schedules and team agendas, leading to increased store traffic on weekdays while tournament events are ongoing.
“The presence of international shoppers who are not restricted by holidays has driven weekday sales to reach levels comparable to weekend performance,” Jery said.
This observation highlights how sporting events can drive commercial activity well beyond the match venues.
However, the impact extends beyond transaction volume, as the influx of visitors from various regions and countries presents the store with a more diverse range of consumer needs within a short period.
For the staff at Rank Sport Kudus, the arrival of international delegations has provided a unique experience compared to typical day-to-day operations.
Jery shared that staff have been able to interact directly with athletes and support teams from other countries, engaging in conversations while assisting them with gear selection and equipment needs.
“What we find most rewarding at Rank Sport is the chance to interact, talk, and share stories and experiences with people from different countries,” he said.
These spontaneous exchanges within the store, while centered around purchasing equipment, have made the presence of these international teams a meaningful part of the ongoing tournament experience in Kudus.
Purchased products become part of that experience. Some shoppers opted for familiar footwear, others sought specific models for days, and some made their selections only after trying them on.
The 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup served as a gateway for international participants arriving in Kudus. During their stay, their demands extended well beyond the sports arena.
Rank Sport emerged as a key destination. The Malaysian delegation purchased Catalyst Liberte boots along with various support gear. The Thai contingent sought out Jogosala Volta V3 models and tested the kangaroo-leather Catalyst Vision V6 K-Lea. Meanwhile, the Jordanian team, initially looking for global brands, ultimately purchased eight pairs of Hyperblast 2.1s along with several pairs of walking shoes.
Beyond these international delegations, Indonesian players, coaching staff, match officials, and spectators from the surrounding regions also contributed to the spike in retail activity throughout the tournament.
The experience at Rank Sport highlights an often overlooked aspect of international sporting events: while the competition unfolds on the pitch, the presence of participants and spectators generates significant economic activity off the field.
For local businesses, this translated into increased foot traffic and transactions. For the city of Kudus, these movements demonstrate the broader economic impact that occurs when a city hosts visitors from diverse regions and nations.
Once the tournament concluded, the footwear and gear traveled back home with the participants. For Rank Sport, the event served as a milestone: showcasing how an international tournament can bridge the gap between local retailers and foreign consumers, effectively expanding the local economy throughout the duration of the event. (JMY/mainkekudus)
