New Equipment (Rubbers & Blades) 2020
My suppliers tell me that while sales to the usual crowd tanked, sales of TT tables for home play went through the roof. Everything’s out of stock, and demand outpaces supply. A similar thing is said for robots.
People buying tables will probably also buy netposts, balls, blades and rubbers, bat cases, and so on.
My sellers also hope for some catch up demand when club play resumes.
The clubs are taking hits, though. Those renting are usually in talks with local government (which often is their landlord) to stay afloat. Those running their own have it slightly easier, as monthly exploitation costs also sink a bit.
I’m the chairperson of one of the seven national regions, and am in touch with about 70 clubs. No ultimate distress calls yet, but the strain is there and in time will become untenable for some.
There is a keen interest in reactivating the general population as a public health concern. I’m engaging in talks there. TT, being an indoor activity, poses some challenges, but I hope that sound protocols might open viable avenues for a few key demographic groups with limited other option.
The goal of this is the common cause, of course, if TT clubs get to survive as instruments of reactivation the I’d consider thatca positive sideeffect.