The impact of the transfer in Barcelona on the surrounding small businesses is a real topic that every football fan should be concerned about. A recent article by journalist Alex Pinnell exposes the seriousness of the problem. The deserted surroundings of Camp Nou are a stark contrast to last year's bustling scene.
Now, as I ride through Camp Nou on my motorcycle, it's a bleak sight. What was once a bustling bar is now full of people. In a bar that was barely open, I met the owner, Ricardo. His optimism is especially valuable in this context. He believes things will improve once Barcelona return. But the reality is cruel, and what used to be 5,000 euros a day is now an unattainable dream.
I continued to visit other businesses, and the situation in each one was heart-wrenching. Uan and her husband at Tavern 3 in Frankfurt have few guests. Her helplessness and bitterness are a true portrayal of small and medium-sized businesses in this change. 80% turnover, which is a fatal blow to any small business.
What's even more shocking is what happened to the souvenir shop. One employee's helpless words expressed the dilemma of the entire neighborhood: "It's like a dead city after being swept away by zombies. Such a description undoubtedly exposes the impact of the change of home stadium on the local economy.
At the last bar I visited, Bar Bayeux, owner José Paredes' words were a little comforting. He is more optimistic that at least the timing of Barcelona's move back is certain, which is better than the unknown during the pandemic. But he also expressed frustration with the current situation, noting that even workers at Camp Nou rarely visit their shops.
Through these interviews, I felt the stories and struggles behind each small business. Their experience is not only a revelation to Barça fans, but also a profound reflection on the football industry as a whole. Behind the feast of football, those small businesses that rely on the rise and fall of the team are experiencing their own struggles and difficulties.
As an ordinary fan who loves football, I can't help but wonder if we should pay attention to the fate of these small businesses around the stadium, and whether we should give them more support and care when enjoying the passion brought by football. Let's look forward to the day when Barcelona returns to Camp Nou, bringing more hope and energy.