Businesses in Windsor-Essex feeling 'red carded' with Italy's World Cup absence

Some businesses in Windsor-Essex feel like they'vebeen'red carded' with Italy's absence in this year'sFIFAWorld Cup.

Perennial favourite and four-time champion Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decadesback in November of last year.

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"As a fan and as a business owner that has some interest in soccer [merchandise], it's a bit of a downer to say the least," said Mike Baraslievski, owner of The Running Shoe on Wyandotte Street East.

The Running Shoe

ForBaraslievski, Italy's disappearance from the World Cup is a financial blow tohis store. He said a lot of casual viewers of the sport watch because of Italy.

"Now that Italy is not a part of it, I'm sure a lot of people down on Erie Street will notice that here. We're going to notice it here as well."

All he can do is hope fans of other countries will make up the difference.

"Not having Italy will definitely be a setback,"Baraslievski said.

Mezzo

Filip Rocca, president and co-owner of Mezzo, knows Erie Street is Windsor's hub for the Italian community. He said surrounding businesses are not expecting a big crowd during the games.

"It's very disappointing. When we didn't make it, it didn't settle in for me for a while," Rocca said.

"The farther we go on into the World Cup, the busier we get so it would've been great for business in the street."

He expects people from other nationalities to come to Erie Street to watch the World Cup, but said nothing will compare to the size of the crowds which showed up when Italy won in 2006.

"Hopefully, in the future, we'll feel that again."

Flag & Sign Depot

Sunny Sadaat, owner of Flag & Sign Depot, saidbusiness has been slower with Italy's absence in the World Cup. He said products for other countries have been selling "okay."

"[Italy] is one of the biggest nations in Windsor, so it does affect our business."

But he is hopeful to sell other flags.

"I'm sure people are going to [support] the other teams ... The game brings the people together."

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