The supply chain of sports equipment plays a critical role in promoting both recreational and professional sports by ensuring the availability of quality and affordable products to consumers. Mashhad, as one of the most populous and touristic cities in Iran, represents a significant market for sports equipment due to its numerous sports clubs, fitness centers, and active population. However, this supply chain faces multiple complications that affect its efficiency, cost structure, and customer satisfaction.
This study aims to identify and analyze the key challenges within the sports equipment supply chain in Mashhad city. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, utilizing data collected through interviews with key stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, as well as a review of relevant documents. The findings indicate that major complications include currency exchange rate fluctuations, heavy dependence on imported raw materials and finished goods, customs clearance barriers, weak coordination among supply chain members, lack of integrated information systems, high transportation and distribution costs, and inaccurate demand forecasting.
Furthermore, the absence of long-term strategic partnerships among supply chain actors has increased uncertainty and reduced overall supply chain flexibility. The study suggests that strengthening domestic production capacity, implementing modern supply chain management technologies, developing integrated information systems, and enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders could significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of the sports equipment supply chain in Mashhad.
Afsharzadeh, R. S. and Azizi, A. (2026). Finding Complication in the Supply Chain of Sports Equipment in Mash'had City. Research in Sport Management and Marketing, (), -. doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2026.4598
MLA
Afsharzadeh, R. S. , and Azizi, A. . "Finding Complication in the Supply Chain of Sports Equipment in Mash'had City", Research in Sport Management and Marketing, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2026.4598
HARVARD
Afsharzadeh, R. S., Azizi, A. (2026). 'Finding Complication in the Supply Chain of Sports Equipment in Mash'had City', Research in Sport Management and Marketing, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2026.4598
CHICAGO
R. S. Afsharzadeh and A. Azizi, "Finding Complication in the Supply Chain of Sports Equipment in Mash'had City," Research in Sport Management and Marketing, (2026): -, doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2026.4598
VANCOUVER
Afsharzadeh, R. S., Azizi, A. Finding Complication in the Supply Chain of Sports Equipment in Mash'had City. Research in Sport Management and Marketing, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2026.4598
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