Business owners in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID) have reported a significant decrease in sales during the FIFA World Cup, despite large crowds gathering in nearby areas like Pioneer Square and the waterfront. Community leaders, speaking at a press conference, indicated that sales in the CID have fallen by as much as 22%. This contrasts with the general success reported for other parts of the city during the tournament.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson acknowledged that the benefits of the World Cup have not been evenly distributed across the city. She noted that game activities are concentrated at the stadium and watch parties are held in the downtown core, making it challenging to encourage visitors to explore businesses city-wide. However, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay highlighted the overall positive impact, stating that the past two and a half weeks of hosting matches have gone exceptionally well, with hundreds of thousands of fans arriving in the city.
Community Concerns and City Response
Gary Lee, a retired planner and CID advocate, criticized the mayor, alleging that homeless individuals were directed to the community to keep them out of sight of soccer fans. Lee described the situation as the CID being turned into a “human dumping ground.” In response, Mayor Wilson’s office stated that the CID’s history and culture are vital to Seattle’s identity and that the city is committed to its vibrancy. They also mentioned efforts to boost access to the CID for visitors, including a shuttle stop that has been utilized by over 16,000 riders during the four Seattle matches.
The Mayor’s office further detailed initiatives to address crime and disorder in the CID, particularly around 12th Avenue and Jackson Street in Little Saigon and North Beacon Hill. These efforts involve collaboration between the Seattle Police Department and outreach workers from Evergreen Treatment Services REACH and We Deliver Care programs, focusing on the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion strategy. Additionally, investments are being made in community activations, neighborhood ambassadors, Health One resources, and increased outreach.
Business Impact and Upcoming Rally
Vince Vu, owner of Anh Ơi Bake Shop, shared that World Cup match days have been among his worst for business. He expressed disappointment that local legacy businesses, which serve residents, are struggling during game days. Vu noted that locals have been advised to avoid the area due to crowds and traffic, while visitors have been deterred by the perception of crime, which he believes is far from the truth. He emphasized that a global event like the FIFA World Cup should be an opportunity for these businesses to flourish, not face setbacks.
Despite the challenges faced by CID businesses, other parts of Seattle have experienced significant activity. For instance, on Juneteenth, the day of the Team USA versus Australia match, downtown Seattle recorded its busiest day since the Downtown Seattle Association began tracking numbers, with foot traffic reaching 580,000. This surge translated into record sales for downtown businesses, surpassing previous peaks. Fan zones in Pioneer Square, the waterfront, and downtown business areas have also contributed to activity, with 750,000 people visiting one of the four fan zones over four matches.
In response to the business struggles, a “Come to CID” rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon, just before a FIFA Round of 16 match at Seattle Stadium. Community members plan to gather at Hing Hay Park at 4:00 pm before proceeding to the stadium. The rally aims to encourage soccer fans to visit the Chinatown-International District before and after the match, with participants distributing neighborhood maps and business information to highlight the area’s cultural significance. The group has also extended an invitation to Mayor Wilson to join the rally.
Source: mynorthwest.com