Brazil Comic Con shows immunity to economic crisis

Digital Originals

Brazil Comic Con shows immunity to economic crisis

The Comic Con Experience is a geek’s paradise. There are cosplayers, participants who wear costumes and fashion accessories, fictional superheroes of all powers, shapes and colors, along with comics and their creators. 

All of them are showing their work and talking to their fans.

CGTN’s Paulo Cabral reports. 

There are lots of things to buy and many people who come often leaving with heavy bags and a lighter wallet.

“I was planning for this. I know it always happens in December, so throughout the year, I save money so I can spend it when I come here,” said student Caio Ramos.

Brazil’s Comic Con Experience is South America’s biggest fan event. It could even challenge North America this year as attendance is predicted to hit 220,000 people.

For organizers, the size and the volume of business here is evidence this industry is somewhat immune to the economic crisis.

However, one of the event founders took note that sellers have adapted their business approach since people have less to spend.

“Diversification for sure, lower priced products, new marketing strategies, smarter product design and aiming to a different public, not only hardcore fans so you can find geek products in pretty much every Brazilian major store nowadays,” said Comic Con Experience Co-Founder Ivan Costa.

One of Brazil’s biggest fashion retail chains, such as Riachuelo, have introduced a new line two years ago And it proved successful despite economic challenges.

“Our geek lines were far less affected by recession than our regular products,” said Riachuelo Licensing Manager Julia Medeiros. I think that happens. It talks directly to the fan’s emotions.”

There are signs that the worst of the economic crisis in Brazil is behind it just one more reason for those attending Comic Con to celebrate.