Amman: The buying power in the local clothing and footwear market is currently down, compared to previous seasons, despite stable prices, but sales will pick up over the Eid Al Fitr holidays, according to traders and stakeholders.
According to Jordan News Agency, interviews with traders indicate a hopeful outlook for the coming weeks. They predict that sales will improve when salaries are due and markets bustle with shoppers ahead of the holidays in about two weeks. Asaad Qawasmeh, an importer, noted that the demand for clothing and footwear in the local market is still below average. He attributes this to the public’s weak purchasing power, even though prices have remained stable and some items have even seen price reductions.
Qawasmeh, who is also a member of the Amman Chamber of Commerce’s board, expects demand to increase during the last week of Ramadan. He mentioned that the current Eid al-Fitr season presents challenges for apparel merchants due to “the overlap of seasons.” Merchants need to offer discounts on winter clothing while simultaneously introducing summer models to the market.
Jordan’s import figures for ready-made clothing in the first two months of the year were at JD45 million, with an additional JD14 million for footwear. These imports primarily come from China, Egypt, Turkey, Europe, the United States, and West Asian countries, according to Qawasmeh.
Munir Dayeh, an importer and wholesaler, described the current commercial activity in clothing and footwear as “very limited” and below the levels seen in previous holiday seasons. Despite this, he stated that importers, wholesalers, and retailers have completed their preparations for the holidays, with most goods already in the local market and displayed in stores at suitable prices.
Ihab Qadri, representing the leather and garment industries at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, commented that the activity in the local market is currently “normal” compared to previous seasons, with sector facilities ready to meet the anticipated demand.