Local clothing and footwear sales in Jordan are currently low due to decreased purchasing power. However, an increase in sales is anticipated ahead of Eid Al Fitr, driven by the arrival of salaries. Traders face challenges with seasonal overlaps but are prepared for the upcoming shopping surge.
Currently, the local market for clothing and footwear in Jordan is experiencing a decrease in purchasing power compared to previous seasons. Despite stable pricing, sales are anticipated to improve during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, as shoppers prepare to make purchases when salaries are distributed.
Asaad Qawasmeh, an importer and board member of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns regarding below-average demand due to the public’s diminished purchasing capacity. He predicts a surge in sales in the final week of Ramadan. The current Eid season is expected to be challenging for merchants because of seasonal overlaps, requiring them to discount winter clothing while simultaneously presenting new summer lines.
In the first two months of this year, Jordan’s imports of ready-made clothing amounted to JD45 million, alongside JD14 million in footwear, sourced primarily from China, Egypt, Turkey, Europe, the United States, and West Asia, as noted by Qawasmeh. Munir Dayeh, another importer and wholesaler, indicated that commercial activity in the clothing and footwear sectors is currently limited, below the levels recorded in previous holiday seasons.
Dayeh also mentioned that preparations for the holidays are complete, with goods already available in the local market at competitive prices. Ihab Qadri, representing the leather and garment industries at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, stated that market activity remains normal when compared to past seasons, with local facilities prepared to meet upcoming demand.
In summary, while current sales in the local clothing and footwear market are subdued, particularly ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, expectations of improvement due to salary disbursements remain optimistic. Traders highlight challenges stemming from overlapping fashion seasons, but preparations are in place to accommodate increased demand as the holiday approaches.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
