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AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) recently announced its intention to set up 12 designated sites for market stalls to operate during weekends, drawing positive reactions from pedestrians and small-scale retailers, who called the move an opportunity to reduce unemployment and organise movements in the capital.
GAM’s Executive Director of Regions Nasser Al Bataineh on Wednesday said that 12 free sites will be ready to operate within one month, Al Mamlaka TV reported.
Bataineh added that the market stalls, which will operate on Friday and Saturday evening, will be easily accessible for citizens and will be located at “congestion-free” locations within the municipality’s authority.
Bataineh noted that GAM intends to establish a total of 40 stalls in the future.
Friday market represents a very successful business model that GAM seeks to emulate, as it increases visibility and foot traffic, encouraging small-scale retailers to operate in this challenging economy, said Ahmad Awwad, 31-year-old Jordanian who owns a stall at the Friday market.
“Such open markets reduce the unemployment burden and allow retailers to work without investing an arm and a leg in a proper location,” Awwad told The Jordan Times.
Establishing free designated sites for market stalls within the municipality presents a great opportunity for small business to operate and reach more customers, increasing their visibility.
Reyad Merie, a 22-year-old Jordanian, told The Jordan Times that pedestrians, especially in crowded areas, have always found it frustrating when stalls obstruct the sidewalks.
“Placing stalls on the sidewalk hinders smooth pedestrian flow and forces pedestrians to walk on the road at times,” Merie added. Merie sees the establishment of designated sites as a positive step for both pedestrians and stall owners.
