‘Slow business for clothes vendors despite festive season’

AMMAN — This Eid does not bode well for clothing and shoe vendors, who voiced pessimism over their "slow business" despite the approach of the holiday.

This period is usually a peak season for most merchants, as many consumers buy new clothes for their children to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, but this has not been the case this year.    

Although several shopping destinations such as Sweifieh, Jabal Hussein and downtown Amman have witnessed a great number of visitors, many stores were empty of customers as shopkeepers waited outside for clients.

Ahmad Naimi, a clothes vendor in Amman's Bayader area, said although he has received a good number of customers during the last 10 days of Ramadan, the demand for clothes is low compared to last year.

"I receive customers but the business is not as good as last year," he told The Jordan Times.

He noted that most people now prefer to buy from shops in east Amman because prices are more affordable compared to shops in west Amman. 

"Taxes and customs duties contribute to increasing the prices of clothes," he added. 

Zakaria Mardini, a shoe vendor, said people used to come at the beginning of Ramadan. This year, the situation is different.

"We expect a good number of customers tomorrow [Sunday]. Some people like to wait until the last moment while others are waiting for their salaries," he added. 

Marwan Qaderi, the president of the Garment Traders Association, said consumer demand for clothes decreased by 40 per cent compared to last year. 

"The unstable situation in the region has had a negative impact on business. Also, many people have decided not to celebrate Eid and buy new clothes in solidarity with the Gazans suffering under Israeli airstrikes," he told The Jordan Times over the phone.