Amman flea market offers cheap alternatives to low-income families

AMMAN — After a visit to a German flea market, Rose Al Momani made up her mind: when she returned to Amman, she would open her own market, with the aim of helping lower-income families buy the items they need at affordable prices.

As the third one-day market finished on Friday at the Hangar in Ras Al Ain, Momani and her uncle reflected on the success of their venture. 

She explained that the market has a deeper social purpose, beyond just shopping: 

“The aim behind the event was to support... families who do not accept donations and who are paid low salaries and cannot afford to buy gifts or any other kinds of items. There are some items that are only used once so the quality is really good.” 

The Amman public seems to be showing a keen interest in the events, according to Momani. 

She said that in the past two markets held earlier this year which they organised, a total of 200 participants took part in each market, with more than 4,000 visitors flocking to them.

Like many grassroots, individually-organised events, social media has been key to spreading the word about the flea market. 

“We usually announce the event through our Facebook page, which has all the subscription details for individuals who wish to sell the items they have. This is the third time we have held it,” she told The Jordan Times in an interview. 

The initiative, officially named “Flohmarkt in Amman”, using the German word for flea market, can be reached on Facebook via the page https://www.facebook.com/AmmanFlohmarkt/.

The market relies on numerous individual sellers, among them Violet Ziadat.

She commended the initiative, adding that in the past, she was searching for a space to showcase the items she did not want to use anymore. 

Alaa Yousef, another participant, said she and some colleagues wanted to use the market to fundraise for orphans. 

 “We wanted to take advantage of this exhibition to present the items we have at our homes and give the proceeds to orphans, Yousef said.

“These exhibitions are really important because it gives some entertaining options for families during winter time amidst the lack of entertainment activities.”  

Badi Sharaiha, who was visiting the market, said it gives people facing difficult financial situations the chance to purchase  items at cheap prices. 

As well as earning a bit of extra money, the market also gives participants the chance to de-clutter their homes. 

Ali Al Zafari, an amateur antiques collector, said he wanted to share his pastime with others. 

“I am a big fan of collecting antique items, but suddenly I noticed that I have more than I need, so it was a good idea to get rid of them in a useful way,” he said.