Clothing shops offer promotions as ‘sales fall’

AMMAN — The approach of Eid Al Fitr is usually a peak season for clothing shops, but this year, retailers have been forced to offer promotions due to a lack of demand, the Garment Traders Association (GTA) said on Saturday. 

Jordanians usually buy new clothes for themselves and their children to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, so shops usually do not offer promotions ahead of the feast, which follows the fasting month of Ramadan, GTA President Sultan Allan said.  

But demand declined by 8 per cent in 2015, compared to 2014, and this year many shops are holding sales to boost business, Allan told The Jordan Times. 

“This is depressing for most of them because this is supposed to be one of the highest seasons in terms of demand,” he said. 

Most name-brand shops in malls in the capital were seen holding sales on Thursday and many shoppers could be seen taking advantage of special offers.  

“The promotions mean retailers are selling items at cost price,” Allan said, claiming that many shop keepers are likely to be out of business soon.

Shop owners are facing many challenges, including high operational costs and taxes, he noted.

 “Also, the lack of parking spaces for clients has a negative impact on demand,” Allan said, adding that online sales have further harmed the sector. 

The GTA president called for more support for the clothing industry, which he charged has been neglected by officials despite being a key employer in Jordan. 

 “This is one of the most important sectors in the country,” he said. 

The Cabinet has recently reversed a decision by the former government to exempt part of taxes and customs duties paid by the garment imports sector.