Local markets pick up pace as eid approaches — JCC

AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Khalil Al Hajj Tawfiq on Thursday said that the local market is seeing a “decent” level of shopping activity as Eid Al Fitr draws near.

The markets across the Kingdom have witnessed relatively active movement, but it is still lower than in previous seasons, he said.  Hajj Tawfiq noted that there is more activity expected, especially in the clothing, eid supplies and sweets sales. 

Shopping activity varies from one region to another, in both Amman and the governorates, he added.

"There is congestion in the main markets, but the sales volume does not match the quantities of goods offered by the commercial sector, which has prepared well for the eid season in an attempt to compensate for the decline in commercial activity in various sectors since the beginning of this year," he said.

Online purchasing has had a negative and wide-ranging impact on traditional commerce and the sales of commercial sectors, which pay fees and taxes on the goods and materials they offer, in addition to other operating costs, Hajj Tawfiq said.

Price levels for many products remained the same as last year, and there were no significant increases, especially in clothing and footwear, he added, noting that many offers and discounts are available.

President of the Textile, Readymade Clothes and Footwear Syndicate, Sultan Allan, said that there is noticeable increase in trade activity across the Kingdom, but it varies from one region to another.

Allan highlighted the remarkable cooperation provided by traffic police and various security agencies in the markets to maintain the smooth flow of traffic, especially in commercial areas, and emphasised that “everything is running smoothly”.

Allan expected the activity in the apparel sector to continue for a period after Eid Al Fitr, as it coincides with the summer season. 

According to the syndicate's estimates, the Kingdom's imports of clothing since the beginning of this year amount to about JD65 million, in addition to JD10 million in imported footwear, most of which come from China, Turkey, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, some European countries, India and Bangladesh.

The clothing, footwear, and fabrics sector is one of the largest commercial sectors in the country, with approximately 11,000 facilities spread throughout the Kingdom and 63,000 direct employees, most of whom are Jordanian. Additionally, 180 clothing and footwear brands operate and invest in the local market.