Online apparel intermediaries are disrupting Jordan’s clothing industry, says textile syndicate

AMMAN — Jordan’s apparel sector is witnessing a growing trend of so-called “online shopping intermediaries or agents”, which is critically affecting in-store apparel sales, according to the President of the Textile, Readymade Clothes and Footwear Syndicate Sultan Allan.

Online shopping agents, locally known as “online shopping intermediaries”, primarily use discount codes from social media influencers to lower costs when placing order for their customers. This process facilitates online purchases for people who regularly buy from companies based outside Jordan. 

“It is crucial the that relevant authorities regulate postal parcels, online apparel businesses and intermediaries,” Allan told The Jordan Times.

Allan noted that the trend of online apparel intermediaries has “made a significant dent” in the finances of brick-and-mortar traders with have high operating expenses, unlike new social media and website-based businesses. 

Customers in Jordan and elsewhere are finding online shopping more convenient, according to a number of customers that The Jordan Times contacted on Tuesday. 

“Nowadays, online shopping is the preferred way. So many people have started their online shopping businesses via Instagram or Facebook pages,” said Maria Malak, who recently started an online apparel business on Instagram.

Beisan Khatatneh told The Jordan Times that she usually orders her mobile phone accessories through an Instagram agent who places orders on her behalf and delivers the accessories to her doorstep. 

“I contact the agent and she adds my accessories to several other orders she receives at the same time, then she uses promo codes or discount codes to decrease the total amount. Then she charges me JD3 for delivery,” Khatatneh explained.

Allan noted that the number of postal parcels entering the Kingdom is steadily rising, and a recent study prepared by the Amman Chamber of Commerce showed a need for new regulations to manage the inflow of postal parcel arrivals.

Coupled with the disruptive digital transformation, there is an urgent need to organise the sector and provide appropriate guidance for local clothing businesses, Allan said.