Winter clothing sales pick up after first rain — sector representative

AMMAN — As the winter season approaches, sales of warm clothes at stores have picked up significantly, according to a sector representative.

Speaking with The Jordan Times over the phone, Asad Qawasmi, representative of the clothing, footwear and jewellery sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC), said that “there will not be an increase in the prices of winter collections, and all stores have a wide range of winter options on display”.

According to Qawasmi, the value of imports amounted to JD175 million during the first eight months of 2022, rising by around 20 per cent when compared with the same period in 2021. 

However, he noted that the higher percentage of imports does not mean that this year people’s purchasing power has increased.

He also noted that the first rainfall of the season has encouraged people to prepare for the cold weather, by visiting the various shopping venues and malls, as well as clothing shops and stores across the Kingdom.

“When comparing the first 10 months of 2022, with the same period of last year, we realise that the overall experience last year and people’s purchasing power was stronger,” he noted.

According to Mahmoud Zaid, an employee at a children’s clothing store, “people here have started to feel a bit cold after the first rain, which was on Thursday, so that gave them the winter vibe”.

People are preparing for the cool weather, which has clearly affected apparel stores’ sales, Zaid said, noting that “sales at our store increased by around 10 to 15 per cent,” during the last week.

As for Hala Abdullah, a clothing boutique owner, she said that customers are now mostly buying coats, scarves, blazers, high neck t-shirts and other warm clothes. 

“Sales at my store did not pick up yet. However, people are coming and checking out the winter collection,” she said, expressing her hope that “in a week or less” customers will visit the store and make “good winter buys”.