Black Friday Boosts Markets Amid Diverse Sectoral Reactions.

Amman: This year's Black Friday, locally referred to as White Friday, saw heightened shopping activity, energizing Jordan's markets and fulfilling trader expectations across several commercial sectors. The most significant surge occurred on the last Friday of November, traditionally marking the peak of sales. According to Jordan News Agency, representatives of various sectors reported that consumers actively sought deals on a wide range of discounted products, particularly from major brands and shopping malls. Many shoppers strategically delayed purchases to capitalize on the significant discounts, which often extend beyond the initial Friday to encompass several days or weeks. Sultan Allan, head of the Textile, Readymade Clothes, and Footwear Syndicate, emphasized that White Friday stimulated the market, especially in the days leading up to the event. However, he noted a 30-50% decline in sales compared to last year, attributing this to shifts in shopping behavior favoring major brand outlets and malls. Al lan called for structured scheduling of sales and expanded event durations to alleviate congestion and ensure smoother commercial operations. President of the Houseware Traders and Producers Syndicate, Feras Habnaka, highlighted that White Friday significantly boosted sales in the home appliance sector. He revealed that many merchants offered steep discounts, occasionally selling below cost, to clear inventory that had accumulated due to prolonged market stagnation amid geopolitical tensions. Habnaka urged merchants to maintain competitive yet sustainable pricing to protect smaller businesses and avoid excessive markdowns. Representative of the electrical and electronics sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Hatem Zoubi, noted that White Friday sales aligned with market expectations, driving notable activity in electronics stores. Zoubi supported extending the event over a longer period, as it helps sustain purchasing momentum and facilitates consumer access to deals. In the food sector, Jamal Amro, a representative of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, reported robust demand for staple food items such as sugar, rice, and oils. While White Friday brought a spike in activity, Amro stressed that discounts on essential food items remain a year-round practice at major shopping centers, independent of seasonal sales events.