Retailers say most of the new stocks have not yet hit the market and they are without fresh stocks for a number of essential items, such as mufflers, sweaters, woollen caps and others

Doha

Apparent 'delays' at various levels in the clearance of goods arriving from outside Qatar and increasing logistical and other costs have hit the business of woollen materials, according to a cross-section of suppliers.
This situation has cropped up at a time when the demand for warm clothes is increasing in view of the dropping temperature and the advent of winter.
Some of the suppliers told Gulf Times that their goods are held up at different levels and hence retailers are being compelled to do business with old stocks procured last year.
Acknowledging this, retailers at a well-known commercial hub in Doha said most of the new stocks have not yet hit the market and they are without fresh stocks for a number of essential items, such as mufflers, sweaters, woollen caps and others.
An importer claimed that there is "considerable delay" in the clearance of goods in some local departments, and their company has not been able to deliver goods to customers, mainly shops selling affordable woollen materials.
"There has been a steep hike in logistical costs this year and some of products may cost at least 30-40% more compared to last year due to this," a retailer said.
For instance, while a carton of goods was earlier transported by local cargo agents for QR40 to QR50, the price would be much higher this time, said a supplier.
Enquiries found it is mostly smaller retail shops that sell cheaper products are are hit the most by the "delay" in clearance and increasing overheads.
The cheaper woollen goods mainly arrive in the region, including Qatar, from China and have a sizeable market, it is learnt.
Every year, there is a growth of about 10-15% in the market for woollen materials, sources added.