Retailers are anticipating a jump in the demand for winter clothes and accessories in view of the expected cold conditions over the coming days.

While the mercury levels have fluctuated over the past few days, often becoming quite warm during the day, latest weather reports suggest that temperatures will drop across Qatar from Saturday due to windy conditions.

Last month, Gulf Times had reported apparent "delays" at various levels in the clearance of goods arriving from outside Qatar. This compelled traders to make do with their old stocks.

While this issue has since been sorted, the demand for winter wear has somewhat plateaued after seeing a sudden rise following the heavy rain late in November.

In general, it has been reasonably cold at night and early in the morning since then, particularly in Doha, but quite warm during the day.

The impending cold spell, along with the availability of fresh stocks, is likely to trigger brisk activity at stores selling winter wear, say traders.

While stocks at some mid-level shops are reportedly less than in previous years despite the arrival of new varieties, the options are still far from limited.

Visits to some city shops over the past few days indicate that there is a good demand for "affordable" caps, sweaters, gloves, mufflers, jackets and other types of winter wear, many of which are imported from China.

At one of the shops in Souq Haraj, Najma, which has a large stock of woolen materials and jackets, salesmen said additional stocks have arrived and they have also been able to clear their old stocks.

Winter caps, whose demand increases every time it gets windy, are available for prices starting as low as QR5 a piece while jackets are being sold for QR30 and upwards, say sources.

"Many of the younger expatriates who are arriving in the country are going for cheaper stuff as they buy new pieces virtually every year," said a shopkeeper.