Sulaymaniyah sellers struggling
Economic downturn and unemployment impact second-hand market
SULAYMANIYAH – The economic downturn and unemployment have severely impacted the second-hand market in Sulaymaniyah, leading to a four-month standstill in activity. Vendors at the city’s used goods auction house report record lows in market activity.
Dilshad Rasul, a market vendor, shared his experience with 964media, saying, “I’ve worked in this market for years, but we’ve never seen such a downturn. Nowadays, if we get any customers, they’re usually from other Iraqi cities, as locals have stopped coming.”
He also highlighted the significant drop in prices, telling 964media, “For example, furniture previously valued at 300,000 ($200) dinars now sells for 150,000 dinars. While locals used to purchase second-hand items frequently, they can no longer afford them.”
The second-hand market operates through various methods: vendors may travel through neighborhoods to buy and sell goods, or people may bring items directly to the market. Additionally, online sales have emerged.
Out of necessity, some locals have begun selling personal items. Qadir Ahmad, another vendor, recounted to 964media, “Last month, someone sold me their television, saying they needed to buy food for their children.”
The downturn in market activity has made it difficult for sellers to pay rent, leaving some unable to cover living expenses for several months at a time.
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