Basra

Khour al-Zubair’s lace market struggles as rises of online sales and imports bite

BASRA — The lace and tailoring market in Khour al-Zubair, once a bustling hub for tailors and artisans, has seen a significant decline due to the rise of online shopping and the influx of imported goods. Asaad Atiwi, the owner of one of the area’s most well-known stores, recalls a time when tailors from Safwan, Umm Qasr, and Khour al-Zubair would gather outside his shop as early as 7 a.m. to purchase lace, fabrics, and embroidery supplies.

Atiwi used to restock his shop two to three times a week, spending two million Iraqi dinars ($655) at the wholesale market in Ashar. Today, his monthly spending has dropped to just 500,000 dinars ($327), with daily sales now around 25,000 dinars ($16).

“I’ve been in this market since 1989, selling lace and thread spools since I was young, working alongside my father. We used to have so many customers that we didn’t even have time to drink tea, and we would sell from early morning until late at night,” Atiwi told 964media.

He explained that the shift toward online shopping has changed customer behavior, with many opting for the convenience of home delivery. “While it’s beneficial for the customer, they need to be cautious because many products come from poor-quality sources and may arrive damaged or incomplete,” Atiwi said.

The demand for traditional tailoring materials has weakened, especially as ready-made clothing with trendy embroidery becomes more popular. This shift has led to a 25% increase in prices compared to the past. While there is still some demand for sewing supplies and handmade craft materials, such as bracelets and traditional designs, it is not enough to sustain the market.

With fewer customers purchasing these materials, manufacturers and suppliers may raise prices to cover production, storage, and distribution costs, which are spread over a smaller customer base.

Atiwi noted that the market sees a brief revival during religious seasons, such as Muharram and Ramadan, and the back-to-school period. “The rest of the year, there’s barely any market for lace,” he said.

During Muharram and Ramadan, people often commission new clothing or alter existing garments for religious gatherings, processions, and family events. Traditional garments featuring intricate lacework and embroidery are popular for these occasions, driving up demand for tailoring materials.

Reflecting on the market’s past, Atiwi recalled how he used to open his shop at 7 a.m. to find more than 20 tailors waiting at his door. “Now, I can spend three hours in the morning waiting to sell just 2,000 dinars ($1.30) worth of goods,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Atiwi remains passionate about his trade, though the weight of unsold stock is a constant concern. “I still haven’t sold a quarter of my stock from last Muharram, and if new trends come in, it could mean a significant loss for me,” he lamented.