Latest news with #Imad
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
SHEIN's expansion in Iraq challenges secondhand sector
Shafaq News/ The emergence of SHEIN, a global fast-fashion retailer based in China, is significantly altering Iraq's consumer behavior and retail landscape. In Baghdad's bustling street markets—particularly in areas like Bab al-Muazzam and al-Bayaa—SHEIN's low-cost, ready-to-wear clothing is quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional retail and secondhand goods. New Goods, Competitive Prices SHEIN products are entering the Iraqi market through bulk shipments locally referred to as 'al-shalif'—large bags containing hundreds of assorted items, from clothing and bags to small household goods. SHEIN's offerings also include non-apparel items such as bags, home accessories, and low-cost electronics, broadening its appeal to a wider consumer base. Hassan Imad, a 35-year-old vendor in the Bayaa market, explained to Shafaq News how this trade model works: 'Each bag costs between 100,000 and 200,000 Iraqi dinars ($75-150) and usually contains around 500 pieces. We sell individual items for about 3,000 dinars ($2.5) or three for 5,000 ($4), and profits can reach up to 1.5 million dinars.' However, the business carries certain risks. Imad noted that the contents of each shipment can vary considerably in quality and seasonality, describing it as 'a game of chance.' While 'Bala'—used clothing imported from Europe—has long dominated Iraq's informal apparel markets, vendors are increasingly favoring SHEIN products due to their new condition, trend-focused designs, and high turnover rate. Redha Abdul-Hassan al-Kaabi, another vendor, emphasized the advantages of the new merchandise: 'Chinese clothes are more profitable and sell faster than Bala. The designs are modern, and all the items are brand new and reasonably priced.' Vendors have adjusted their operations to match demand patterns, often relocating their stalls based on peak activity areas. On weekdays, many set up near university campuses to target students; on weekends, they move to high-traffic areas like al-Wathba and Bab al-Sharqi. Bassim Jalal, a 20-year-old seller in Bab al-Muazzam, told Shafaq News,'I purchase a box for 250,000 dinars. Each item comes labeled with its original retail price. We convert it to dinars with a modest profit margin.' Students, in particular, are seen as a core demographic for SHEIN's products due to their budget-conscious buying habits and need for regularly updated wardrobes. The Iraqi shoppers say that one of the factors contributing to SHEIN's growing popularity is the perception that its new clothing is more hygienic than secondhand alternatives. 'These clothes are new and safe. They're not like secondhand items, which could pose skin health risks. Also, the prices of Bala have increased recently because of misleading marketing by influencers claiming the items are designer brands,' Marwa Fadel, a 35-year-old shopper, expressed to Shafaq News. While consumers increasingly benefit from affordable, ready-made imports, the growing dominance of foreign goods—particularly in unregulated informal markets—raises critical concerns about the future of Made in Iraq products in a country where the industrial sector remains mired in long-termstagnation.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India
Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to the media, Imad stressed the significance of the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He noted that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would align with the directives of the federal government. PTCL Group partners with Pakistan hockey team Addressing the team's ongoing preparations, the national captain shared that the squad is currently training for the FIH Nations Cup, where a strong performance could earn them a spot in the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Imad added. He also welcomed the production of a new film centred on hockey, describing it as a step in the right direction to revive public interest in the sport. Imad further confirmed that pending player dues have been cleared, which has uplifted team morale. The Pakistani team is gearing up to uphold national pride while aiming for international advancement, starting with the Nations Cup. Interview: Islahuddin Siddique on why Pakistan hockey is struggling The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, the event's credibility has come under scrutiny amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The development has raised concerns over fairness and Pakistan's potential pathway to the 2026 World Cup. Tensions have intensified following the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly led to visa denials for the Pakistani squad, casting uncertainty over their participation. As of now, neither the AHF nor the Indian government has issued an official statement regarding the situation.
Saba Yemen
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Zionist Enemy Forces storm city of Al-Bireh for third time since dawn today
Ramallah - Saba: The Zionist Enemy Forces stormed the city of Al-Bireh for the third time since dawn today. Security sources told the Palestinian News Agency (PNA) that an enemy army force stormed the Umm al-Sharait neighbourhood in Al-Bireh, which led to clashes, without any reports of injuries. The Zionist enemy forces stormed the city twice, twice, at dawn and morning, and marched their military vehicles through its streets, and arrested the two young men Nour Mohammed Rayhan and Ahmed Shahit after raiding their homes in Al-Amari refugee camp, and demolished the memorial of the martyrs Imad and Adel Awadallah, in addition to demolishing the memorial of the martyrs Imad and Adel Awadallah. Whatsapp Telegram Email
Middle East Eye
03-04-2025
- General
- Middle East Eye
In Gaza, bread is life - and now all bakeries are closed
The closure this week of all bakeries in Gaza sets the stage for another devastating wave of starvation across the besieged territory. Paper signs now hang in bakeries, reading 'closed until further notice'. The long lines of people who would typically be queuing outside have disappeared. In Gaza, bakeries are not just places where bread is made and bought. They are lifelines for the Palestinian people amid Israel's brutal war and siege - a source of sustenance and survival. Flour, once an easily accessible commodity, is now rare, with the World Food Programme, which supports 18 bakeries in Gaza, saying its warehouses have run out. The concerns of Gaza's population of more than two million people are growing by the hour. Even those who might still have baking supplies at home are running out of options, because the gas required to operate ovens is increasingly scarce. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters In addition, many people who were forced by Israel to flee their homes in the north, were unable to take any belongings with them. Many now live in tents and cannot afford the high prices of food in Gaza's markets. A day after the bakeries shut down, the price of a bag of flour in the markets ranged from around 100-500 shekels ($27-$135). Anyone who still has flour must cook over an open wood fire, due to the lack of gas. Cascading health impacts In Gaza, bread is an essential part of daily life. It is consumed at almost every meal, and many families rely on bakeries for their daily bread, traditionally sold at subsidised prices. Most of us have now reached the 'one meal a day' stage. We rely primarily on canned food, rice, pasta or soup. The last time we faced imminent starvation during Israel's war, which has continued now for a year and a half, we had been baking bread three or four times a month before the flour ran out. We then reached a point where we were eating cheese and zaatar on their own, with a spoon. Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war Malnutrition has become a serious problem across Gaza, affecting thousands of children who require a proper diet in order to grow and thrive. The threat of starvation is no longer a distant concern, but an immediate danger that could cause long-term health problems for many Palestinians. Children and the elderly are at particular risk. Imad was killed in search of food for his kids. How much grief must Gaza families bear? Read More » The spiralling hunger crisis comes as medical facilities in Gaza have been decimated. The cascading health impacts of the territory's growing starvation crisis will significantly strain the already overburdened system, leading to preventable deaths. Starvation will further weaken the population, leaving people more vulnerable to illness and disease. Flour has always been central to life in Gaza. I remember watching fights break out as people scrambled to grab what they could from aid trucks, desperately trying to obtain just a single bag of flour to feed their families. During the infamous Flour Massacre last year, more than 100 Palestinians were killed and hundreds of others were wounded as Israeli forces opened fire on people queuing for aid in Gaza City. Later in the year, horrific images emerged of blood mixed with flour after Israeli forces killed several Palestinians seeking supplies in a 'humanitarian zone'. It was a reminder that our struggles for basic necessities may continue until our last breaths. Amid the closure of bakeries and the looming threat of famine, Gaza is at a crossroads, facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. For Palestinians in Gaza, bread is survival, and without flour, our future is uncertain. Israel must open the border crossings now to allow the entry of desperately needed aid. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
