People are not buying stationery, despite the fact that prices in the markets are lower than previous seasons and goods are available in large quantities, the head of stationery, library and office equipment merchants and manufacturers, Ashraf Quar, said on Saturday.

The sector has been suffering from weak purchasing and high customs and taxes even before the COVID-19 crisis, Quar added.

However, the sector has not received any support from the government during the pandemic, he added.

The  back-to-school season usually provides the sector with sales of around JD 80 to JD 120 million, he added.

In addition, buying school uniforms and accessories has declined compared to previous seasons by around 85%, said the head of clothing, fabrics and shoes merchants, Mounir Deya.