Heatwave leaves Moroccan markets struggling as consumer traffic slows

Morocco’s ongoing heatwave is taking a toll on commercial activity, with traders across the country reporting weaker sales as soaring temperatures keep shoppers indoors and reduce foot traffic in traditional markets and shopping districts.

Merchants operating in popular souks, shopping arcades, neighborhood markets, and weekly rural markets say customer activity has declined noticeably in recent weeks as extreme heat discourages people from venturing out, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.

The slowdown has been most pronounced in inland cities and smaller urban areas, where midday temperatures have reached exceptionally high levels, prompting many residents to limit travel to essential errands.

“The high temperatures have made commercial activity almost nonexistent during the daytime, as people prefer to stay home,” said Nabil Harmallah, a member of the Casablanca-Settat Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services. “Customer traffic is largely limited to the evening hours.”

Harmallah said discussions with traders across the region indicate that the heatwave has significantly slowed business activity, particularly in inland cities such as Settat, Berrechid, Ben Ahmed, and Benslimane.

He added that the seasonal summer holiday has compounded the slowdown, as many families travel to other cities or coastal destinations for vacation.

While large shopping centers equipped with air conditioning continue to attract customers, neighborhood markets have experienced much weaker demand, especially around midday, as many residents either stay home or head to the beach to escape the heat, Harmallah said.

Saïd Farah, secretary-general of the Association of Traders and Importers at Casablanca’s Derb Omar market, also reported a clear decline in sales during the recent spell of high temperatures.

The slowdown in inland cities has affected wholesale markets as well, he said, noting that demand from retailers outside Casablanca has weakened.

“There has been a noticeable drop in orders from inland cities affected by the extreme heat,” Farah said. “Many small retailers are postponing restocking or reducing purchase volumes because their own sales have slowed.”

He added that many traders are adjusting their product offerings to reflect seasonal demand.

Items such as summer accessories, air conditioners, food preservation supplies, and women’s sun hats have seen stronger demand, while sales of many other products have declined.

Abderrahim Mimi, a member of the Moroccan Association of Weekly Market Operators and Public Facilities, said weekly markets have been particularly affected, especially in inland regions.

“Many weekly markets, whether around Casablanca or in other inland areas, become almost deserted before midday,” Mimi said. “Many traders pack up early because of the heat and the lack of customers.”

He added that shoppers are largely limiting purchases to essential goods while avoiding discretionary spending.

According to Mimi, commercial activity is unlikely to recover fully until temperatures ease and consumers resume their normal shopping habits after the summer season.