• Admin
• May 07, 2024
• Local Business Success Stories

Homs Hosts the “Afkar” Bazaar… A Destination for Embracing Artisans and Supporting Small Businesses

Homs Governorate witnessed the organization of the “Afkar Bazaar,” an event that has become an important platform for supporting small businesses and promoting local handmade products.
The bazaar was organized under the supervision of Mrs. Noura Al-Rifai, alongside an integrated team of organizers and advertising designers, who managed to bring together under one roof more than 40 emerging projects from various crafts and specialties.

A Platform for Local Projects
Noura Al-Rifai confirmed in a statement to “Yalla Syria” that the bazaar includes a remarkable diversity of products, ranging from handicrafts and accessories to crochet items and homemade food.
Al-Rifai added: “We strive to make the bazaar accessible to the largest possible number of visitors, which is why we periodically change its location. We are also keen to keep table prices affordable and encouraging for participation, while maintaining competitive product prices.”

Inspiring Experiences from Participants
Abeer Munjad, owner of the “Trend Home” project, began her journey from home and said that bazaars contributed greatly to supporting her.
Abeer added: “After my first participation, during which all the merchandise was sold out, I decided to continue and opened a small shop despite the challenges.”
Munjad spoke about the difficulty of expanding her project due to the high rents of commercial shops, which have become priced in dollars, ranging between 100 and 1,500 USD in vital areas.
However, she praised the bazaar’s management, describing it as a “family” that cares more about support than profit.

As for Rose Idris, owner of the “Notebook Plus” bookstore, she stated that she has been participating in the bazaar for eight years, especially during seasonal periods.
Rose considered these events an important promotional and communication opportunity, despite sometimes weak turnout during the winter season.

Visitors’ Impressions
Shahd Krouma (17 years old), one of the visitors, expressed her admiration for the organization of the bazaar and the diversity of products displayed, which facilitates the shopping process.
Meanwhile, Maha Hafez (21 years old) believed that the bazaar needs more diversity in activities and suggested offering promotions and gifts to increase interaction. She also criticized the high prices of some products compared to the market.

The “Afkar” Bazaar continues to present an inspiring model in supporting local entrepreneurship, moving toward sustainable support for small businesses despite economic and living challenges.
With continued development in terms of diversity and innovation in offers and activities, this market can play a pivotal role in empowering the local economy and highlighting the energies and skills of Syrian youth.