Expo 2020 Dubai seeks merchandise for event superstore
Expo 2020 Dubai has announced plans to appoint 70 licensees for its official retail merchandise.
Tenders will be accepted for more than 5,000 products that will be sold at the 3,000-square-metre flagship retail outlet on the Expo site – ‘Superstore of the Future’ – a statement from Expo organisers said.
Additional Expo 2020 Dubai outlets will also be opened across the UAE in the run-up to the event’s launch in October 2020, along with an online store.
Around one third of the contracts are expected to be awarded to small- or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Expo officials.
These contracts will cover a range of products from commemorative jewellery and watches to souvenirs and digital games.
This is in line with Expo 2020’s commitment to allocate more than 20 percent of its overall spend to SMEs, the statement added.
Expo 2020 Dubai will also seek partners for locally-produced goods such as ceramics and clothing.
Gillian Hamburger, vice president – commercial at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 will welcome 25 million visitors. Each and every one of them will want to take home a unique souvenir to remind them of their experience.
“We are looking for designers, craftsmen and artisans to work with us to create a unique range of licensed products for visitors to Dubai in the lead-up to and during Expo 2020. It is a significant opportunity.”
Tenders will be accepted across four product categories including souvenirs and collectibles; traditional UAE products such as fragrances and handwoven carpets; premium and luxury collections such as jewellery and leather goods; and mascot-related products including toys or digital games.
Companies of all sizes can register and complete the pre-qualification process via the Expo 2020 Dubai eSourcing portal.
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to partner with more than 40 companies from across industries including aviation, technology, finance, logistics, telecommunications, travel and tourism.
Running for six months from October 2020 to April 2021, the mega event is projected to inject an additional AED 65 billion ($17.7 billion) into the UAE economy and sustain more 250,000 jobs.