UNHCR Jordan launches pop-up shop to support refugees

AMMAN — As of Wednesday, refugee artisans from across Jordan have the opportunity to sell their handcrafted products for a week at a shop supported by UNHCR and Galleria Mall. 

Opening ahead of Mother’s Day, the shop is located on the lower ground floor of Galleria Mall and will be open from 9am to 6pm, from March 20-25, in line with COVID-19 regulations and precautions, according to a statement from the UN agency.

Products from over 30 refugee vendors from a range of nationalities are expected to be displayed in the shop with local enterprises that support both Jordanian and refugee communities. 

Amid the pandemic, refugees have had limited occasions to market and sell their products, and so this shop represents an important opportunity for artisans to meet new customers and earn an income. All proceeds from the shop will go directly to the vendors, with the aim of inspiring entrepreneurship and creativity among refugees, according to the statement.

“COVID-19 has hit small businesses hard. But for refugee artisans in particular, their livelihoods were almost wiped out overnight,” said UNHCR Representative to Jordan, Dominik Bartsch. “Thanks to our ongoing cooperation with Galleria Mall, however, for one week, these talented individuals will have a platform to showcase their skills. I urge you all to visit.”

From organic honey, home décor, paintings, accessories, soap, ceramics, pottery and fashion, the shop will have a range of items for sale and follows on for previous #WithRefugee bazaar hosted by UNHCR and Galleria Mall in 2019, prior to the pandemic. 

“I am very excited to take part in this shop, which is the first of its kind. I have been waiting for a year for a chance like this to showcase the items that I have been working on throughout the pandemic,” said Ahmad Naasan, Syrian refugee artist, participating with his oriental handcrafts.

Following on from the 10th anniversary of the Syria conflict last week, the shop also demonstrates the skills and talents that refugees can offer to their Jordanian host community. Especially in light of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNHCR continues to advocate for the further inclusion of refugees and increased opportunities to run their own home-based businesses in order for them to rebuild their lives with dignity, the statement said.