BY MARIA COMETTI
Every now and then, an idea arises that leads to an exciting business. Hesham Othmman Binkhuzim talks about the time when such an idea arose in his life, “the idea came along while I was thinking about how it is nice to be gifted in a unique way, which led me to search and look into this industry. I finally decided to start my business, Gift Factory, in April 2018.”
Hesham is passionate about small details in gift items. He believes giving and receiving gifts greatly affect people’s mood, and even more so when the gift is presented in a different way. Hesham explains “after exploring the option of an online business, I decided to open my own brick and mortar store with support from family and friends, to get in touch with what people want and need.”
You can’t have a business without a customer, and with that Hesham tries to understand what pleases his customer. “I work and study to learn what is in demand in our culture. What makes me different and unique is that I’m always adding new products to my store and placing a high level of care in my customer’s satisfaction.”
Starting a new business from scratch is full of challenges. Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, in an amazing way, but it can be challenging for a new store, explains Hisham. “Establishing a good reputation was my first challenge. However I have met the challenge with confidence knowing Gift Factory has excellent products and offers great value and price.”
Gift Factory’s best selling products include the mirror boxes, which are quick to sell out. Hisham attributes their popularity to the fact that the mirror boxes are unique ideas that can be used in different ways by the gifted person. For example, they can be used for accessories, cigars, or even business cards.
Qortaba was chosen as Gift Factory’s first location because of the standard of living and needs of the residents in this area, and also the population density. The Gift Factory ca.ters to all ages because of the diversity of items in the store.
Hisham aims to position Gift Factory as the best gift store brand in Saudi Arabia, and to expand nationwide and to other areas of the GCC. He also plans to do more in the online shopping category, given the rapid growth of technology and the idea that Gift Factory could serve customers every.where and anywhere.
When asked what advice he would give other aspiring entrepreneurs, Hisham says “take a look at your own capabilities and also the potential competitors in the market”.
Gift Factory
Wadi Alshawka St, Qurtoba, Riyadh
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
T: +966-566-866097
Social Media: @giftfactory_sa
