BY JANELLE VALES-YASAY
It’s impossible to leave Tihama Store empty-handed: it’s a haven for all things cute, stylish, practical, crafty and so much more! In 1973, Tihama Bookstore was established. There were 67 branches that opened around the Kingdom back then. Unfortunately, no further development happened during those years and other competitors soon took the lead in the market. Recently, the company’s young board is bringing Tihama back to life by providing a new concept that is fresh and unique. In 2017, the company signed a partnership with one of the world’s leading companies in travel retail, WHSmith, and followed it with other signings of different global suppliers who are entering the Saudi market for the first time. Today, Tihama has two branches with a third on its way.
Tihama Stores are unique in their design and product range. The company takes time to identify their customers’ needs in stationery, gifts, educational toys, games, arts and crafts, and books. They join local events and festivals to get the feel of the people’s wants and needs and also to get feedback which helps the store move in the right direction. They choose locations that are near their customers.
Saudi Arabia’s business climate might be challenging at present but Tihama believes that great opportunities come to those who look hard for them. Since the country is changing, it also welcomes new technologies and reacts fast to trends. They believe that planning is critical in every business. There can be a lot of red tape and legislation which can cause delays but they advise burgeoning businessmen and women to forge on, ensure proper infrastructure is in place, and include local people and local knowledge.
While their main customers are children and the youth, adults will also find this store to be a treasure trove of nice things. Their bestselling products include fashion stationery, notebooks, pencil cases and toys. They have well-known brands like Sharpies, Roco, Num Noms, Hatchimals, Kaco, TY Plush Toys, and more. The store keeps their range fresh by bringing something new every month.
Tihama’s goal is to be the first store to come to one’s mind when in need of stationery, gifts, toys, games, and art tools and for every house in the Kingdom to have a product bought from the store. They are planning to launch an e-commerce site in December and to open stores in Jeddah and Dammam by 2019. Tihama continues to share the joys of shopping for crafts and school supplies to the people of Saudi Arabia!
Tihama Store
Al Yasmin District, Anas Bin Malik Road /
Al Nakheel District, Northern Ring Road
Opening Hours: Sat-Thur 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
T: 011-234-8114/011-278-2118
Social Media: @TihamaStore
