ENOC Group, the official integrated energy partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, has launched Expo-licenced merchandise at its ZOOM convenience stores. Those shopping at ZOOM can now take home Expo-branded souvenirs.
All the Expo 2020 branded products are manufactured and supplied by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) registered with Expo 2020’s Licensing and Retail programme. Up to 5,000 unique products will be retailed in the run up to and during the mega-event, scheduled to run from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
The manufacturers of the Expo 2020 Dubai merchandise retailed at ENOC’s ZOOM stores include Gallery One, Basamat, Karam Foods, Dates Bar Company, The Camel Soap Factory and Trofe. The Expo 2020-branded merchandise will be initially available across 35 ZOOM stores, including 28 located in ENOC service stations, five standalone stores in Dubai and other emirates, as well as two outlets in Dubai Metro stations.
“We are excited to see our partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai come to life through visionary concepts such as ‘Reimagine Energy’ and our extensive retail network, which saw more than 100 million customers visit so far in 2019,” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO, ENOC. “Doing so while supporting UAE-based SMEs is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to Dubai’s position as a global hub for retail, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.”
“Expo 2020’s Licensing and Retail programme is part of the World’s Greatest Show’s pledge to support SMEs. It is also an opportunity for both domestic audiences and millions of visitors from the around the world who will attend the six-month event to take home products and souvenirs conveying the richness and diversity of the UAE. We are excited to have ENOC’s ZOOM stores be part of our Approved Retail Distribution Network and introduce Expo 2020-branded products to their customers,” added Anita Chandler, director – licensing and retail, Expo 2020 Dubai.
Commenting on the effect of Expo 2020 Dubai, Stevi Lowmass, founder & CEO of home-grown brand The Camel Soap Factory, stated, “As a licensee for Expo 2020, I am delighted that our first retail venture with our natural camel milk soaps is with ENOC’s Zoom stores.”
“Events like these may not drive awareness about specific brands, but it has the potential to create awareness about small businesses like us as organisers spend resources on marketing, PR and collaborations. Influence of an Expo is more subtle than obvious,” she added.
“We are delighted to be working with ZOOM to provide customers with official Expo 2020 souvenirs. From its studios in the Dubai Design District, Gallery One is designing innovative products with cultural resonance,” shared Gregg Sedgwick, chairman, Gallery One.
“The Dates Bar Company is a Dubai-based business priding itself on producing delicious date snack bars using only UAE dates, and we’re delighted to be one of the SMEs selected as a licensee for the world’s greatest show. We are also honoured to work closely with ENOC and ZOOM on the Expo 2020 product launch, which will further strengthen our long-term relationship,” concluded Yousuf Saleem, CEO, Dates Bar Company.