L’Artisan du Liban re-opens its shop in Ain Mreisseh || Newspapers (Arabic)

As Safir newspaper published today a report on L’ Artisan du Liban which has now re-opened its doors in Ain Mreisseh.  The shop was set up by the Lebanese government on 1963 to serve as an outlet for Lebanese artisans.   The place was burned down during the civil war and lost subsequently three quarters of its surface area.

In her interview with As Safir, the shop’s director Ms. Aline Naufal Zallouha noted that the shop enjoys administrative and financial autonomy, although it is part of the Ministry of Social Affairs, and is the only such facility set up by the government.  It was re-opened in the year 2000 and was renovated again in 2008.  According to Naufal, the shop exhibits various crafts including gold, silver and copper wear in addition to various forms of textile, leather work, soap, food and other products.  All products are handmade by Lebanese artisans and are subjected to a review by a quality board before being exhibited for sale.  Also according to the director, the shop also seeks to contribute to traditional and cultural revival as well as assist artisans in marketing their work.
The shop’s headquarters in Ain Mreisseh, in addition to its two branches in Saida and on the airport road, provide an outlet to some 500 artisans.  The Ministry of Social Affairs used to provide subsidies to the artisans until 2005 but changed its ways of working after that date.  The shop apparently suffers from financial difficulties and is unable to secure considerable income save a small percentage from sales.  The shop will soon be launching a website in order to encourage online sales.

Source: Al-Safir 27 November 2012