Gift shops ready for Qatar National Day

With Qatar National Day less than a fortnight away, public relations agencies, marketing firms and suppliers of gift items are working round the clock to cater to the demand for special products to celebrate the occasion.

Amid the prevalent patriotic fervour, many suppliers of National Day-themed items, including T-shirts and caps, are busy wooing potential customers besides looking to retain loyal ones.

Many of them receive orders from institutions and companies for the supply of T-shirts, caps, wristbands and mufflers, with some designed in the colours of Qatar's flag while others carry miniature versions of the flag.

Some local schools and clubs, too, have shown interest in buying large quantities of gift items for children.

While a sizeable portion of the printing work on T-shirts and caps is reportedly done abroad, including in Dubai and China, some local presses are also carrying out such work.

Operators of a digital printing firm on Gulf Road said there is a high demand from local schools for miniature versions of the national flag. The company, which also undertakes the supply of complimentary items, said special wristbands and headgear are also in demand.

The business, said a long-time supplier, was expected to peak in the last 7-8 days if the previous years' trends were any indication. He said most printing-related works are normally done in the two weeks before the event and small and mid-level firms usually place their orders late.

One of the suppliers said the demand for Chinese products, especially caps and wristbands, has grown in the last couple of years because of their relatively low price.

Some prominent government institutions have placed orders for the supply of leather bags for their employees and well-wishers.

Caterers, meanwhile, are expected to benefit from large orders, especially from clubs and other institutions. [Gulf Times]