“Souk el Beit” Ongoing Homemade Market by Spinneys

Spinneys Lebanon launched the “Souk el Beit” market, an ongoing initiative to support local homemade products, at its Hazmieh branch parking space.

Entrance of Souk el Beit at Spinneys Hazmieh. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

“Souk elbeit gives opportunities for young generations which believe in the local products and want to do something for Lebanon,” says Ghassan Kallas, senior marketing specialist at Spinneys. “We named it Souk el Beit because it is done by homemade products and it will be going to other homes,” he explains.

Souk el Beit ambience. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

Kallas considers that this initiative is a part of corporate social responsibility in Spinneys. “We should believe in talents and support Lebanese products,” he says. “Spinneys provides a space where Lebanese potentials bring their products homemade or handmade and showcase it on their stand,” he adds.

Around 20 local small businesses as well as emerging artists and creators are showcasing their products and their talents.

Aline Chirinian setting up her stand for “Aunty Scrunchies”. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

“There is no perfect time to open a business,” says Aline Chirinian, founder of Aunti Scrunchies. “I was a bit hesitant at first because of the current situation but I came about the concept of aunty scrunchies about two months ago,” she says. The idea behind Aunty scrunchies, which is a hair accessory, came as an opportunity to help the women who lost their jobs or who previously worked in the fashion industry in Lebanon due to the economic crisis and explosion.

A customer loving the scrunchies’ varieties. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

“This is a kind of a way to give these ladies like a job, a form of income for them,” Chirinian says.

“They get paid per each selling piece of their handmade scrunchy,” she explains. “We currently have three varieties and offer nine colors,” she adds.

Chirinian explaining to a customer the styles of scrunchies she offers. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

Chirinian sees that every business should be socially aware and be contributing to society somewhere. “We like to describe ourselves as a social enterprise rather than just as small business,” she emphasizes. “We have bigger plans moving forwards to help others,” she says.

Meters away from Aunty Scrunchies stand, you spot “Watani lb” initiative.

Afif Ayyad, founder of “Watani lb” setting up the plants in front of his stand. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

“Watani lb means that our country is in our hearts,” says Afif Ayyad, founder of Wtani lb. “We encourage local industry, agriculture, and household supplies,” he explains.

“We as youth have a story to tell because we believe in our country and have patriotism,” he explains.

Ayyad giving a small gift to a customer. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

Ayyad considers his initiative part of the economic growth and development. “We work with factories, nurseries, and manufacturers in nine areas around Lebanon, in addition to the biggest soap factory in Kora,” he adds.

Co-Founder of “Zera3it Watani” listening to a customer’s demand. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

Ayyad believes in being proactive and economic catalysts in our country. “We have to be part of effective change and very dynamic in what we do,” he says. “We start from the basics and we’re planning to export our local products in the near future,” he adds.

A customer checking indoor plants showcased by “Watani lb”. Photo Courtesy of (Hussein Kassab).

Souk el Beit will be held weekly every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am till 8:00 pm.