Opening a Crockery Shop in the UAE: Sourcing Checklist

A new crockery or household shop lives or dies on its first range: enough choice to bring customers in, without cash tied up in stock that does not move. This checklist covers the basics of getting set up and building a tableware range with a wholesale supplier.

Licensing basics

In Dubai, trade licences are issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). The process involves initial approval for your business activities, reserving a trade name and then applying for the licence itself. Applications can be made through the Invest in Dubai portal or at service centres.¹ Other emirates have their own economic departments.

Make sure your licensed activities cover what you plan to sell. This is general information, not legal advice: confirm the requirements for your business with the licensing authority.

Plan your first range

Start from your customers. Families buying everyday tableware, restaurants buying in bulk and shoppers looking for gifts want different things. For a typical household or discount shop, a balanced first range covers:

Everyday plates and bowls in opalware and melamine
Serving pieces: trays, oval platters and lidded bowls
Stainless steel cutlery, tumblers and serving bowls
Cups and mugs
A few dinner sets for gift buyers

Offer two or three price levels in each item type rather than many designs of one item.

How much to order first

For a first order, breadth beats depth: many item types in moderate quantities, so you learn what your customers buy. Record sales by item from day one. After a few weeks, reorder the fast sellers in bigger quantities and drop what does not move.

Be careful with seasonal designs. Order them for the season, such as Ramadan, and plan to sell through before it ends.

Choosing a wholesale supplier

Does the supplier cover the materials you need, so one order fills most of your shelves?
Can you reorder the same designs and sizes later?
Are quotations clear on price, availability and pieces per carton?
Can they deliver to your shop, or can you collect?
Do they reply quickly on WhatsApp and phone when you need to restock?

Buying your opening stock from FAMES

FAMES supplies discount market shops across the UAE with opalware, melamine and stainless steel tableware, with collection or delivery within the UAE. Tell us about your shop and your customers and we help you put together a first order. See supply for retailers and discount stores.