Online trading is also on the rise in Iran. Business in the Grand Bazaar is still running. A dealer who sells nothing but crayons talks about his love for his job.
Teheran.
In the middle of the winding streets of the Tehran bazaar, where the hustle and bustle seems like the pulsating heartbeat of the city, Mohammed Rafi stands in his miniature kingdom of colors. In barely three square meters of shop space, he unerringly grabs a copy of over 200 different colored pencils behind his counter – every shade a proof of his passion. “To be successful in a job, you have to love your work,” says the 65-year-old.
Behind the narrow counter, the true dimension of his business becomes apparent: around 50,000 neatly sorted pens are stored in a tiny space. “My customers are not only artists, but also students and people from all backgrounds,” says Rafi while presenting a pen that writes two colors at the same time. Such special features make his shop an insider tip for professionals and the curious.
Minor celebrity on social media
“What gives me the most joy is that children can complete their set of colored pencils and be happy by purchasing a single pencil,” says Rafi. Inspired by his work at a German company, he took the step into self-employment. That was now more than three decades ago. The retailer is a minor star on social media. Around 24,000 people follow him on Instagram.
Considering Mr. Hosseini’s analysis of online shopping trends in Iran, what specific strategies could Mr. Rafi implement to leverage social media for his business, while maintaining the authenticity and community feel that attract customers to his stall in the Bazaar?
## Interview: The Colorful World of Tehran’s Crayon King
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we delve into the vibrant world of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where we meet Mohammed Rafi, a passionate crayon seller who’s found his niche in a bustling marketplace.
Joining us today to discuss Mr. Rafi’s story and the larger context of online trading in Iran are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Layla Amiri,** an expert on Iranian economics and small businesses
* **Mr. Reza Hosseini,** a social media analyst specializing in the Iranian market
**Part 1: The Allure of the Bazaar**
* **Host:** Mr. Rafi, your love for your work is palpable. What draws you to selling crayons in the Grand Bazaar, especially in an era dominated by online shopping?
* **Mr. Rafi:** *[Responds]*
* **Host:** Dr. Amiri, how does the Grand Bazaar, a traditional marketplace, continue to thrive despite the rise of e-commerce in Iran? What unique qualities does it offer that online platforms struggle to replicate?
* **Dr. Amiri:** *[Responds]*
**Part 2: Online Trading: A Growing Force in Iran**
* **Host:** Mr. Hosseini, the article mentions the rising popularity of online trading in Iran. How significant is this trend, and do you think it poses a threat to traditional marketplaces like the Grand Bazaar?
* **Mr. Hosseini:** *[Responds]*
* **Host:** Mr. Rafi, how has online shopping impacted your business? Have you considered establishing an online presence?
* **Mr. Rafi:** *[Responds]*
* **Host:** Dr. Amiri, what opportunities and challenges does the growth of online trading present for Iranian small businesses?
**Part 3: The Power of Passion and Community**
* **Host:** Mr. Rafi, you’ve gained a considerable following on social media. What do you attribute your success to?
* **Mr. Rafi:** *[Responds]*
* **Host:** Mr. Hosseini, how can small
businesses like Mr. Rafi’s leverage social media platforms to expand their reach and build a loyal customer base?
* **Mr. Hosseini:** *[Responds]*
**Part 4: Looking to the Future**
* **Host:** Dr. Amiri, what does the future hold for businesses like Mr. Rafi’s in Iran? How can the government and other stakeholders support the growth and sustainability of SMEs in this evolving landscape?
* **Dr. Amiri:*** [Responds]*
* **Host:** Mr. Rafi, what are your hopes for the future of your business?
* **Mr. Rafi:** *[Responds]*
**Closing**
We want to thank our guests, Mr. Rafi, Dr. Amiri, and Mr. Hosseini, for sharing their insights and perspectives. Their discussion provides a valuable glimpse into the dynamism of the Iranian economy and the spirit of entrepreneurship that thrives within its bustling markets and vibrant online sphere. We at World Today News are committed to
sharing stories like Mr. Rafi’s, highlighting the resilience and innovation of individuals who contribute to the rich tapestry of global commerce.
