An employee of Daunpenh House handles merchandise on display at the soon-to-be-opened store. Photo by: Heng Chivoan

DAUNPENH House aims to become the largest store selling Cambodian handicrafts when its launches later this month, according to company officials.

Located on the Dreamworld property in Phnom Penh on Sothearos Boulevard, company officials say they will focus on selling Cambodian-made products particularly to tourists when the store opens on May 25.

Daunpenh House General Manager Lorn Yeng said increasing sales of well-made Cambodian goods was a matter of simply making them more available.

“We are creating a centre to collect all types of quality Cambodian products to be seen by national and international guests – and it will make it easier to buy them,” he said.

“On the other hand, it will offer the chance to Cambodian craftsmen to bring their products for display, free of charge.”

Daunpenh House intends to sell and display products such as silk, fabric, paintings, stones sculptures, and jewellery.

“This centre will be the largest place to display and sell Khmer-made products in Cambodia,” he said.

Te Taing Por, co-president of the Small and Medium Enterprises and Factories Working Group, said he welcomed the store’s arrival, adding it will benefit the Kingdom’s handicraft producers to increase their exposure to potential customers.

“The establishment of a place to display and sell Khmer products is indeed,” he said, though he cautioned it required selling at proper prices, and ensure the products were genuine – otherwise it could cause “negative results.”

Pursat province marble handicraft producer Chea Phalla said she looked forward to bring her crafts to the centre to produce.

“If my products are put on display and sell, I will be able to increase my production more and more,” she said.