MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GIFT CENTRE AT THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK

The United Nations is seeking information from service providers with experience in managing and operating gift shops. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather insighst into the capability, qualifications and experience of potential bidders in the market able to design and install contemporary displays, source unique and attractive gift items, and operate the UN Gift Centre in alignment with the organization's values and international scope. The United Nations Gift Centre located at the UNHQ in New York offers a curated range of UN-branded and internationally sourced merchandise for visitors from around the world. The UN Gift Centre provides visitors, staff members, and members of delegations in New York with UN mementos, New York souvenirs, handicrafts, gifts, and other souvenirs from around the world, keeping a balance of the different arts and crafts representing the cultures of all Member States of the UN. As a result, the merchandise sold in the UN Gift Centre is required to be made in the country represented by the item of merchandise and is subject to approval by the Chief of the Commercial Activities Service (CAS), under whose authority the UN Gift Centre operates. The UN Gift Centre also provides services for mailing orders to UN Agencies, Regional Offices, Peace-keeping Missions and Offices Away from Headquarters, as well as private customers. The UN Gift Centre provides sale of certain merchandise online. In addition, the UN Gift Centre provides for sale to UN staff members and delegates toiletries, health and beauty aids, candy mints, gums, electronic and travel accessories and other related items. In 2019, the UN eliminated all single used plastics and thus, the Gift Store packagings should not have any single use plastic wraps, plastic containers, etc. Approximately 6,000 staff members of over 180 nationalities work at the UNHQ complex, which includes the Secretariat, Conference, General Assembly, Dag Hammarskjold Library, and South Annex buildings. If other surrounding buildings are included, the total population is approximately 10,000 staff. There are over 100 meetings/conferences, with attendees ranging from 10 to 1,000 people per event, held annually at the UNHQ complex. The gift shop is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5pm. Additionally, the United Nations was visited by approximately 250,000 tourists per year after COVID. These included tourists, school groups, diplomats and delegates who come for guided tours , exhibitions, and official events. The number can fluctuate based on global events, security measures, and public access policies. The Vendor shall design, source, store, handle, sell, and deliver sustainable and/or environment-friendly merchandise in conformity with best commercial practices and subject to the UN inspection and approval. The vendor shall not sell snacks, cooked food, hot and cold beverages, or tobacco related products. The Vendor shall be responsible for the monthly payment of basic utility and service charges related to the retail and storage space as well as Royalty fees. Royalty fees shall be calculated based on net sales or a predetermined Minimum Annual Guarantee, whichever amount is greater. The store comprises approximately 3,817 square feet, with an adjacent office area of around 266 square feet. A dedicated stockroom of approximately 949 square feet, also adjoining the shop area, is designated for break-bulk storage and sorting. Additionally, there are a total of 2 bulk storage locations at a centralized shared facility, ranging from 600 to 800 square feet at the second basement in the General Assembly building and an additional cage at the Conference building second basement floor. There are also 3 small storage closets at the Secretariat Lobby. The store would need to be upgraded by the new vendor, at its own cost, to reflect the latest modern look and design that would attract global visitors to maximize the Gift Store's sales. This RFI is not a solicitation process. The purpose of this RFI is a market survey. Specific Requirements/Information In response to this RFI, please provide information about your company’s capabilities in providing the required services by addressing the following indicative questions. Please provide a brief overview addressing the following: a) Please confirm that your company has a minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing retail operations and submit your profile demonstrating such experience including current store locations, duration of the operation and and type of merchandise offered. b) Capabilities of online sales,point-of -sale (POS) systems that allowed inventory tracking, trend forecasting, and linkage between items sold and inventory reordering platform. Please confirm your POS systems capabilities and experience with online sales channels. Please outline features of improved productivity that might include any self service POS system capabilities, etc. c) Please confirm that you are able to comply with sustaninable business practices and use of sustainable materials. d) Please confirm your understanding and willingness to invest in the upgrade of the gift store at your own cost. SUBMISSION: Interested vendors are requested to electronically express their interest via the link in Vendor Response section AND send their detailed responses along with any supporting documents by email to Maria Jose Gentile (gentilem@un.org).