Expo Bazaar Marks Milestone with Opening of Brand New Showroom in the TICA, Venlo, The Netherlands

Delhi/NCR, 02 February 2026 – Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) – Expo Bazaar today opened its first Expo Bazaar showroom at TICA Venlo, one of Europe’s premier B2B lifestyle and interior purchasing centres located in Venlo, The Netherlands. Expo Bazaar, a cross-border B2B platform, after having opened showroom in Europe and USA has now forayed into the European market thus providing B2B sourcing opportunity to a large number of buyers in the EU. This strategic expansion reflects Expo Bazaar’s commitment to offering an unparalleled selection of exquisitely curated products from India, tailored to meet the discerning tastes of valued buyers.

The Opening of Expo Bazaar’s B2B Venlo showroom for retailers & wholesalers saw august presence of Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman – EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH & Chairman IEML alongwith Martijn Cliteur, Owner, TICA PW Markets; Robert Segers, Owner, TICA PW Markets; Rogier Uivel, Owner, TICA PW Markets; Avdhesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH;  Ravi K Passi, Member CoA, EPCH; Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH and other senior officials.

The opening of Expo Bazaar’s Venlo showroom is the first major EPCH–Expo Bazaar strategic initiative in the European Union following the signing of the India–EU Trade Agreement, which will provide enhanced market access and tariff advantages for labour-intensive sectors including handicrafts, home décor, wooden crafts and furniture. By combining the preferential access framework of the new trade agreement with Expo Bazaar’s direct-from-producer model and TICA’s pan-European buyer base, the initiative is expected to significantly boost Indian handicraft exports to Europe and deepen integration into European retail supply chains.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH & Chairman IEML, said, “In our pursuit of excellence, Expo Bazaar is dedicated to fostering a direct connection between buyers and small producers in the remote clusters of India. Our Just in Time (JIT) business model has streamlined our entire supply chain management. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to translate the India–EU Trade Agreement into on ground opportunities for MSMEs and artisan-based enterprises”.

“The physical showroom at a high-traffic European buying hub like TICA Venlo, combined with Expo Bazaar’s cross border e commerce and fulfilment capabilities, will support quicker replenishment, smaller order quantities and reduced lead times, which are critical requirements for today’s European retail and concept-store landscape.” Dr. Kumar added further

Echoing the similar sentiments, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman – EPCH said that “the opening of Expo Bazaar showroom at TICA Venlo marks a new chapter in India–EU handicrafts trade in the post-agreement era. By aligning this brick-and-mortar presence with the opportunities created under the India–EU Trade Agreement, Indian artisans and exporters will gain improved price competitiveness, faster market access and greater visibility among European buyers who are actively seeking authentic, sustainable and story-led products from India.”

Dr. Khanna further added “Established with the mission to promote, develop, and export Indian handicrafts, EPCH will further actively collaborate with Expo Bazaar to strengthen the platforms’ impact and relevance. As an industry support partner, EPCH facilitates the participation of its stakeholders, comprising skilled artisans, craftsmen and handicraft exporters, in Expo Bazaar. This collaboration not only provides a unique platform to showcase their products but also offers them JIT opportunity to them.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH said that “it is indeed a very welcome step for industry stakeholders in general and Mart Owners in particular as it offers them an additional marketing platform for their valuable products.”

Avdhesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH shared that “Customers are increasingly seeking unique, handcrafted items that not only enhance their living spaces but also tell a story of artistry and cultural heritage. Traditional businesses are undergoing a transformation in their supply chain dynamics, as consumers gravitate towards personalized experiences and a more intimate connection with the products they purchase”. “Our new approach of establishing a Brick & Mortar store in the Venlo addresses this shift by providing a convenient solution for small boutique stores and independent retailers. We empower them to procure our high-quality products in smaller quantities, enabling them to cater to their discerning clientele more effectively.”

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH expressed confidence that “the opening of Expo Bazaar showroom at TICA Venlo, as its flagship initiative in the EU following the trade agreement, will act as a model for similar collaborations at other strategic European hubs. The Expo Bazaar showroom will feature a wide array of categories including home décor, table-top, textiles, giftware, seasonal and festival décor, and eco friendly lifestyle products sourced directly from Indian producers.”

“EPCH and Expo Bazaar will work closely with European buyers visiting TICA Venlo to share information on India’s regional craft clusters, custom development possibilities, and future sourcing events such as IHGF Delhi Fair, thereby positioning India as a long-term, reliable and innovative sourcing partner for the EU market.” Rawat added further.