2 out of 3 Middle East shoppers adopting cost-saving behaviours due to rising prices

2 out of 3 Middle East shoppers adopting cost-saving behaviours due to rising prices

At least two-thirds of consumers in the Middle East are adopting cost-saving behaviours as consumers become more cautious about spending.

According to PwC Middle East’s latest Global Consumer Insights Survey – Pulse 5, ‘Inflation and rising prices shape a new hybrid Middle East consumer’, delineating the recent market trends in the Middle East.

The survey showed, rising prices of household items were the primary concern for a significant number of respondents in the Middle East, with 40 per cent in Egypt, 35 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 28 per cent in the UAE.

Critical issues faced by consumers

The study by the auditing firm also highlights other critical issues faced by regional consumers, such as longer queues, extended delivery times, and reduced product quality and availability.

Shoppers expect to spend mainly on groceries (47 per cent), fashion (40 per cent), and consumer electronics (36 per cent) over the next six months.

Therefore, consumers exhibit greater prudence in spending on luxury items, home entertainment, and virtual activities and are increasingly seeking promotional offers.

More than 40 per cent of regional and global consumers are specifically purchasing items on offer and actively searching for retailers who provide better value.

Online shopping is growing in popularity, but physical shopping retains