That breadcrumb trail of data from shoppers offers retailers a great deal – The National

That breadcrumb trail of data from shoppers offers retailers a great deal – The National

The Dubai Shopping Festival started this week. Now in its 27th year, the shopping festival is a reminder that online retail is a definite attraction for shoppers in the Middle East market, but the charm of in-store shopping experience continues to hold its own. This is an opportunity for retailers and brands, provided they are tuned to changing market dynamics and the evolving needs of customers.

A PWC report indicates that a growing number of consumers in the UAE are making purchases via smartphones (53 per cent), computers (39 per cent) and tablets (31 per cent). The UAE’s retail e-commerce market reached $3.9billion in 2020, reporting a 53 per cent year-on-year increase. E-commerce is growing, accounting for an 8 per cent share of the retail market during the same year, according to Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Interestingly, a significant proportion of consumers compare prices online across brands, and then step into a store to make the purchase.

Shoppers at the Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National