Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunitie...
Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunities in the Middle East, with in-depth market and data analysis from our in-country field researchers and regional experts.
The e-commerce landscape in the United Arab Emirates presents a competitive environment, yet it remains receptive to novel entrants equipped with innovative concepts or specialised propositions. Notably, the shift in consumer behaviour towards an…
Iraq’s retail industry has continued to expand and develop during the post-pandemic era, with buoyant global oil prices, rising levels of FDI and substantial improvements in retailing infrastructure amidst booming post-conflict redevelopment all…
Retail in Israel in 2023 was affected by the political and economic panorama in the country, as the war continues. Inflation remained high and mortgages became much more expensive, with significant hikes in monthly repayments for homeowners. Added to…
Positive growth was seen in retail in 2022 as shopping in malls remained a popular pastime among Kuwaitis. However, e-commerce boomed during the year as investment in tech start-ups brought more convenience to consumers. Kuwait’s population is young,…
The economic crisis continues to impact the Lebanese retailing industry, with negative value growth in constant price terms seen across all categories in 2022. Consumers are spending much less than prior to the onset of the crisis, with demand…
A significant number of expats left the country after the outbreak of COVID-19 but they are now returning, with this providing a boost to retail in Oman in 2022. Consumers in Muscat are demanding greater convenience due to increasingly hectic…
Qatar’s affluent population makes the country an attractive prospect for international retailers, especially given the popularity of shopping as a leisure activity and the preference for global brands. However, the country’s low population and the…
Retail in Saudi Arabia continued to experience positive growth in current value terms in 2023 with the end of the pandemic and improved consumer confidence helping to encourage spending. Although the Saudi economy actually contracted in 2023 due to a…
In 2023, retail sales in the United Arab Emirates continued to grow at a reasonably positive level, although growth rates were marginally slower compared to the previous year. This slowdown was indicative of stability in retail’s performance after a…
The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years, leading to new business models, commerce ecosystems and channels for reaching and engaging consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, as e-commerce became the default…
The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition as e-commerce became the default setting for many homebound consumers. The crisis-inspired surge in e-commerce is leading to a permanent…
Small local grocers remained dominated by unnamed “others” in Israel in 2023, with only two players noted by name – Nizat Haduvdevan Kanfei Nesharim Ltd and Anise Teva Ltd. However, Anise Teva health food stores has been involved in the controversy…
Small local grocers continue to face strong competition from modern grocery retailers and e-commerce. This is because modern grocery retailers such as supermarkets and hypermarkets look to provide a wide variety of products under one roof and use…
While large supermarkets and hypermarkets continued to dominate grocery retailers in value terms in 2023, small local grocers in the United Arab Emirates experienced a resurgence towards the end of the review period. Operators of small local grocers…
Supermarkets in Israel saw greater value growth in 2023 compared to the previous year, which is partly attributed to shifts in the competitive landscape through the arrival of new players. For example, as discussed in discounters, we are seeing the…
Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking healthier food options. Supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are looking to respond to this by offering a wider range of organic, natural, and locally sourced products. They are also providing more…
Numerous supermarket chains in the United Arab Emirates continued their expansion efforts in 2023, with notable contributions from LuLu Supermarket, Grandiose Supermarket, and Spar. LuLu Supermarket aims to strategically expand into smaller store…
As consumers prepare fewer meals overall, while demanding more assistance for the ones they do, spending and brand equity will accrue to those companies providing fresh prepared meals on demand, from delivery aggregators to retailers, restaurant…
Stores continue to invest in systems that make buying easier, more convenient, frictionless, while e-commerce players are expanding their shopping capabilities, helping consumers to find better, more targeted products. In the process, these two…