Regional Retailers Join Forces to Reach More Shoppers

Online, August 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The UAE, and in particular Dubai is saturated with an abundance of retail choices. With international brands entering the UAE in large numbers, online marketplaces springing up overnight, and more malls being constructed and expanded, choices for today's consumers are limitless.

At the 3rd InRetail Summit, regional and international retail executives will come together to discuss new approaches to compete for shoppers. "Retailers have to rethink the way they interact with and attract shoppers to their outlets. The trend is now for retailers to adopt an omnichannel approach," according to Ayaz Maqbool, Managing Director of Tejuri.com.

Omnichannel is not a new concept. International retailers have been shifting their focus on reaching and attracting shoppers in multiple ways with the most popular being digitally. With the rise in the use of smart phones and high internet penetration rates in the Middle East, this trend is set to translate into consumers are accessing real-time information to research and purchase goods without being physically present. With increasing touch points, the future of a retailer's existence depends largely on their ability to engage, interact and sell to customers through various channels. "Retailers who adopt omnichannel strategies have the advantage of connecting with consumers anytime, anywhere and any place giving shoppers the option to purchase in the store, online or even through their mobile phone", add Mr. Maqbool.

Oke Eleazu, Director of Customer Service at Sainsbury's in the UK believes that retailers will now have to pay more attention to customer service as they will be interacting with customers at more touch points. He suggest that, "Retailers will have to refocus their efforts in creating new customer experiences coupled with providing excellent customer service face to face and online."

Having greater interaction with customers helps retailers better understand shoppers' habits and buyer behaviors. With this information, retailers can tailor offerings to their customers' desires thereby creating a competitive advantage. "Customers are bombarded daily with information about things they don't want. If a retailer is able to offer products based on its customers' preferences in an easy to shop manner, the result may be a customer for life," adds Mona Ataya, CEO of Mumzworld.com. "This event provides the industry with the perfect opportunity to learn what technologies and strategies retailers are using to compete for customers in this ever increasing market".

Over 30 retailers, brand owners, and mall developers will share their thoughts on the challenges of standing out in a crowded market and discuss how to create new customer experiences and valuable products that match shoppers' needs.

Leading retail executives participating in this event represent leading brands such as Nakheel, Jashanmal Group, Landmark Group, Chaloub Group, Milkjay, Just Falafel and solution providers like Samsung Electronics, SAP, MicroStrategy, Symphony, and ShopperTrak.

For more information on the latest confirmed panels and experts on the 3rd Annual InRetail Summit please visit: www.inretailsummit.com. Alternatively contact: Eleanor Head, Senior Marketing Manager, dmg :: events, email [email protected] or call; +971 (0)4 445 3626.