Global Retail Alliance platform launched in MENA
Alliance to provide region with guidance on global and local trends in retail community
DUBAI, April 3: The Global Retail Alliance (GRA) platform launched in the Middle East and North Africa in a step that aims to provide guidance and inspiration about global and local trends in the retail community to one of the region’s largest and most important industry sectors.
“We see three key global trends; increase in online and Ecommerce purchases, customer In-store experience and personalization, that are set to make a significant impact on the region’s retailers and shoppers in the coming period, said Massimo Volpe, Global Director of Global Retail Alliance.
The Global Retail Alliance is a consortium of businesses and institutions with stakes in the retail industry spanning the globe. The alliance informs and educates its members on changes affecting retail markets, such as technological and social trends, financial systems, economic outlooks, and retail marketing trends, all of which are influential in decision making for both retailers and their customers.
“The retail sector in the Middle East is witnessing game-changing developments with major international brands still entering the market, complemented by an exciting growth of new homegrown brands that have the potential to expand internationally,” says Volpe. “With this evolution in the traditional regional franchising model, we see huge opportunities coupled with a pressing need for the retail community to stay connected and up-to-the-minute with cutting edge insights on local and international initiatives and sector trends.”
A recent study by AT Kearney indicates the Middle Eastern and North African countries, specifically the major retail markets of UAE and Saudi Arabia, are among the world’s most attractive markets for retailers, ranking fifth and 11th respectively in global retail. As for the North African countries, Morocco, at seventh place, rose in the global retail development rankings thanks to increased government efforts to attract foreign investment.
“We are very excited about the arrival of GRA in the region at a time of huge change in the sector, driven by fast evolving technologies, and the rise of ‘Big Data’”, said Elie Otaki, CEO of Global Retail Alliance in MENA region. “Our aim is to bring together different stakeholders throughout the retail ecosystem, whether they are retailers, brand owners, or consultancies, with a clear focus on raising awareness about the importance of this sector, fostering education and knowledge, and awarding those who excel in their marketing efforts.”
With offices in markets across continents, GRA can advise and provide information to its members at a local and international level, and welcomes companies from across the MENA region into its network. Members of Global Retail Alliance are granted access to an international virtual library of research and insights which allows them to stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and initiatives dedicated to retail and marketing. In addition, GRA’s elearning platform provides educational training tools and lectures from global experts in various disciplines such as Virtual Merchandising, Retail Design, and Digital Retail. The GRA can also assist members on demand, whether they are aiming to commence new ventures, expand their business, or look for new partners.
The Global Retail Alliance (GRA) is represented in the region by Retail Marketing Network, a UAE-based leading regional retail marketing company dedicated to quality and excellence in the Middle East and North Africa.