Global Retail Alliance is now in Mena

dubai — The Global Retail Alliance (GRA) platform on Sunday announced its launch in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, in a move aimed at highlighting the latest global and local trends in the retail sphere.

Speaking to media at the launch, Massimo Volpe, global director of GRA, said the retail sector is one of the first sectors to be affected by “any changes around the globe.”

“It is important for us to be both global and local,” he said. “A disruption anywhere in the world will change the game. This launch is the best way for us to connect with the retail community, and provide members with updates about the state of the industry, the latest consumer information, international networking opportunities and training.”

“We see 3 key global trends which will make a significant impact on the region’s retailers and shoppers in the coming period — an increase in online and ecommerce purchases, customer in-store experience and personalisation,” Volpe added.

Speaking about the state of the retail industry in the Mena region, Elie Otaki, CEO of Global Retail Alliance in the Mena region, said there had been a slowdown in activity. “However, we expect it to pick up again next year. Retail in the UAE is still dominated by malls, but online shopping is beginning to have an impact and that is something we will be watching very closely in the future.”