THE FUTURE OF SHOPPING IS HERE
PICKING UP HANDMADE GOODS CREATED BY LOCAL ARTISANS. INDULGING IN A SLEEPOVER AT A FANCY STORE. TAKING PART IN A LIFE-SIZE VERSION OF A BOARDGAME. HUNTING FOR EMOJIS ACROSS A MALL SPACE. DUBAI HAS YOU SPOILT FOR CHOICE — WHAT’S MADE ITS WAY TO YOUR AGENDA
Online shopping is old news — so is shopping via apps. From groceries to grooming services, we’ve experienced the boon of click and shop — home delivery, pay only if you like, loyalty points, free shipping and returns, et al. At the same time, we love when we’re offered a cup of hot chocolate as we wait for our turn at a customer service desk. As shoppers, we’re always looking for a change — with convenience, personalisation and excitement being buzzwords that tempt us.
As for retailers, they’re always trying to figure our purchasing behaviours and preempting our shopping needs. The result of our demands and desires is the collaboration of the brick and mortar and virtual worlds.
Of course, there’s no debating the fact that Dubai loves to shop. Interestingly, as per a 2018 CBRE (a research company that provides market insights) report titled, “How global is the business of retail?”, Dubai secured the number one position on an international scale — with 62% of the world’s retailers found in our city. We rest in our case.
But, shopping alone is not enough for Dubai — we’re constantly craving innovative concepts as well. No wonder the city’s committed towards redefining our shopping experience and how! What’s the latest shopping experience on your agenda?
The market provides customers with the opportunity to purchase local, handmade products alongside arts and crafts activities or complimentary fitness classes. We also have activities for kids to get involved to ensure that the entire family is entertained on a day out. It’s about combining shopping with a community vibe.
We have always been future-oriented and in touch with the ever-evolving digital needs of our young customers. With the launch of a new design, our goal was to create an omni-channel experience, which will meet the shopping preferences of this generation as well as the ones that follow.
New experiences — all of which are designed to bring the customer into a mall or shop — must be constantly developed and implemented. It is important that a balance is achieved between the “bricks and clicks”. Retailers, who have a truly omni-channel strategy and the capability to deliver this through a seamless customer experience, will continue to flourish. Retailers who do not have the capacity to deliver this are likely to struggle as the consumer continues to strive for convenience and that extra special experience.
It’s important to listen to our customers and adapt in order to grow. We’re delighted to elevate the travel experience for consumers with a new level of quality and convenience in airport food shopping.
— Matt Frost, CEO, Spinneys — Adosh Sharma, general manager, Robinsons — Becky Balderstone, founder, Ripe Organic — Vikas Attri, CEO, Lifestyle