InRetail 2011 is delighted to launch the inaugural InRetail Summit which will unveil retail innovators, personalities and organisations that have not only survived the industry’s most difficult years, but used the global economic downturn to grow and strengthen their brands and drive growth and transformation in the retail market. The conference programme will focus on innovation as a key solution to today’s market challenges and will highlight key retail projects and regional round-ups from the biggest retailers across the MENA region.
The InRetail Summit Advisory Board comprises of senior level personalities from the British Retail Consortium, Tiffany & Co., Build A Bear, Red Tag, Kidzania, Fawaz AlHokair, Mubadala, MAF Properties, MAF Fashion, Virgin and Paris Gallery Group among others.
Many of the region’s leading retailers will be presenting keynote sessions, including retail guru’s such as Thomas Lundgren, CEO of The One; Andreas Peterson, Business Creator of IKEA; Mohammed Al Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Mall KSA; Joe Nahhas, Regional Director of Montblanc; Simon Marshall, CEO of Fawaz Alhokair and H.E. Eng. Salah Salem Bin Omair Al Shamsi, Former President of the U.A.E. Federation of Chamber of Commerce.
InRetail will also feature the ‘5 Minute Retail Theatre Experience’, a showcase to teach retailers how to deliver premium experiences at every touch point for their clients including engaging the customer, encouraging customer spending/brand loyalty, giving a lasting impression and creating a buzz. This is achieved through delighting the 5 senses, creating interaction, bringing the shop floor to life, delivering exceptional customer service and creating a magical experience for the customer. This feature is organised in cooperation with the senior partners of ‘Insight with Passion’ Kate Hardcastle & Richard Gomersall, who are an award-winning UK-based business transformation organisation.
Michaella Black, Project Manager InRetail explains the importance of InRetail 2011: ‘More than 90% of the leading retail brands have a presence in the UAE market. We have seen more and more retailers enter the UAE market and now that they have a foothold they are looking to expand throughout the Middle East. Many retailers and suppliers are talking about the growth potential in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt, and when looking at demographics of each of these markets it is obvious why they are so appealing to retailers.’
AT Kearney’s ‘2011 Retail Global Expansion’* report states that the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are all listed within the top ten countries for retailers to expand into**. Two thirds of the population in Saudi Arabia is under the age of 29, and they are known to retail experts as early adopters with high discretionary incomes, which demonstrates why retailers want to tap into this market.
Michaella Black continues: ‘Retailers are faced with different complex issues when looking at expansion plans as each country poses different challenges. They need to make sure that they incorporate the right equipment and designs to build the right customer experience - this has never been so important.’
InRetail will be showcasing many of the latest technologies, innovations, dynamic designs, lighting solutions (including LED’s), finishing materials, visual merchandising and security systems to help retailers make a more educated decision when selecting suppliers.
Key brands that will be participating at the show include Tensator, Microsoft Dynamics AX with Lev Tech Consulting and Head Start Global, Hewlett Packard, Almoe Digital Solutions, Epson, Kinnersley Kent Design, MxN Middle East, Mainetti, Instore Masters, SAP, Soma Display, Blue Rhine, Mordern Expo Group, Starsline, LP Flex, LED World and Technostyl.
*Report published on the 6th of June 2011
** Kuwait in 5th place, Saudi Arabia in 7th place and UAE in 9th position
| 
