Dubai Among World’s Top 5 Hottest Retail Destinations

London is the world’s most important destination for international retailers, followed closely by Dubai, according to the annual CBRE report. “How Global is the Business of Retail” report by the global commercial real estate service and investment firm, CBRE, was released today, pointing out the hottest twenty retail destinations in the world.

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MENA is the fastest growing e-commerce region

Visa announced the launch of an in-depth study of the rapidly-growing e-commerce market across the Middle East and North Africa [MENA] region.

The comprehensive study, part of Visa’s ongoing e-commerce drive, is the first-of-its-kind report in the region that provides a worldwide comparison of key markets and is set to play a major part in benchmarking the e-commerce performance and the future growth potential across MENA. Read more

Latest Trends in Retail Franchise Models

As the economy is transforming, retailers are forced to turn to new franchise models in order to adapt to the present situation. A research made by iFranchise Group has found that in attempt to stay competitive, retailers rely on innovative business structures, as well as original services and products. Here are the top trends in retail franchising outlined by the study.

Real Estate Flexibility

The modern property environment requires franchisers to be very flexible if they want to succeed. Franchisees are now getting used to the thought that they may need to change the location of their business at almost any time. As a result, most of them are coming up with alternatives that even include kiosks. In addition, today they are more thoughtful when it comes to matching their franchise agreement terms with those of their lease. This is actually a really logical practice. However, not many franchisers used to take it into proper consideration.

Specialty Retailers Turn to Franchising

More and more specialty retailers are starting to see franchising as a new business possibility. No matter what product they offer (fashion items, drinks, food, cleaning products and etc.) these retailers are now greatly relying on franchising. That is especially the case when it comes to product distribution. Franchising helps them reach a wider audience, as well as to have control over their costs. Moreover, an impressive number of retailers use franchise to expand their business abroad.

Eco Franchising

The “green” is taking over the world and retail franchise models make no exception. The modern franchise systems tend to focus more on environmentally-friendly products, organic food, as well as product recycling. Franchise consultants now offer models which are “green” in their bigger part or which at least offer some eco solutions. But apart from saving the planet, green franchise in retail also has the power to attract more consumers. That is due to the fact that people today are increasingly becoming more environmentally-conscious and are searching for businesses that can offer them that.

Online Technology

Here we won’t discuss the rise of social media because this is not new in franchising. Instead we will talk about the use of online multimedia technology in business franchising models. This type of technology will find a place in franchising thanks to the great training possibilities it offers to businesses. Today, there are various online training platforms that provide both employee and franchisee training. An increasing amount of companies are already using this model in their everyday activities. Through this training, franchisees’ staff can acquire a better knowledge on consumers, products, services and features.

The changing economy requires some changes in franchise models. Businesses which fail to see that will face some unpleasant challenges.

Continuous Growth in Retail Spending Causes Ecessive Shopping Malls Construction in Abu Dhabi

As of Q1 2013, total retail space across the Abu Dhabi metropolitan area stands at approximately 1.78 million sq m, according to JJL latest real estate report.

The retail stock increased by around 11,600 sq m of GLA during Q1 2013, primarily due to the partial opening of the Al Muneera and Al Zeina retail components. Read more

Abu Dhabi Ranks Number 10 in Global Shopping Centre Development

Global Shopping Centre Development Grows 15% in 2013

Emerging Markets Fuel Annual Pipeline Increase

Abu Dhabi has more than 0.8 million square metres of new retail space under development, placing the UAE capital amongst the leading cities globally for shopping centre development. Across the world, an unprecedented 32 million square metres (sq m) of shopping centre space is currently under construction, representing a 15% increase year-on-year (28m sq m in 2012), according to the latest research from global property advisor CBRE. Read more

‘Bareeq Excellence Award’ to recognise best practices in gold and jewellery sector

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai and the Dubai Municipality (DM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the ‘Bareeq Excellence Award’ for best practices and outstanding service in gold and jewellery sector. The award will complement the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) of DED and strengthen ongoing efforts to enhance overall customer experience across the key sectors of Dubai’s economy. Read more

Dubai’s largest shopping malls continue to display strong performance, but smaller struggle

Dubai retail market overview

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Trends Small Business Retailers Must Not Ignore

The retail industry has greatly transformed in a period of just ten years. Moreover, the sector continues to evolve due to innovations in technology and business as well as the ever-changing consumer habits. In order small retailers to have the chance to survive and grow on today’s company-flooded market, they need to learn to use two very important things – creativity and flexibility. However, all that will be pointless if small business retailers are not familiar with the latest trends in the retail sector. In this article we will introduce you to some of the most significant of them which must not overlooked by small business retailers. Read more

Retail industry in times of still struggling economies

The retail industry mechanism involves obtaining goods in large quantities directly from manufacturers or wholesalers and then reselling the products in smaller quantities to customers through retail outlets, bazaars or online. Consumer spending is crucial for the viability of any economy, be it developed or emerging one. Therefore, the health of the retail industry is an important economic factor in a country’s development.

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Google Prepares to Open Chain of Retail Stores

Google is said to follow the steps of its competitors Microsoft and Apple. The company may soon open a chain of its very own retail stores.

The information came from the website 9to5Google.com, which claims that it received these details from very trustworthy insiders. In addition, the site was the first to publish a report on Google’s retail stores plans. Read more

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