QUIRKY MARKETING AND RETAIL TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR

The nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are renowned for their fast-growing economies and significant investments in marketing and technology. Some of the major marketing trends that businesses in the GCC countries can readily embrace are as follows:

Digital Marketing: Due to the GCC’s widespread use of the internet and smartphones, digital marketing has grown in significance. To reach customers, businesses are using digital marketing techniques including search engine optimization (SEO), and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Influencer Marketing: Influencer marketing is becoming more and more common in the GCC as companies look to use the influence of social media users to reach their target consumers. As they observe high purchasing power within their following base, organizations in the GCC are increasingly utilizing key influencers from the GCC market.

Video Content: For social media and other digital platforms, where video material is becoming more and more popular, more companies in the GCC are creating engaging video content. Strong video material may be seen in the ‘where is Messi video’ by Saudi magician Abdullah Ayyadah AlShammari, which became popular during the Saudi and Argentina match. This has increased awareness of Saudi Arabia and greatly aided millions of people throughout the world in learning more about Saudi Arabia.

The reach of influencer marketing and video is incredible with the budget you spend.

Fahim Matabdin

Fahim Matabdin is the Placemaking Marketing and Entertainment Head at Neom. He is an experienced Marketing, Retail Operations and Events professional with strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, which enables him to drive excellent results. His networking ability provides a solid foundation to help with collaborative business partnering with new clients. Fahim is a business leader with a proven track record of successfully leading and developing innovative marketing, communication and engagement strategies that deliver customer and shareholder value.

Mobile-First Strategies: Due to the rising rate of smartphone usage in the GCC, businesses are working harder to develop websites and mobile apps that are suited for mobile devices. Sales are increasing as a result of Gen Z and Millennial clients using their mobile devices to make purchases. Shein Fashion Online Shopping, Alibaba, Noon Shopping, Amazon, and Open Souq are popular brands for mobile phone shopping.

Smaller establishments are providing an option of making purchases using WhatsApp or Instagram DMs, which is becoming popular in places like the KSA and Qatar.

To provide customers with distinctive experiences, many retailers are putting an emphasis on personalization and customization. This is a fantastic instant impulsive buy. Brands such as Channel, Fendi and Louis Vuitton all offer personalization in-store.

Businesses are using data analytics more to understand consumer behavior and preferences and to help businesses to do more of a target approach base.

For many businesses, using social media and influencer marketing is a crucial part of their consumer outreach and product promotion strategies.

Personalization and Targeting: Businesses in the GCC are becoming more skilled at using data and analytics to tailor and target their marketing campaigns to consumer segments especially the luxury market in the GCC.

E-Commerce: In the GCC, e-commerce is expanding quickly and is predicted to reach $55 billion by 2023. In order to reach consumers, businesses are investing in online platforms and offering home delivery services, which makes it easier for customers to make purchases online.

The retail sector is increasingly using virtual and augmented reality technologies more frequently, especially for product try-ons and demonstrations. This is increasingly becoming popular in store changing rooms and is growing daily.

In order to appeal to customers who are socially and ecologically sensitive, retailers are now emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing. Sustainability and ethical practices are becoming more important to consumers, and retailers are responding by offering more sustainable and eco-friendly products.

As there is a greater need for contactless payments and contactless payment infrastructure, contactless payments are growing more popular.

For products like food, home goods, clothing and cosmetic products, subscription-based business models are becoming more and more common.

Retailers are expanding their investments in logistics and fulfilment operations to keep up with customer delivery expectations as e-commerce gains widespread acceptance.

Coming from a background in retail marketing, it is wonderful to identify the latest trends in both the retail and marketing industries.

Authenticity and Transparency: Customers in the GCC are growing more conscious of the effects of their shopping choices on the environment and society. Companies that are transparent and true to their core principles are what they are looking for.

It’s important to keep in mind that each GCC nation has unique cultural, economic, and political traits that can affect how effective these trends are, so it’s crucial to take these into account when developing a marketing plan for the area.

Trends in the Retail Industry

Numerous physical establishments now provide clients with online shopping choices as internet shopping continues to gain popularity.