Dubai is fast overtaking European Union in floor space in malls having sixteen times more per capita while the retail spend in the Emirates is expected to exceed $7.6 billion by 2009, according to estimates by industry.
By that time, Saudi Arabia would be looking at $6bn, and Abu Dhabi at $1.9bn. Similar remarkable data apply to the other countries in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
As a fallout of these developments, global and local brands are queuing up to open outlets, franchises are multiplying, and architects and designers are hiring extra staff to cope with the demand for enticing retail interiors.
There is now growing interest in the third InRetail trade fair, which will take place from June 8 to 10, next year, at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. This is the main annual event for the industry in the region, introducing the latest display systems and furniture, the most up-to-date technology and tantalising merchandising, while bringing together global experts and industry players from all levels of the retail industry. The visitor attendance at InRetail 2007 grew by a phenomenal 66%, a trend which is bound to continue in 2008.
Keeping in view the needs of retail professionals in the Arabian Gulf region, InRetail 2008 will focus on the three major product sectors which are of immediate concern to them. They are: Shopfitting and Visual merchandising, Retail Design and Consultancy, and Supply Chain Management and Technology.
Among the products and services covered in the Shopfitting and Visual Merchandising sector are: display systems, furniture, signage, mannequins, trolleys, lighting, flooring, joinery, turnkey systems and more.
Retail design and Consultancy features architectural and interior design services, project management, staff training, brand development, themed environments, concept retailing.
The Supply chain management and Technology sector includes IT solutions, security systems, stock control and logistics, CRM, ePoS, freight systems and audio-visual techniques.
’’The importance of good retail design cannot be overstated, and is directly linked to product sales and success,” said Exhibition Director Paula Al Chami.
