São Paulo – The year of 2020 brought on more changes to UAE retail than the last ten years combined. A Gulf News report went over the shopping habits created by the pandemic, and what shopping will look like towards the end of the year.
A poll about holiday plans showed that shoppers won’t go looking for the latest smartphone or fashion item. They are more likely to spend on kitchen appliances and fitness equipment, as well as on “work-from-home” items like computers and phone accessories.
The shopping and lifestyle brought about by the pandemic will likely not go away soon, Gulf News reported.
Grocery sales are expected to stay online and net an expected USD 1.2 billion by the end of the year. That’s 5% of overall such sales in the country – through March, that rate was 1%. The industry will keep growing as more players join the e-commerce playing field.
‘Omnichannel’ sales are also finding a place in the UAE’s retail universe, Gulf News reported, allowing shoppers to place their orders and then come over to collect them at their convenience.
The fashion industry resorted to ‘buy-one, get-one-free’ strategies and app-based sales.
Consulting firm Nielsen argues that job-related concerns and the threat of Covid-19 will impact end-of-year shopping. On the other hand, people will be more willing to spend money on themselves.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum