Overview
Next Big Things In Retail, organized by Fast Company Middle East of which we were the proud strategic partner, highlighted significant transformations impacting retail businesses and how consumers shop. Serving as a platform where retail industry leaders and visionaries converge, it focused on inspiring action in the rapidly evolving retail and digital commerce industry.
Bringing together global retail leaders, international brands, regional groups, innovators, and tech and customer experience experts, the summit hosted sessions, panels, debates, and workshops, making it a global first and an impactful retail summit.
Sessions
November 12, 10:30 a.m.—11:05 a.m. AST
Panel Discussion: How can retail drive profitable growth and economic progress?
As the retail landscape evolves, recapturing profitable growth remains a critical challenge. This session explored innovative strategies to enhance profitability through cost management, value proposition enhancement, and technological advancements. Additionally, the retail sector's role as a significant economic driver was examined, with retail sales in the Middle East projected to reach $282 billion by 2025 (Statista).
The session covered:
How retail can act as an engine for economic growth by creating jobs, stimulating investments, and fostering innovation.
What practical strategies can retailers implement to enhance profitability and drive economic growth?
How can digital transformation support revenue growth and cost efficiency in the retail sector?
Moderator: Dr Martyn Davies, Executive Advisor; Head of City Excellence; Retail Sector Leader, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Speaker: Joe Abi Akl, partner and IMEA head of Retail and Consumer Goods, Oliver Wyman
Panellists: Ahmed Yousry, co-founder and chief executive officer, Rabbit; Erdem Inan, chief executive officer, Trendyol Group
November 12, 12:35 p.m.—12:55 p.m. AST
Keynote: This is how AI is making retail smarter
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the retail industry, offering innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and boost profitability. In a market where AI in retail is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025, it's essential to understand its transformative potential.
The session covered:
The change required within organizations to cut through the noise and effectively leverage AI-powered solutions to enhance customer experience, drive efficiency within its operations and drive smarter decisions.
In time of disruptions and intensified pressure, why leaders within organizations need to think and act differently to stay ahead of the curve and relevant for its customers and shareholders.
Speaker: Cyril Semaan, partner, Retail and Consumer Goods, Oliver Wyman
November 12, 3:00 p.m.—3:10 p.m. AST
Keynote: KSA grocery retail: Time to differentiate
The grocery retail markets in Saudi Arabia is changing quickly — and as consumer expectations rise and competition grows, retailers need to adapt to keep up. There is still room for expansion, but as competition is increasing, it becomes essential to understand consumer preferences and to differentiate. However, our recently conducted consumer survey shows limited differentiation between Saudi Arabia’s grocery retailers.
The session covered:
The current starting point of KSA's grocery retail landscape.
A deep dive on consumer sentiment on major trends, draw comparisons to other markets and share key hypotheses on how we expect the market to evolve.
What is needed to emerge as a winner in the expected wave of consolidation.
Speaker: Alexander Poehl, partner, Retail and Consumer Goods, Oliver Wyman
Future Of Retail Trends
The Evolution Of The Middle East's Retail Sector
Meet The Team
