'One-Stop-Shop' retail concept for industry professionals

Retail City, the international retail real estate exhibition and conference and InRetail, the exhibition for suppliers of products and services to the retail industry are set to pool their resources for a second successive year. Combined, the two premier retail events, which are due to take place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) on 3-5 June 2007, will dictate the region's US$ 100 billion retail environment, by creating a 'one-stop-shop' concept, that will benefit retail professionals' industry-wide.

Naomi Koningen, Project Manager, Retail City 2007 said, "Last year we both launched new retail shows simultaneously. Due to our alliance, our messaging was clear, concise and consistent enabling retail professionals right across the industry spectrum to understand our combined 'one-stop-shop' solution. That strategy was overwhelmingly successful and we are looking forward to even greater success this year."

Under the arrangement, Retail City and InRetail have initiated a joint public relations campaign and are actively cross-referencing each other's events on their websites. Highlighting their holistic strategy, a direct mail campaign is also underway which will be mailed to their respective databases. Onsite the two retail events will share signage and relevant trade visitors will receive pre-registered tickets for both shows.

Retail City will focus on international and regional retail property professionals to develop new joint ventures, exchange views, identify new investment opportunities and encourage retailers and franchises to set up shop in the Middle East. InRetail will have the experts on hand to provide the design, fit-out and management solutions required by the region's architectural and design firms, multiple and independent retailers and supermarkets as well as the region's real estate developers for their upcoming retail projects.

"Combined, the two events provide an all-embracing forum for the retail industry unrivalled by any other event in the region. It also proves that different event organisers can work together for their own mutual benefit as well as that of exhibitors, visitors and of the industry as a whole," added Koningen.

Middle East retail developments rank as the second largest growth sector after the residential real estate sector. With 5.3 million square metres of retail floor space already completed and a further 4.6 million square metres of gross leasable area (GLA) still under construction, the retail sector is estimated to be worth US$ 100 billion per annum in the Middle East.

Dubai is currently the regional hub for retail therapy. With some 1.3 million square metres of retail development, it currently represents one quarter of the GCC's total retail space. According to Retail International, cash tills will ring to the tune of US$ 3,500 per square metre by 2009. Interestingly, Dubai now has one of the most saturated retail environments in the world with more than one square metre of retail space per head of population.