Retail Middle East to introduce revolutionary concepts and technologies in the regional retail arena

The three-day event, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will feature everything related to the retail industry including Retail Concepts, Shop Fitting & Store equipment, Visual merchandising, Signages, P O P, Store design, Retail technology & equipment, Logistics, and Security systems.

It is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM), USA, and Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI), USA, and with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Retail Middle East is making its debut at a time when the retail sector in the region is experiencing unprecedented growth due to the booming GCC economies - the result of rising crude oil prices.

As per a recent survey of shopping centres carried out by the UK-based Retail International in the GCC region, some 3.8 million sq. m. of retail space has already been completed with 2.2 million sq. m. under development.

A major development that has impacted the regional retail industry as a result of this expansion in retail space is the intensification of competition amongst retailers. Retailers in the region are now being compelled to adopt new strategies to counter the cut-throat competition and maintain their leadership edge. It is with this purpose that they are now becoming more conscious of issues like customers' search for individuality, customisation of services and store design details among other things.

Keeping this requirement of the regional retail industry in mind, Retail Middle East will showcase a range of retail display and shop fittings including Backroom equipment, Wood/Glass/Metal/Wire fixtures, Gondolas/Hangers, Merchandise storage systems, Showcases, Vending and automatic machines, Shopping carts and baskets, Mobile sales points, Dispensers, Freezers, Refrigerated showcases and equipment, Warehouse fittings and equipment, Heated display cabinets, Food processing and packaging machinery and cold room and deep-freeze rooms.

Going by the boom that the region's retail industry is currently experiencing, it is estimated that by 2010 the market will be worth over US$ 500 billion.

Retail Middle East will aim to help regional retailers cope with this accelerated growth not only by introducing them to a wide range of new products, concepts and technologies, but also through the impart of knowledge about the latest developments in the field. It is with this motive that the Middle East Retail conference will be held concurrently with the exhibition.

The conference will assist retailers in the region develop more effective cross channel sales strategies, improved supply chain management and new information markets. It will be addressed by internationally acclaimed advertising and marketing consultants, Retail Real Estate consultants, Brand Managers, and successful local entrepreneurs.

Given the exclusive profile, Retail Middle East is expected to attract over 4000 investors, potential franchisees, architects, designers, consultants brand managers, retail shop owners and retail industry professionals from across the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region.