Retailing

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken up consumer goods and service industries in the Middle East, putting pressure on supply chains and depressing sales as lockdowns and job losses squeeze discretionary spending. Essential items such as packaged food,…

Stores continue to invest in systems that make buying easier, more convenient, frictionless, while e-commerce players are expanding their shopping capabilities, helping consumers to find better, more targeted products. In the process, these two…

As consumers prepare fewer meals overall, while demanding more assistance for the ones they do, spending and brand equity will accrue to those companies providing fresh prepared meals on demand, from delivery aggregators to retailers, restaurant…

After a relatively strong performance during the pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions, supermarkets in South Africa once again benefited in 2023 from consumers’ renewed focus on essential products due to economic pressures. The channel’s…

In 2023, supermarkets in Nigeria navigated a dynamic retail landscape characterised by inflation-driven shifts in consumer behaviour, intensified competition, and adaptations to economic challenges. The high inflation rate in Nigeria significantly…

Moroccan consumers exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to prices and often rely on traditional supply methods, prioritising trust and availability when selecting vendors. A positive store image is thus crucial in their purchasing decisions. While rural…

The performance of supermarkets in Egypt is positively impacted by the government’s “We Are All One” initiative. Introduced and monitored through the Egyptian government, the initiative aims to push retailers and suppliers to offer consumers extra…

With relatively low bargaining power, small local grocers in South Africa have become more exposed to the persisting inflationary pressure since they often source their products from wholesalers. The latter tend to have higher markups in comparison…

Small local grocers in Nigeria experienced rapid growth in 2023 due to their strategic advantages over larger retailers. Their proximity to consumers allowed for convenient access to essential goods, particularly for those living in densely populated…

In 2023, government intervention played a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of small local grocers against mounting competition from modern retail formats. Recognising the economic importance of these traditional outlets, the government…