LMRC Market Watch
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Study shows customer experience will overtake product and price as a key brand differentiator by 2020
July 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL. In an ever changing and fast paced world where alternatives are rife, customer experience is rapidly becoming one of the most important elements of a business’ success.
Dubai trumps London as top city for US expats
July 29, 2015
Americans favour Dubai over London as workplace
People looking for jobs abroad are attracted by the safe and secure environment, as well as the employment opportunities and international lifestyle that Dubai offers, according to Caroline Pain, marketing director, Aetna International.
Dubai: Dubai has emerged as the most sought-after destination among residents in the United States who are looking to work abroad.
Retailers don’t expect higher prices after fuel price deregulation
July 28, 2015
Petrol prices will be up by 42 fils to Dh2.14 per litre in August
Dubai: Some retailers in the UAE have said that they will not increase prices of their products even as they expect higher logistics costs in the coming weeks.
The government announced yesterday that petrol prices will be up by 42 fils to Dh2.14 per litre, while diesel prices will drop from Dh2.90 to Dh2.05 per litre for the month of August.
Fawaz A Alhokair & Co announces strong interim financial results
July 23, 2015
Saudi Arabia-based Fawaz A Alhokair & Co (Alhokair Fashion Retail) has announces a strong set of interim financial results, with gross profit at approximately $142 million, 19.9% higher than the corresponding period last year.
Net and operational profits are also higher compared to last year, rising by 10.5% and 10.9%, respectively.
Drop in foreign direct investment in Arab region
July 23, 2015
KUWAIT CITY: Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Arab states dropped 8.0 per cent last year with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia attracting close to half the total funds, a report said on Sunday.
Arab states attracted FDI worth $43.9 billion (40 billion euros) in 2014 compared with $47.5 billion the previous year, the Kuwait-based Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp said in its report.
Vince Camuto Celebrates the Opening of its First Store in Qatar
July 23, 2015
Doha's Lagoona Mall Welcomes Vince Camuto
Doha - Qatar fashion lovers celebrated the opening of the country's first Vince Camuto store. Located in Doha's exclusive Lagoona Mall, the flagship store offers a wide range of stylish Vince Camuto shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories.
Retailers reap Eid sales bonanza
July 21, 2015
Expect the buying trend to continue till end of the month
Dubai: Major consumer electronic retailers reaped a harvest from Eid sales last weekend, especially on smartphones, by offering discounts and bundled offers to tourists and residents alike.
UAE food and beverage sector set to grow 36% by end of 2015
July 21, 2015
UAE. Youssef Jammal, a regional hospitality expert based in the UAE and head of hospitality and retail in ‘The H Holding Enterprise’, a leading investment group in the country, says the food and beverage (F&B) sector is set to grow 36 per cent by end of 2015.
Quoting a report by the British firm KPMG, he said another 1,600 food and beverage outlets would be added by 2019 in Dubai.
Bahrain's retail sector growing on all fronts, says CBRE
July 19, 2015
Bahrain's retail sector continues to witness development both in the destination and community mall segments, according to the a new report by consultants CBRE.
Its Q2 2015 Bahrain MarketView said that following hot on the heels of established and newly completed centres, new neighbourhood retail and food and beverage offerings are now being added to the pipeline.
Dubai retailers enjoy Eid sales surge, high footfall
July 18, 2015
The jump in retail sales during 'Eid in Dubai' comes at a time when malls and souqs across Dubai have launched special offers and promotions.
With the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Fitr' celebrations in full swing, Dubai's retailers have been witnessing a boost in sales, with some of them anticipating a double digit growth during the citywide festivities which ends on Wednesday.
UAE now one of top 10 markets in the world for retailers
July 15, 2015
The UAE scored highly for the quality of its infrastructure and its economic environment. Reem Mohammed / The National
The UAE has been named as one of the top 10 markets for retailers in the world.
The Retail Operations Index by the construction consultancy Arcadis found that the UAE was the eighth-most popular global location among international retailers – the highest in the Middle East.
Retailers aim to cash in on Eid frenzy
July 15, 2015
Dubai: Key consumer electronics retailers in the UAE are looking to cash in on the Eid shopping frenzy, with most offering good discounts and bundled offers to entice tourists and residents alike.
They expect smartphones to steal limelight, followed by laptops and TVs.
Former Qatar PM invests in Spanish retailer
July 14, 2015
Former Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani has acquired a 10 per cent stake worth 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in the privately owned Spanish department store chain El Corte Ingles.
It is the first time El Corte Ingles, has opened its share capital to a foreign investor, Reuters reported.
Urgency of Middle East digitisation in Internet of Everything era takes centre stage at GITEX Technology Week 2015
July 14, 2015
UAE. From drones to robotics, GITEX Technology Week 2015 will mark its 35th anniversary by showcasing live demonstrations of next generation technology solutions that will drive Middle East business transformation in the Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging Internet of Everything (IoE) era.
Former Qatar PM buys $1.1bn stake in Spanish retailer El Corte Ingles
July 14, 2015
Privately owned Spanish department store chain El Corte Ingles has sold a 10 percent stake for 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, the former Prime Minister of Qatar, it said on Monday.
It is the first time that El Corte Ingles, a household name in Spain, has opened its share capital to a foreign investor.
Neighbourhood Retail Centre ground breaking in Janabiya
July 12, 2015
First Bahrain brings proven expertise to this new retail development
Manama - Construction is underway on a neighbourhood retail centre in Janabiya, following a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new development where images of the new facility were publicly unveiled for the first time today.
Why businesses need a strategy for big data
July 12, 2015
Companies should adopt a more calculated approach to their big data projects
Conferences and journals regularly explore big data’s potential to transform the nature of executive decision-making, or to fundamentally revamp a particular business model. However, despite often large investments, many organisations are still not getting the most from big data.
eXtra signs MoU to acquire 51% stake in Mohammad Yousuf Sager & Co
July 8, 2015
Saudi Arabia-based consumer electronics retailer eXtra (United Electronics Company) has announced its intention to buy 51% of another KSA-based fashion and accessories retailer Mohammad Yousuf Sager & Co.
Bullet points with the boss at Yas Mall shooting venue
July 8, 2015
Gameplan has partnered with Tasleeh Entertainment to offer the experience at their newly opened shooting venue, the Battle Zone, in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall. Delores Johnson / The National
Ever fantasised about shooting your boss? Entrepreneur Jack Craine can make it possible, not literally of course.
UAE consumers beat global average in technology usage, reveals BT-Avaya global research
July 7, 2015
UAE. Tech savvy consumers in the UAE are more active on social media platforms that the global average according to findings of a new global report commissioned by BT and Avaya.
Prices to rise as shop rentals skyrocket
July 3, 2015
JEDDAH: Shop rentals at certain malls have risen by 200 percent, with this cost likely to be passed on to the consumer, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said here recently. Muhammad Al-Shehri, chairman of the JCCI's textiles and garments committee, has appealed to consumer protection officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to intervene and place an annual cap on increases.
Previous posts
Pi.Dubai adds Italian flavour to UAE food scene
It’s September, which in Dubai means lots of new restaurants to tempt your palate — most of them international offerings from the US or UK.
DOP: Aug 1, 2015
Source: Business.com N.910
How to Effectively Use Visual Storytelling for Your Brand (Infographic)
More and more social platforms are embracing a visual approach.
DOP: July 24, 2015
Source: Social Times N.904
Converse rolling out first Chuck Taylor update in 98 years
DOP: Sep 9, 2015
Source: Kuwait Times N.897
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star fans rejoice! Your favorite sneaker is receiving its first construction update since debuting 98 years ago. The idea behind the All Star II is comfort,,,,,
Univision Announces Long-Term Partnership With Snapchat
DOP: July 23, 2015
Source: Social Times N.916
Hispanic-targeted broadcast television networkUnivision announced the formation of a long-term partnership with photo-sharing application Snapchat.
