Global retailers to expand Saudi Arabia presence

23 November 2011: Large scale expansion is still on the agenda for international retailers next year, in spite of the challenging consumer environment and an increasing share of shopping being done online. Nearly three quarters of international retailers (71 percent) are planning to open more than five stores in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by the end of 2012, with 20 percent of retailers looking to open 40 stores or more in 2012 compared to 18 percent in 2011.

The Middle Eastern markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar have seen a significant increase in retailer interest compared to last year, with 15 percent or more of the surveyed retailers targeting these countries in 2012. Although retailers have been targeting a wide variety of markets they are still seeking to minimize risk.
More than half of retailers (52 percent) are aiming to open stores in new cities, but in markets in which they already have a presence a similar proportion to last year.

Source: Zawya