Smart Stores Expo 2018 Enjoys Huge Industry Response

Technology adoption is powering the shift in retail and the UAE is at the forefront of taking significant strides towards embracing innovations shaping the future. This is evident from the positive response Smart Stores has received since it opened on Tuesday at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Center.

The largest event for the retail sector in the region, Smart Stores Expo has gathered the who’s who in global and regional retail to present game-changing strategies, concepts and products to help players create a road map to future success.  The event comes at an opportune time when the retail sector continues to enjoy strong growth and at the same time poised for further development.

His Excellency Juma Mohamed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs of the UAE Ministry of Economy graced the opening and delivered the keynote address at the conference.  In his speech, Al Kait acknowledged that retail has been an important contributor to UAE’s economy and will continue to play a pivotal role in the country’s development.

The first day of the conference featured insightful industry presentations and forward-thinking tactics on how to future-proof your retail business.  Drawing key interest were talks on Smart Retail Landscape in the Middle East, The Future Of Shopping Centers, and Digital Transformation in Retail with AI Technology.

On the other hand, the exhibit proved itself as the perfect venue to network with experts from leading international retail service providers.  On showcase are innovative concepts spanning the Build, Manage and Operate categories.  From talking robots to smart mirrors to the latest in RFID technology, Smart Stores Expo exhibitors have something new to draw crowds.  A new feature in this year’s event is the Retail Leasing, which offers upcoming retail real estate projects for top brands to open shop.

The show saw top retailers from leading brands visiting to get a feel of what Smart Stores has to offer.  Among them are representatives from Union Coop, Al Tayer, Landmark and Majid Al Futtaim.

“We are pleased to see such enthusiasm from the retail community to innovate and gear up for the future. Harnessing technology to deliver a new shopping experience and grow your business is a key imperative for retailers to find new customers and to hold existing ones.  It is critical for every player in the industry to move forward with new innovations and I can honestly say that Smart Stores Expo is world class in every respect when it comes to resources driving the future of shopping,” stated, Jayaraman Nair, Chairman of VIS Exhibition, organizers of the event.

Talking about their participation at Smart Stores Expo, Ajoy Ramanathan, General Manager, Hassan Mohd. Habib (HMH) Est., said, “The industry has changed rapidly in the last 5 years and the pace is really accelerating.  Automation is a key driver in this shifting landscape, especially with the customers always looking for something innovative in the brands’ offerings.  I am confident of future prospects in the region, especially with Dubai leading the way.  Smart Stores is an important platform to showcase how robust our innovations are for the region.” Among those showcased by HMH Est. are kiosk and digital signage, remote connectivity solutions, and visitor authentication and management system.

Smart Stores Expo 2018 is at Hall 3 of the Dubai International Exhibition And Convention Center, and will conclude on Thursday, 6^th September.