Did you know that word-of-mouth recommendations drive 20-50% of all purchasing decisions? In retail, customer advocacy is a cornerstone of success. This session explores proven strategies that empower brands to cultivate customer advocacy through exceptional service, innovative loyalty programs, and engaging customer experiences. Learn how to transform satisfied customers into passionate brand ambassadors, leveraging the power of recommendations to drive growth and loyalty in the competitive retail landscape.

As retail continues to evolve, consumers in the Middle East are no longer shopping as a distinct activity. Instead, they are perpetually surrounded by moments of inspiration that can seamlessly convert into transactions. This session explores how brands can create a truly unified and immersive Customer Experience (CX) across digital platforms, from apps to retail media and the emerging super apps that are reshaping the industry.

The potential for content creation with AI is endless. In today’s digital landscape, brands creating content can harness AI to increase engagement and conversion while optimizing their operations. This session will showcase some of the latest technologies being used by retail brands. Imagine streamlining your lookbook content or creating unique, holiday-specific images for the same product with an easy swap. Discover how AI enables brands to create tailored visuals quickly and at minimal cost, redefining seasonal marketing strategies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the retail industry, offering innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and boost profitability. In a market where AI in retail is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025, it's essential to understand its transformative potential. This session focuses on the change required within organizations to cut through the noise and effectively leverage AI-powered solutions to enhance customer experience, drive efficiency within its operations and drive smarter decisions. In time of disruptions and intensified pressure, leaders within organization need to think and act differently to stay ahead of the curve and relevant for its customers and shareholders.

In the competitive retail landscape, design and experience are key differentiators. Retail design innovation can significantly enhance revenue, with studies showing that well-designed stores can increase sales by up to 40%. This session explores how brands like IKEA leverage innovative design principles to create engaging environments that drive customer loyalty and boost sales. Additionally, transforming service teams into experience teams is crucial in creating memorable customer interactions. With 86% of buyers willing to pay more for great customer experiences, how can retailers effectively train and empower their service teams to deliver exceptional experiences?

The Middle East’s digital marketplace is booming, with e-commerce sales projected to exceed $48.6 billion by 2025. To thrive in this competitive environment, regional retailers must do more than just keep pace with global giants like Shein and Temu—they need to build future-ready digital ecosystems. This session will explore how retailers can create seamless, immersive experiences by blending AI, data, and real-time customer interactions. Experts will discuss key strategies for leveraging technology, enhancing customer experience, and adopting sustainable practices to stay ahead in the ever-evolving retail landscape. How can regional brands harness these ecosystems to anticipate customer needs and compete on a global scale? What innovations and frameworks are critical to building a vibrant and resilient digital marketplace?

A recently conducted Oliver Wyman consumer survey shows limited differentiation between Saudi Arabia’s grocery retailers. In this impulse presentation we will explore the current starting point of KSA’s grocery retail landscape, deep-dive on consumer sentiment on major trends, draw comparisons to other markets and share key hypotheses on how we expect the market to evolve. Finally, we will discuss what is needed to emerge as a winner in the expected wave of consolidation.

Influencer marketing remains a pivotal force in shaping consumer behavior, with 89% of marketers citing ROI from influencer campaigns as comparable to or better than other marketing channels and 87% of sellers confirming the effectiveness of social selling. How can brands harness influencer partnerships to authentically connect with and influence their target demographics? This session explores current trends and best practices in influencer marketing, providing insights into strategies that drive engagement and enhance brand credibility.

Retailers are grappling with the challenge of converting shopper intent into actual purchases in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace. The high volume of online browsing often fails to translate into sales, leading to missed opportunities and revenue loss. How can businesses effectively convert shopper intent into action? This session explores strategies and technologies that drive conversions, from personalized marketing to seamless checkout experiences, ensuring that potential sales turn into actual transactions.