Chapter 1: Where we shop and how we pay
63% of GenZ in the UAE choose retailers that let them shop on social media
The main goal for retailers is simple: turn browsers into buyers. And delivering the experiences customers expect is key to making that happen. While online channels, especially social media, are popular among younger shoppers, physical stores remain the preferred choice for many. What matters most is connecting every channel to create a seamless, cross-channel journey. And when it comes to closing a sale, it often comes down to one thing: letting customers pay how they want.
Finding 01
GenZ scrolls, Boomers stroll
Shoppers in the UAE now have more ways to buy than ever, whether through TikTok, the Metaverse, or traditional online stores. Despite this, physical stores remain popular and outperform ecommerce overall. However, a significant proportion of shoppers value both channels equally. And, if you’re selling to people under 40, don’t overlook social, which seems to be a bit of a retail blind spot.
Finding 02
Consumers in the UAE crave connected commerce
The ubiquity of the smartphone means shoppers have a digital sales channel in their pocket at all times. They can check in-store stock before leaving the house, browse and read reviews on the way to the shop, and try on the sweater in blue—then order it in red via the app. And they expect retailers to be just as fluid as they are. They want to be able to return online purchases in store, buy directly from their TikTok feed, and access your entire inventory from the shop floor.
Finding 03
Payment methods can make or break a sale
Payment is one of the most critical moments in the buyer journey. Get it right, and you close the sale; get it wrong, and you risk losing the customer—possibly forever. Today, payment technology and trends are evolving fast. As new, more streamlined payment methods appear, consumers become increasingly less accommodating of outdated, clunky payment experiences.
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