Technology is, without doubt, perpetuating change in retail, but it’s an ever-spinning wheel that cannot – should not – displace the role of humans. Whether it’s helpful customer service staff, knowledgeable experts or just good, old-fashioned shop assistants there remains a place for people to enable the sector to gradually build consumer trust in its use of data.

Despite this, the UAE is at the forefront of innovation, with 66 percent of UAE firms investing in digitization to improve operations during the epidemic, which is 20 percent higher than the global average. Because 86 percent of UAE consumers anticipate firms to embrace technology to make their loyalty programs easier and more effective in the future.

By working with Deep North and its intelligent video analytics platform, the solution supports AI-based applications that help retailers use data insights to improve in-store shopping experiences such as optimizing product placement, preventing product loss, tracking inventory, helping shoppers avoid long checkout lines and diverting employees to where they can be of most assistance in a store.

During the peak of COVID-19 epidemic, brands and merchants introduced short-term solutions like curbside pickup and virtual styling, which transformed what customers expected from their shopping experience. According to the Connected Shoppers Report, as the barrier between physical and digital touchpoints blurs, customers expect brands and stores to follow their rules, and they have limited patience for poor experiences.

“We want to offer our customers the best value from their shopping experience, this DSF. They will have the opportunity to grab amazing deals, savings and flexible payment options when purchasing their preferred brand, With the Expo, an influx of tourists and the festive season – we expect a surge in sales ” said Mohammad Badri.