Concepts like connected stores, virtual fitting rooms, and self-serve technologies showcased at the region’s biggest retail technology show

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: UAE retail sector is fast adopting innovative technologies; this was evident from the latest technologies showcased at Smart Stores Expo being held at Abu Dhabi International Convention Centre from 23 to 25 January 2017.

The largest event for the retail sector in the region, for the first time, showcased innovative concepts in four broad categories - Smart Store Design, Smart Store Technologies, Smart Store Services and Smart Virtual Stores. The event saw active participation from several leading local and international retailers who showcased various game-changing concepts and products that will transform the retail landscape in the region.

The Smart Stores Expo conference, held as part of the three-day event proved to be the perfect platform for retail entrepreneurs to network, listen to industry experts, interact with leaders and takeaway best practices on being successful in the retail industry.

The conference opened with a keynote address by Taiyab Ghafoor, Country Head, Axiom Telecom. Speaking on the occasion, he said in this digital era it is essential to devise strategies and pro-active solutions that will help retailers across the region to provide an ideal shopping experience to its customers.

He also highlighted how Smart Stores Expo has provided retailers an ideal platform to discuss ideas and explore new ways and means to keep up with the rapid advancements in the digital space.

The conference also staged high-profile speakers from the region, representing reputed brand names like Sedar, Elo Touch Solutions, Xplace GmbH, Philips Lighting, Umdasch Shopfitting LLC and concluded with a panel discussion on ‘The Importance of Sustainability to the success of Retail brands in Middle East.’

“We are seeing technological advances in every aspect of the retail industry, with companies trying to offer consumers the best of both worlds, digital and physical. To showcase these advancements, we have brought together region’s most influential retailers and solution providers under one roof. We urge visitors and professionals in the retail industry to visit Smart Stores Expo, through which we aim to create awareness about the latest trends in the industry.” stated, Jayaraman Nair, Chairman of VIS Exhibition, organizers of the event.

Talking about their participation at Smart Stores Expo, Sebastien Fourcy, VP Sales Western Europe – MEA – Latin America, said, “For years, SES-imagotag has delivered an array of services to retailers across the world including smart digital price tags and pricing automation. Smart Stores is an important platform to showcase how robust our innovations are for the region.  Today, we’re presenting an interesting solution, which we call shopper engagement and allows customers to find in-store all the information available online as our digital tags display, for instance reviews and stock data. They can also access the web page of the product via a NFC tap or by flashing a QR code displayed on the digital tag. We’re confident that consumers will definitely enjoy interactive shopping experiences such as this. Through this event, we’re looking to reach out to potential business partners from the region.”

The Smart Stores Expo, which kicked off on Monday will conclude on Wednesday, is playing host to several leading local and international exhibitors. A footfall of over 2000 attendees is expected over the three-day event.