Construction

Supply chains aid retail

By Melanie Mingas

Posted on September 11, 2012

Middle East rated as one of the most straight forward regions for retailers to establish businesses

Global consultancy EC Harris has named the Middle East as one of the most straight forward regions for retailers to establish businesses in its first first annual Retail International Programme Expansion (RIPE) Index.

Taking 8th, 11th and 15th place, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, were rated for the capability of their construction supply chain, ‘ease of expansion’, quality of transport infrastructure and supporting legal frameworks.

The top 20 features three Middle East countries, six European countries and four from the Far East, concluding that an open business environment, mature property capability and the availability of prime shopping locations, make the most favourable destinations.

“International expansion presents great opportunities for retailers experiencing low growth in their domestic markets,” commented Middle East regional leader John Williams.

“Consumer appetite for luxury international brands is strong across the Middle East, and our report suggests that retailers are able to set up much more easily here than in markets such as China or India. Successful international expansion is about balancing the desirable with the feasible. Success is down to making a careful and committed choice, maintaining realistic expectations, and making plenty of adaptations along the way,” Williams added.

The top 20 list in full