The Saudi Retail Forum (SRF) 2023, organized by IMAGES RetailME, successfully concluded its first edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in shaping the future of the GCC region’s retail industry. The forum, held in Riyadh, served as a pivotal platform to honor and recognize key contributors to the retail sector, acknowledging their innovative initiatives that are shaping the landscape of the industry.
Bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, innovators, and global retail giants, the SRF 2023 echoed the legacy of the Middle East Retail Forum (MRF), initiated 12 years ago in the UAE. The event aimed to foster insightful discussions, creating a great space for impactful conversations that would help in charting the course for the future of retail in the Middle East.
The SRF focused on a range of topics, presenting many retail opportunities lying ahead for Saudi Arabia. Exploring themes from Retail Tech Vision 2030 to the futuristic landscape of shopping centers, the forum provided a comprehensive view of evolving consumer behavior and the transformative power of technology, particularly in AI-driven marketing.
In addition to technological discussions, the culinary scene featured a flavorful journey, offering insights into the evolving food and beverage sector. The spotlight on Saudi fashion and lifestyle revealed a market poised for revolutionary trends, showcasing the region’s potential for growth and creativity. The forum maintained a keen focus on homegrown initiatives ready to make a global impact, exploring the dynamics of e-commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
One of the highlights of the SRF was the recognition and celebration of outstanding achievements in the retail sector. The event featured an awards ceremony honoring the Most Admired Retailers in various categories. Notable awardees included;
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
BEAUTY & WELLNESS Charlotte Tilbury
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
FOOD & GROCERY LuLu Hypermarket
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
CHILDREN’S WEAR Baby Fitaihi
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES SKECHERS
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
PHARMACY & HEALTHCARE Nahdi Medical Company
Most Admired LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT RETAILER of the Year:
Monopoly Lifesized Riyadh
Most Admired RESPONSIBLE RETAILER of the Year:
LuLu Hypermarket
Most Admired E-COMMERCE RETAILER of the Year:
IKEA
Most Admired Retailer of the Year:
HOME & HOUSEWARE Nice
Most Admired Value Retailer:
Fashion Brands For Less
Most Admired Value Retailer:
Food & Grocery Panda Retail Company
Most Admired Transformation of The Year in The Food Service Sector:
KUDU
Most Admired CUSTOMER SERVICE INITIATIVE of the Year:
REDTAG
Most Admired CUSTOMER SERVICE INITIATIVE of the Year:
Giordano
Most Admired Emerging Tech Adopter of the Year:
Panda Retail Company
Most Admired RETAIL TRANSFORMATION of the Year:
Steve Madden
Most Admired Retail Launch of the Year:
ASICS
Most Admired Experiential Retailer of the Year:
Cold Stone Creamery
Most Admired STORE DESIGN of the Year:
FASHION & LIFESTYLE DREAM
Most Admired STORE DESIGN of the Year:
FOOD SERVICE STARBUCKS
Most Admired STORE DESIGN of the Year:
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT CoComelon Playdate Riyadh
Most Admired STORE DESIGN of the Year:
FOOD & GROCERY Manuel Supermarket
Most Admired STORE DESIGN of the Year:
PHARMACY & HEALTHCARE Nahdi Medical Company
Most Admired BRAND CAMPAIGN of the Year:
Home & Houseware IKEA
Most Admired BRAND CAMPAIGN of the Year:
Food Service Tim Hortons
Most Admired BRAND CAMPAIGN of the Year:
Fashion & Lifestyle Nayomi
Most Admired RESPONSIBLE RETAILER of the Year:
Al Hokair Group
Most Admired RESPONSIBLE RETAILER of the Year:
TOMS
The success of the SRF 2023 reinforces its position as a transformative event that not only recognizes achievements but also catalyzes positive change and innovation within the retail industry. The forum’s profound impact on shaping the retail narrative in the region solidifies its significance as a crucial annual event contributing to the evolution and progress of the sector.
