Dubai-based supermarket chain Union Coop has affirmed that the present market saturation with stores and e-commerce portals has enhanced competitiveness in the markets.
This is especially relevant in the retail outlets that employ innovative methods to promote products and offer discounts, reaching up to 50-70 per cent to stimulate online purchases and motivate consumers to take advantage of the promotions.
The soaring e-commerce sales have prompted an increase in the number of consumers using online platforms, as the percentage of online sales is steadily increasing every month, as per the statistical data reported by each store, the Cooperative stated in its report.
This is largely thanks to the time and effort saved for consumers, who can see all available offers from different outlets at once and compare them before making a purchase decision.
As the majority of its outlets have committed to offering online purchasing with either ‘on-site pickup’ or free home delivery, the Cooperative followed suit.
Union Coop underscored that consumers tend to have a high level of trust in e-commerce platforms due to the services provided that protect their rights, offer attractive alternatives and provide reasonable pricing, especially for highly demanded electronic products, food and non-food items.
It should also be noted that retail outlets have increased their competitiveness through these platforms by reducing delivery time and fees, preserving the right to return goods if they do not meet specifications, providing shopping wallets, and earning loyalty points to reach a wider range of consumers and boost their sales.
The Cooperative disclosed that it handles around 1,100 online orders daily.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce forecasts that e-commerce’s share of retail sales in the UAE is poised to reach 12.6 per cent of total retail sales by 2026, indicating promising growth opportunities in the sector and the rapid adoption of e-commerce in the UAE, the report noted.
This analysis indicates an increase in price transparency by providing price comparisons for products sold through online platforms.
