Gulf’s traditional retailers are coming to grips with e-tailing

Dubai: More of the Gulf’s traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are coming to grips with the e-tailing aspect of their operations.

At the apparel retailer Giordano M.E., sales via the online channel accounts for 5 per cent of its overall and the aim is to double the tally in two years. Having a significant brick-and-mortar retail presence makes it easier for us to move to online as the overall inventory is [the] same,” said Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director of the regional arm.

“Our online business actually complements our brick-and-mortar stores as it also fulfils a requirement of having the merchandise sent to the customer’s home should it not be available in our stores. All major Gulf r retailers are aware of the importance of online and omni-channel retailing ... we will see a lot more investments into this and many more entrants.”

Giordano’s inventory management system links up all its retail stores and markets, whereby real-time information is created to ensure it manages an optimal days of inventory (DoI). “Corrective action can be taken promptly for any variances from the standards set,” Chugani said.