Testing time for retailers

RETAILERS in Bahrain must adapt to new ways of doing business quickly, or else run the risk of facing a closure, an official has warned.

An increase in online and delivery services indicates that consumers are changing the way they shop and this practice is set to become the new norm, said Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) commercial markets committee chairman Abdulhakeem Al Shammary.

This change in consumer behaviour has been prompted by the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) which has led to authorities introducing preventive measures including social distancing.

“The business of courier companies has jumped up by 40 per cent, and when we talk about couriers we talk about international trading and shopping,” Mr Al Shammary told the GDN.

“As for local delivery services their business has jumped by 60pc,” he added.

“It’s not a joke, the consumers will never go back to the traditional way of shopping.

“This is more convenient especially for the new generation, and you can consider through online trading that the market is much bigger than Bahrain.

“If local stores do not adapt to these changes they will be removed surely from the market.

“They should split their businesses into two parts: One has to be managed online, to serve those clients who are not ready to spend their time or step out to buy medicines, food, or spare parts for their vehicles.

“The second half of their business should be dedicated to serving those who are still too rigid and not ready to change.

“It has to be a hybrid of both, otherwise they will not survive,” he said.

Mr Al Shammary pointed out that the increasing number of delivery vehicles on Bahrain’s roads is an indication of how things have changed, adding that it was unlikely things would go back to the way they used to be.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/824276/Testing-time-for-retailers