Wearables opportunity in MENA retail

More than 40% of major technology and consumer electronics retailers and e-tailers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are not yet stocking wearable technology. This was the key finding from a survey carried out by retail channel event DISTREE Middle East. The wearables survey, undertaken earlier this month, collected responses from senior executives at 57 of the region’s top retailers and e-tailers. Read full story

Dimension Data expands in Ghana

IT solutions and service provider Dimension Data has increased its presence in West Africa, opening a new office in Ghana. Dimension Data has been operating in West Africa for a decade with an operation in Nigeria. In addition, Dimension Data has offices in Nigeria through its subsidiary Plessey, and in both Nigeria and Ghana through Internet Solutions. Read full story

Eset targets online sales in Middle East

Security solutions vendor Eset has launched a Middle East online store for its antivirus and IT security products. Eset reckons that 10% of its Middle East sales will come via its newly established e-commerce presence. Eset reckons that e-commerce is booming in the Middle East, citing a 2013 online shopping behaviour survey by MasterCard. This survey concluded that almost 50% of consumers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar already shop online with other GCC countries also showing strong e-commerce growth. Read full story

Dell evolves EMEA channel programme

Dell has announced a series of new programmes and incentives to strengthen its commitment to its EMEA channel partners. Dell is offering a selection of programmes specifically targeted to partners, including increased access to equipment, a suite of tailored financial services and a 2% rebate on software sales for Dell premier partners. The range of initiatives has been designed to support EMEA partners to grow their businesses more profitably with Dell, according to the vendor. Read full story

Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) launches new award categories ahead of DISTREE Middle East 2014

The Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) has announced that its 2014 awards will include four submission-based categories, including two brand new awards. All entries will be assessed by a VIP Jury of retail channel experts, with the overall winner in each category announced at the ‘MERA: 2014 Awards’ Gala Dinner held in Abu Dhabi in conjunction with DISTREE Middle East on 21st May 2014. Read full feature

INTERVIEW: Jihad Youssef, Promate Technologies

Retail brands are getting ready for next month’s DISTREE Middle East 2014. The three-day event has become the ‘must attend’ annual platform for face-to-face meetings with senior executives and top buyers the region’s leading technology retailers and e-tailers. Jihad Y. Youssef (JY), general manager sales and marketing Middle East and Africa at device and accessories brand Promate Technologies, spoke to Channel EMEA about the company’s regional retail strategy. Read full feature