Hong Kong retail funds booked gross sales of US$82.6 billion in the first three quarters of this year – surpassing the full-year total for 2024 – as inflows into fixed-income products surged, according to data from the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association (HKIFA). Gross sales jumped 35 per cent year on year. Net sales reached
Aldi USA has teamed up with Uber Eats to bring its range of organic meats, fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, globally sourced wine, bakery items, and seasonal products to the delivery platform. Over 2,500 Aldi locations nationwide are now accessible through the app, with plans to expand to 3,200 stores by 2028. Shoppers using SNAP-EBT can
Global consumer habits have shifted due to the convenience of online shopping. However, while many countries are seeing fewer populated shopping malls, the Middle East retail spaces are still driving excitement for consumers. This growth is reinforced by a recent report, which shows that the overall UAE retail industry is projected to grow at a
A new report by eToro reveals a significant shift in investor preferences across the UAE, with 87% of retail investors now relying on fintech platforms. This trend indicates a growing departure from traditional financial institutions, driven by accessibility and evolving expectations of digital-first experiences. The findings point to Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s
Fashion retailer H&M is set to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create digital twins of 30 models. It says it will use the AI doppelgangers in some social media posts and marketing in the place of humans, if given permission by models. “We are curious to explore how to showcase our fashion in new creative
Masafi, the UAE’s pioneering bottled water brand, is marking the holy month of Ramadan with a special-edition packaging, created in collaboration with Emirati artist Mariam Abbas. The design, featured on Masafi’s water and tissue products, pays homage to the nation’s cultural heritage, woven with the values of resilience, unity, and tradition. The design, inspired by
The visionary CEO and President of Nature’s Way, a leading manufacturer of natural and organic cosmetics, Yoshiaki Hagiwara has always been deeply committed to sustainability and wellness. Under his skilled supervision, Nature’s Way has become a prominent player in the growing natural and organic cosmetics market. With a focus on natural ingredients and innovation, the
The e-commerce sector in the MENA region, valued at $1.80 billion, grew by 30% in 2024, according to a joint report by Flowwow and Admitad. The market witnessed online orders growth in 2024, with 7% increases in the UAE and 9% in Saudi Arabia, anchoring their positions as the region’s industry leaders. Saudi Arabia, the
Australian retail sales dipped in December as payback for a Black Friday splurge the month before, but discounting helped shoppers make a desperately-needed contribution to economic growth over the whole fourth quarter. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that retail sales fell 0.1% in December from November, when they had risen by
Creative agency Awkward Ads has partnered with Mountain Dew and Doritos to launch a daring new campaign aimed at capturing the adventurous spirit of Gen Z in Iraq. Awkward Ads was tasked with creating a campaign as bold as the brands it represents, and shattered the mould. The concept, rooted in the brands’ dual identities,
