Dubai: In line with the needs of the Middle East’s fastest-growing business sectors including retail, entertainment, and education, Epson Middle East will showcase its latest business display solutions of immersive experiences from digital signage to hybrid and remote and classroom models at Integrate Middle East this year.Professionals in the AV and multimedia landscape can experience the advantages delivered by Epson’s corporate solutions showcased at Integrate 2023 including the world’s smallest, compact 20,000lm 3LCD laser projector EB-PU2220B to EB-PU2216B of 16,000lm.Deployed at some of the Middle East’s most visited events and entertainment destinations, Epson’s display solutions address the demand for ease of installation, minimal maintenance, and compelling visuals. Similarly, changing demands in the region’s education sector and hybrid corporate work environments have increased Epson’s market reach ahead of Integrate 2023.Jason McMillian at Epson Middle East said: “Demand is increasing exponentially for Epson’s professional display solutions in events, concerts, shopping malls, education facilities, healthcare and at corporate offices supporting remote or hybrid work models. From having the world’s smallest laser projector to catering to large-space immersive experiences, Epson’s solutions deliver memorable visuals to any venue.”He added: “Using our signage projectors such as the EB-805F, you can now bring any space – a museum, retail environment, headquarters, or classroom – to life.”With easy installation, set-up and maintenance, Epson’s EB-PU2220B is the smallest 20,000lm 3LCD projector globally yet delivers a high-impact immersive experience for large auditoriums, live events, concerts, and conference rooms. Epson’s projectors such as the EB-PU2216B also support featuring premium laser projection with a 4K enhancement and a 20,000-hour virtually maintenance-free laser light source.Epson’s EB-805F is a bright and scalable ultra-short throw display solution producing scalable projections of up to 130 inches, helping produce borderless images onto ultra-wide surfaces including glass and curved walls. Additional solutions that will be on display are the LightScene EV-115, the interactive projector EB-1485Fi, and Artome M10.Epson looks forward to welcoming all visitors at Integrate Middle East 2023 to witness an immersive experience using their innovative solutions.

Dubai: Apparel Group, a global leader in fashion and lifestyle retail, is proud to announce the launch of 25 new stores across the Middle East, and India, reinforcing its commitment to providing an unparalleled shopping experience for customers.In Kuwait, Apparel Group opens 12 new stores in the prestigious Khiran Mall. The brands making their debut include Beverly Hills Polo Club, Dune London, Birkenstock, Steve Madden, Levi’s, Havaianas, Ximi Vogue, The Children’s Place, BBZ, R&B, LC Waikiki, and LC Waikiki Kids, demonstrating the Group's dedication to offering a wide array of shopping choices to consumers in the region.The Group's homegrown brand, R&B, continues its rapid expansion with the opening of 9 new stores in various locations, such as Hijaz Mall in Makkah, KSA; Salalah Grand Mall in Oman; Tahlia Street in Qunfudha, KSA; Panorama Plaza in Kharj, KSA; Tawar Mall in Qatar; Al Nakheel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; The Avenues Mall in Kuwait; Hilite Mall in Calicut, India; and City Centre Mall in Mangalore, India.In the UAE, Crocs has opened a new store in Deerfields Mall, further expanding its presence in the region. Beverly Hills Polo Club also celebrates store openings in Deerfields Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE, as well as in Al Shatea Mall, Dammam, KSA, and Sharaya Street, Makkah, KSA.Apparel Group's relentless pursuit of growth and innovation ensures that customers can enjoy a diverse selection of fashion, footwear, and lifestyle products. The expansion strategy underlines the Group's dedication to providing an outstanding shopping experience across the region and beyond.

Dubai: UAE homegrown retail conglomerate, Sharaf Retail significantly expands its presence in the lifestyle market across Middle East and Far East with addition to the opening of the 11th store of its lifestyle flagship brand, Cotton On at the world-renowned Dubai Mall.The new store is spread across an area of 4,601sq. ft. of shopping space that mirrors the group’s expansion strategy across the region.Cotton On is an Australian-based global fashion and lifestyle brand and the newest location will be offering a wide range of on-trend clothing, accessories, and homeware for men, women, and children.Founded in Geelong, Australia in 1991, Cotton On has quickly become one of the world's most recognized fashion and lifestyle brands. The brand is known for its affordability, diversity, and commitment to empowering people of all backgrounds to express their individual style and make their mark on the world.With the addition of its 11th location in the UAE, Cotton On continues to expand its reach and bring its unique blend of fashion and lifestyle to even more customers. The new store in Dubai Mall offers shoppers an immersive experience, featuring the brand's signature range of clothing, accessories, and homeware."We are thrilled to be opening the 11th store of Cotton On in the UAE, and our newest location in Dubai Mall," said Yasser Sharaf, Vice President Retail, Hospitality, Industry and financial services, Sharaf Group. "Cotton On is all about offering affordable, on-trend fashion and lifestyle products that empower people to express their individuality. We believe that our new store in Dubai Mall will be a fantastic addition to the retail landscape in Dubai, and we can't wait for customers to come and check it out."Sharaf Retail is rapidly expanding in the Middle East and Far East having opened 7 stores in the last 12 months across all brands under Sharaf Retail in Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman.Sharaf Retail specializes in retail development and brand building, with expertise in design, manufacturing, store operations and e-commerce creating a seamless brand and consumer experience across multiple touchpoints.

Kuwait: Apparel Groups’ famous lifestyle and fashion brand R&B Fashion opened the doors of its milestone 100th store at The Avenues Mall, Kuwait. The grand opening was attended by key influencers and artists across the fashion industry, special guests including famous Kuwaiti actress Elham Alfadalah, officials of Apparel Group and attracted visitors and onlookers.  The new retail destination, spread over 12,000 sq.ft, is expertly curated to showcase an extensive range of trendy fashion while incorporating the best from the international runway for children, ladies and men across fashion apparel, footwear, beauty, toys and accessories. R&B Fashion also embraces diversity and body positivity by offering a choice of styles in a broad range of sizes. Shoppers have the freedom to select from a collection that is closest to their personal style.Speaking about the launch of the 100th store in Kuwait, Arun Pagarani, Chief Executive Officer R&B Fashion, said: “Our growing presence in the region is a testament to the trust placed on us by our loyal customer base. We are thrilled to expand our brick-and-mortar presence in Kuwait with the opening of R&B’s flagship store at The Avenues, which marks our fourth store in the country, and celebrates this momentous 100th store in the GCC.”“Our mission has always been to make our brand experience accessible to our customers, and we will continue to strive for it as we expand our presence in the GCC even further. This opening is also an important occasion for us to celebrate, as it gives the fashion-forward shoppers in Kuwait a new choice to shop for the upcoming Eid” concluded Arun Pagarani.The UAE-based lifestyle and fashion brand continues expanding its footprint in the GCC and Indian markets since its operations in Oman in 2012 at the MGM Mall. With 40 stores planned to be opened in the first half of 2023, majorly across The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and India, R&B Fashion is at a fast expansion growth.A true Omnichannel player, R&B Fashion provides customers with online shopping convenience across all GCC market through its user-friendly e-commerce platform

According to a study conducted by Toluna, a leading provider of market research and consumer insights, the United Arab Emirates market has projected higher expenditure estimates for the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr in 2023 compared to 2022.As per the study, consumer shopping intention in the UAE for the upcoming period will increase by 33% this year compared to last year. The increase can be seen across all sectors, including entertainment (up by 25% from last year), and groceries (up by 23%), socializing (up by 24%), traveling abroad (up by 21%), staycation (up by 28%), food delivery (up by 28%), and cosmetics (up by 28%).The survey shows that the majority of respondents, 91%, plan to give Eid presents this year, with children (64%), parents (52%), and friends (45%) being the primary recipients. Specifically, 39% of respondents plan to increase their spending on Eid gifts, 48% aim to make the occasion more special this year to compensate for the pandemic years and to treat themselves and their loved ones. 41% noted that prices are higher this year, and as a consequence they plan on spending more on gifts, and 33% intend to give gifts to more people this year.Sweets, toys, cash, and perfumes ranked high on the list of most popular Eid gifts for family members: sweets, dates, and chocolates (57%), cash money (Al Ayadi-48%), toys and games (37%), and perfumes (48%), followed by cosmetics and beauty products (28%), and fashion clothing (42%).Additionally, the poll found that purchasing for fashion, toys, and games is migrating to e-commerce, with 100% planning to do more shopping for these items online during the Holy Month this year; 36% of respondents shop online multiple times each week, mostly for fashion, toys, and games.Consumer expectations regarding brands during RamadanWhen asked which factors influenced their decision to purchase during Ramadan, 53% chose deals and promotions above price (56%). According to the study, consumers would like to see brands be more generous during the Holy Month, with 49% wanting to see better promotions and special deals; for example, (67%) would like to receive product discounts when purchasing car insurance, and (56%) are interested in free gift vouchers. Although 59% anticipate banks to give discounts on shopping during Ramadan, 49% expect discounts on dining out and 43% on delivery.Moreover, 42% preferred brand advertising to be inspired by the spirit of the month and focused on charity and donations, while 41% preferred brand marketing to be centered on positive values. "We saw a considerable rise in plans to spend, with customers prioritizing purchases connected to food, apparel, and gifts for their loved ones," said George Akkaoui Enterprise Account Director, Toluna MEA , commenting on the survey’s findings. “During Ramadan, brands must understand the cultural importance of the month and customize their marketing activities accordingly. By giving unique discounts, promotions, and producing content that is aligned with the spirit of the season content, organizations may engage with customers on a deeper level and embed brands in the community, since the impact they make during this Holy Month can have a long-term influence on customer loyalty".