Dubai - Mubasher: The retail sector in the Gulf countries is expected to achieve an annual growth rate between 7 and 12%, according to experts participating in the smart stores expo 2017 in Dubai.

This comes despite some markets of the GCC witnessing a decline in building and construction sector, as well as a slow global recovery, according to the expo press release.

Panelists at the session said that 85 to 90% of the materials used in retail or any interior designing process in the region are imported, which makes sustainability a challenge.

Opinion leaders from the retail design industry met at a roundtable organised by Smart Stores Expo 2017, where they agreed that with more international brands entering the booming MENA retail market, sustainability is gaining interest among retailers.

There is also an increasing focus on consumer comfort and ‘Shoppertainment’, which is driving innovation in the retail design sector, according to the report.