Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf

This latest edition of the podcast from Seamless Middle East sees Alex joined by Adnaan Jassat, the CEO and founder of Thriller, the online marketplace for sneakers that sees buyers and sellers come together to exchange sneakers and trainers.

The sneaker sector is massive – estimated to reach $40 billion by 2025, according to Adnaan – and he explains how Thriller is establishing itself in that market, including working with some of the biggest and best-known influencers on the planet and potentially expanding to become a marketplace for other collectibles, such as clothing and figures.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Karl Lillrud, a speaker at Seamless KSA, to explore the transformative role of AI in retail and e-commerce. We discuss the challenges companies face in adopting AI and the importance of differentiating and measuring its impact. Karl shares insights on using AI for customer interactions, such as implementing AI bots for support and tailoring customer journeys through AI-driven CMS. We also delve into the adaptability of Western companies compared to the agile approaches seen in the Middle East. Join us as we uncover how AI is reshaping the commerce landscape and what it takes for businesses to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

In this special episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Jennifer Drury, the marketing head for Seamless Middle East and Seamless Saudi Arabia. Jennifer shares insights into the evolution of the Seamless conferences, which have been pivotal in the digital commerce industry for over two decades. We discuss the impressive growth of Seamless Dubai, which now attracts over 20,000 attendees, and the burgeoning potential of Seamless Riyadh, set to become a major business hub. Jennifer also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of organizing events in the Middle East compared to Europe. Tune in to discover why Seamless is a must-attend event for anyone in the digital commerce space and how it's adapting to new marketing channels like podcasts to engage audiences.

E-commerce within the fuel industry comes with its own particular challenges, so Alex’s guest for this podcast - Suryaveer Singh, Head of Loyalty at ENOC Retail – was hugely insightful about those challenges and how ENOC was addressing them.

They discussed how ENOC had embraced the digital change required to keep pace with changing customer expectations, its innovative loyalty program and use of customer data and the differences in consumer fuel habits between UAE and the US / Europe.

Join me, Alexander Graf, in episode #117 of Commerce Talks as I sit down with Rajiv Warrier, CEO of Choithrams, at the Seamless Conference in Dubai. We delve into how the Middle East's leading food retailer is navigating the evolving e-commerce landscape. Rajiv shares insights on Choithrams' journey from its origins in Sierra Leone to becoming a retail powerhouse in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. Discover how Choithrams was an early adopter of online shopping in 2015 and how it has adapted to post-pandemic consumer demands. We discuss the balance between simplicity and technological investment, the role of marketplaces like Instashop, and the unique customer experiences offered through platforms like WhatsApp. Tune in to learn how Choithrams is making its mark in the competitive world of e-commerce.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Anton Nehaenko, CEO of Yalla Market, at the Seamless Conference in Dubai. We delve into how Yalla Market is revolutionizing B2B commerce by applying B2C quick commerce strategies. Anton shares insights into their ultra-fast grocery delivery service, achieving delivery times of 11-12 minutes, and their expansion plans across the Middle East. We also explore Yalla Hub, their innovative model that assists global brands in entering the Middle Eastern market by handling logistics, marketing, and customer engagement. Discover how Yalla Market is navigating the competitive landscape of quick commerce and redefining convenience for both businesses and consumers. Join us for a fascinating discussion on the future of commerce in the region.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Kartik Bhatt from Sharaf Retail to explore the dynamic world of retail in the Middle East. Kartik shares insights on managing a diverse portfolio of brands, from fashion to adventure, under the Sharaf umbrella. We discuss Sharaf's strategic focus on sustainable growth, emphasizing profitability over rapid expansion. Kartik also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in the region, including the thriving demand for outdoor adventure products and the evolving retail landscape. We delve into Sharaf's successful transition from brick-and-mortar to omnichannel retailing, and how they maintain brand vitality in a competitive market. Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of retail in this vibrant region.

Join me, Alexander Graf, on this episode of Commerce Talks as I sit down with Piyush Chowhan, the Chief Digital Officer at Panda Retail, to explore the art of picking in the grocery industry. Recorded in Dubai, we delve into Panda Retail's digital transformation journey in Saudi Arabia, where they hold a significant market share. Piyush shares insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of transitioning from offline to online grocery retail in the region. We discuss the impact of high smartphone penetration, the shift towards digital payments, and the evolving e-commerce landscape driven by convenience and demographic changes. Discover how Panda Retail is navigating inventory management, delivery logistics, and the art of picking to meet the growing demand for online grocery shopping. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the future of grocery retail in Saudi Arabia.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Saad Tounzi from ADNOC at the Siemens conference in Dubai to explore the unique intersection of commerce and the oil industry. Saad shares insights into how ADNOC Distribution has become one of the largest merchants in the UAE by operating over 500 service stations and 360 convenience stores. We discuss the customer-centric approach that sets ADNOC apart, including their seamless mobile app experience and extensive product offerings. Saad also delves into the future of mobility, highlighting ADNOC's plans for expanding electric vehicle infrastructure. Tune in to discover how ADNOC is redefining convenience and retail in the oil sector.

Mina Salman is the brilliant mind behind the renowned Pakistani fashion and beauty brand, Bagallery. Mina is an accomplished entrepreneur, trendsetter, and a true trailblazer in the industry. Bagallery has disrupted the traditional retail landscape, embracing technology and social media to create an immersive customer shopping experience. We explore her strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and her insights on building a brand that resonates with a diverse audience.