Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf

B2B marketplaces are a fascinating concept – more complex than their B2C counterparts but potentially hugely transformative. Ekuep is such a marketplace, supplying restaurants across the Middle East with kitchen equipment, and known for its quality products, large stock (10,000+ products), and capability to ship fast. I spoke with Shafi Baig, at Ekuep (and also consumer coffee marketplace Qavashop) about how he has helped establish a B2B marketplace and what it takes to be successful.

In this milestone 100th episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Athbi Al-Enezi, co-founder of JustClean, live from the Seamless Conference in Riyadh. Athbi shares the innovative journey of JustClean, a marketplace revolutionizing the offline laundry sector in the GCC. We delve into how JustClean aggregates laundries into a single platform, offering users the convenience of selecting pickup and delivery times, comparing prices, and reading reviews. Athbi explains the challenges of transitioning a traditionally offline industry to an online model, the development of a comprehensive laundry management system, and the logistics of meeting increased demand. Tune in to discover how JustClean is transforming the laundry business landscape in the Gulf region.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Frederic Levy-Perrault, CEO of Alraya Supermarket, to explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing e-commerce to the Saudi grocery market. Alraya, a 31-year-old supermarket chain, is known for its unique presence in the western part of Saudi Arabia and its pioneering approach in smaller towns. Frederic discusses the transformation journey of Alraya from a traditional supermarket to embracing modern trade, including the integration of e-commerce. We delve into the complexities of adapting to changing consumer behaviors, the impact of reduced government subsidies on purchasing power, and the potential of e-commerce in a market where logistics and service quality present significant hurdles. Join us as we uncover how Alraya is navigating these challenges and redefining grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Rob Silsbury, VP of E-commerce at Alshaya Group, to explore the dynamic landscape of e-commerce in the Middle East franchise sector. We delve into Alshaya's transformation from a traditional bricks-and-mortar retailer to a digital powerhouse, managing 80 global brands like Starbucks and H&M across the GCC and MENA regions. Rob shares insights on Alshaya's unique partnership model, which allows international brands to thrive in the Middle East by leveraging local expertise. We also discuss the challenges and strategies of building a robust e-commerce platform in a region where digital retail is still evolving. Join us as we uncover how Alshaya is redefining retail success in the Middle East.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Tom McFadyen of McFadyen Digital to explore the evolving landscape of marketplaces. We delve into the marketplace maturity model, examining the transition from traditional e-commerce to platform-based models. Tom shares insights from his extensive experience in digital commerce, highlighting the shift from labor-intensive pipeline processes to scalable platform strategies. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in B2B marketplaces, the impact of Amazon's model, and the importance of adapting to new business models. Tune in to understand the dynamics of marketplace winners and losers and how businesses can leverage these insights for success.

Gen Z is taking over the consumer population and with that, social commerce is finding its way into the discussion for all commerce leaders. We spoke with Kapil Sethi at GMG about how they have evolved over decades to operate a global omnichannel experience for a number of brands. Listen in to learn about their bet on the growing health and wellness industry, how their logistics cater to both a B2B and B2C audience, and how e-commerce is changing with the next generation.

Lals Group is a GCC retail brand that operates a diverse portfolio of home-grown and franchise brands. With co-host Lina Gallagher, I spoke with Dharmendra Mehta who leads the e-commerce business, and offers his insight on the current market and the key learnings from helping to grow the e-commerce channels for both furniture and children’s clothing brands. Listen in to learn about their journey from offline to omnichannel, why businesses in that region have always had a goal of profitability, and his thoughts on the so-called addiction to discounting so many consumers have.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Muhammad Rehan Qadri, CIO of Khaadi, to explore the intricacies of building brand trust in new markets. Rehan shares insights into Khaadi's journey as Pakistan's largest fashion apparel brand, with a presence in the UK, UAE, and Qatar, and shipping to 20 countries. We discuss the impact of e-commerce in Pakistan, the challenges of logistics and digital payments, and Khaadi's strategy for expanding into markets like Saudi Arabia. Rehan also touches on the importance of maintaining brand integrity while exploring partnerships with platforms like Zalando and Amazon. Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of international commerce and the unique challenges faced by a growing brand like Khaadi.

Is it too late to join the ecommerce party? According to Curt Anderson from B2Btail, it's just getting started and now is the time to get in on it. Curt is a legend when it comes to ecommerce for B2B manufacturing and together, we had a great conversation about how companies can find what sets them apart and capitalize on it. Listen in to learn how to find your niche, the importance of a strong network, and how to dominate search.

At Seamless Saudi Arabia, we had the pleasure of speaking with Muzzammil Ahussain, EVP at Seera Group, about their travel sector and how they’re bringing the entire regional industry to the forefront of modern travel and commerce. Seera Group has expanded on the possibility of omnichannel travel purchases and guidance to bring new travelers to Saudi Arabia as well as help locals travel abroad. Listen to learn about how the culture of the region impacts their business, and why the industry will continue to grow in the coming years.