In this episode of What’s in Store, we sit down with Mark Jan Kar to explore what it takes to run one of the region’s most iconic entertainment venues. From managing 15,000-person events to launching Dubai’s first pro basketball team, Mark shares insights on fan experience, data-driven decisions, and building a true cultural hub in the heart of the city.

In this episode of What’s in Store, we sit down with Mark Lack, CEO of Circle K Arabia, to explore the rapid expansion of Circle K in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. Mark shares insights from his 40-year career in retail, spanning multiple formats and countries, and discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of growing a convenience store empire in a post-pandemic world. From Circle K’s innovative franchise model to the role of technology in supply chain management and customer engagement, this episode dives deep into what it takes to scale operational excellence while staying true to community roots. Tune in for an engaging conversation on leadership, retail innovation, and the future of convenience in the region.

In this episode, Mussaab Aboud, Deputy CEO of Grandiose, joins us to discuss the company’s vision of blending traditional supermarket experiences with dining and gift-giving elements. The conversation covers key strategies, such as leveraging market trends and upholding high standards for quality and customer service. Mussaab also highlights technological advancements like traffic tracking systems and loyalty programs. The episode delves into challenges such as market saturation and private labeling while offering insights into staff training, rapid expansion, and future trends in the retail industry, including sustainability and digitalization.

This episode delves into the fascinating world of Tamimi Markets with Ghada, the Chief Strategy Officer. We explore her journey from an academic background in engineering to a strategic role in retail, emphasizing her passion for logical thinking, problem-solving, and customer-centric marketing. Ghada shares insights on Tamimi’s strategic vision, focusing on providing an exceptional family feel and localized customer experience, leveraging technology for operational excellence, and maintaining a balance between innovation and traditional values. We also discuss recent initiatives aimed at enhancing customer engagement, loyalty, and the challenges and trends shaping the retail industry in Saudi Arabia. Tune in to discover how Tamimi Markets continues to evolve and set itself apart in the competitive retail landscape.

This episode features Matt Doka, co-founder of FiveStars, for a discussion on retail loyalty. From his early days in consulting to building a loyalty management powerhouse now part of SumUp, Matt’s journey is a testament to innovation and perseverance. In this episode, we explore the inspiration and mission behind founding FiveStars, the principles of successful retail loyalty programs, effective personalization techniques, and emerging trends in the loyalty space. Matt also shares his experiences scaling from a startup to a global company, offering insights into transforming customer transactions into meaningful relationships and the future of retail loyalty.

In this episode of 'What's in Store?' hosted by Sanad Yaghi, co-founder of DTEK.ai, Stephen Howard-Sarin, Managing Director of Retail Media Americas at Criteo, discusses the intricacies of retail media advertising. Stephen shares his experiences from his ten-year journey in the industry, including his time at Walmart and Instacart and his current role at Criteo. The conversation delves into the dual motives of retail media: generating new revenue streams and increasing sales through effective advertising. Stephen explains the technological, organizational, and market challenges retailers face while building retail media networks and highlights the importance of balancing monetization metrics such as ROAS with merchandising metrics. The episode examines the future role of in-store media and emphasizes the importance of local execution and cultural alignment within retail companies. Stephen also offers critical advice to new entrants in the retail media landscape, stressing the need for clean data and local market knowledge.