Leading Digital Transformation Enabler GreenHonchos Announces Its Presence in GCC

The retail landscape is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by the sweeping wave of digital disruption that has left a significant mark on the $308 billion retail sector within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). This seismic shift is creating a divide where some brands find themselves disrupted while other forward-thinking and innovative brands are capitalising on the opportunity to become disruptors themselves, shaping the future of retail. The shift from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to the realm of online click-and-order commerce is now a defining feature of this evolution, with brands wholeheartedly embracing Digital Commerce as the cornerstone of their revenue growth strategies.  

E-commerce in the GCC

The digital transformation commenced initially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the rapid surge of the Internet beginning in 2000, with adult Internet users growing from 1% to a remarkable 23% in just one year. Fast forward to 2023, this figure has soared to an astounding 99%. 

Navin Joshua, Co-founder of GreenHonchos, said, “Big change catalysed during the COVID-19 pandemic where the development of online marketplaces outpaced the e-commerce growth in GCC region which were further accelerated by the digital commerce adoption by new-age omnichannel consumers who are looking for a seamless purchasing experience online.” 

The latest GCC E-commerce Report from GreenHonchos highlights the strengths and challenges of the GCC region, digital strategies to accelerate the growth of retail businesses and how brands can become global category leaders. He added, “Over 90% of Middle East buyers now prefer online shopping, with this number continuing to rise. GCC’s e-commerce market is set to nearly double by 2029 compared to 2023, with an expected CAGR of 11.5%. The Middle East’s e-commerce is projected to reach US $27 billion by 2025, representing a US $10 billion increase from 2020.”

GCC’s Key Challenges

Despite this promising outlook, e-commerce in the GCC faces unique challenges. For instance, the absence of a universal addressing system in the GCC impacts last-mile delivery. While there are some world’s best tech companies working in the eCommerce domain in the region, the user journey spanning from discovery to conversion and retention, grapples with the challenges of a fragmented tech ecosystem. Moreover, the lack of an integrated approach across digital touchpoints and channels of commerce to render a cohesive and seamless shopping experience for customers also poses a big challenge.

Additionally, trust issues with online retailers persist hindering customer confidence in digital transactions. Another noticeable challenge is the shortage of skilled workforce and the need for increased agility to adapt to the evolving needs of modern shoppers, reflecting the necessity for continuous skill development and adaptability within the GCC’s e-commerce industry. It’s worth noting that governments in the GCC have recognized the immense potential of e-commerce in the region. They have taken proactive measures by initiating various programs and policies aimed at fostering the growth of the eCommerce sector in the GCC region. 

K Ram Sudhirr, Director of Acquisitions & Growth said, “From developing high-conversion digital content that drives conversion and retention, GreenHonchos is dedicated to facilitating omnichannel brand growth in the GCC and beyond. Their technical prowess includes working with enterprise-grade platforms such as Adobe CC/Magento, Salesforce, and Shopify Plus and harnessing the power of complementary technologies like AI, ML, CPaaS, PWA, and Automated Marketing, to deliver nearly an unfair digital advantage for our GCC brand partners.”

GreenHonchos: Empowering GCC’s E-commerce Growth

GreenHonchos, the full-stack Digital Commerce enabler with over a decade of experience in scaling over 200 global retail brands online, seamlessly integrates best-in-class global technology, digital media, and commerce channels to provide a unified customer experience. GreenHonchos is known for weaving an integrated brand experience strategy for retail brands across all touchpoints in the online spectrum which keeps customers coming back for more, ensuring that Digital Commerce becomes a cornerstone of E-commerce brand strategy. With a domain expertise team of over 250 e-commerce specialists and experience spanning various sectors, including Fashion, Food, Beauty, and Home, GreenHonchos offers a comprehensive consulting, tech implementation, and results-driven framework to guide brands’ digital commerce journey.