How is Sbsial regrowing store sales in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

With the changing behavior of consumers in the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it has become essential for every merchant to have a clear roadmap for marketing and increasing sales. Below, we present a comprehensive guide based on data and studies from Tabby , providing you with everything you need to know to understand the market, analyze customer behavior, and adopt the best tools and platforms. It also highlights the smart solutions offered by the Sbsial app, which helps you excel in a highly competitive market.

Major shifts in Gulf consumer behavior The rise of the digital consumer 68% of shoppers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE always enjoy shopping online. The 18-27 age group is the most inclined to shop digitally (80%), while older groups are gradually moving towards digital channels. Convenience, speed, and variety of options are the main drivers. New buying motivations Shopping is no longer just for necessities; it has become a means of entertainment and stress relief (14% of shoppers). The ease of comparing products and prices online enhances consumer power. Trust is key: 36% of customers consider honest reviews the most important factor in their purchasing decision. Digital challenges facing stores The lack of reviews or communication raises doubts (21% and 19%, respectively). Difficulty paying or lack of preferred payment options causes 35% of customers to abandon a purchase. Free shipping, even if it's included in the price, doubles purchase intent. Challenges facing traditional stores Sales decline and stores turn into "showrooms" Although 75% of shoppers enter a store intending to buy, the fear of finding a better price online causes them to postpone their purchase or search online later. Physical stores are often just places to browse products, while purchases are made online. Sources of purchasing inspiration have changed. The store's website is the number one source of inspiration (46%). Social media comes in second (20%). Surprise: Older adults are more influenced by social media content than younger people. Demand for flexible payment options 92% of customers want flexible payment options in-store. Saudis discover these options through promotional signs, while Emiratis prefer to ask the cashier. Social Media – The New Competition Arena Today, social media is one of the most prominent arenas of competition in the world of digital marketing. Social platforms have become not only a place for communication and entertainment, but also a vital tool for brands to engage with their audiences and build sustainable relationships.

In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, TikTok and Snapchat stand out as the most influential and popular platforms among users, especially young people, who represent a large segment of the market.

The most influential platforms TikTok and Snapchat are dominating the scene in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where millions of people use them daily for entertainment and communication, making them an ideal environment for brands seeking to reach a young and active audience. TikTok, for example, has over a billion active users globally and is known for its short, viral videos, providing businesses with significant opportunities to increase brand awareness and generate widespread engagement. In Saudi Arabia alone, platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are among the most widely used, with over 22 million Snapchat users and 28 million YouTube users, reflecting a large and diverse audience.

However, statistics indicate that only 36% of customers regularly follow brands on these platforms, meaning that a digital presence alone is no longer enough to capture customer attention or build lasting relationships. Therefore, brands must develop engaging and innovative content strategies that go beyond traditional exposure.

The importance of immediate interaction In this context, customers prefer direct and quick communication with stores via social media, especially through applications like WhatsApp, which provides a personal and seamless communication channel.

Prompt support and direct interaction have become key factors in building customer trust and loyalty. Consumers seek immediate answers to their questions and interactive experiences with the brand. This type of interaction improves the relationship between the customer and the store, transforming the shopping experience into a more human and personal one.

Therefore, the importance of social media goes beyond just publishing content. It extends to building an ongoing dialogue with customers, which increases the chances of retaining them and turning them into brand ambassadors.

How can stores benefit from smart marketing solutions like Sbsial? Having reviewed the importance of social media as a vital platform for engaging with customers and building trust, we now turn to how stores can capitalize on this opportunity through smart and innovative marketing solutions like the Sbsial, which provides merchants with effective tools to enhance their digital presence and increase their sales in an integrated and modern way.

Celebrity Ads – Building Instant Trust Connecting with celebrities through platforms like Sbsial is one of the fastest ways to build trust with customers. Celebrity endorsements create powerful and immediate "social proof," giving a store credibility even if it's new to the market. This strategy reduces reliance on traditional reviews, which can be delayed or limited, and helps gain new customers' trust quickly, increasing the chances of converting them into actual buyers.

Exclusive Content – Creating an Emotional Connection Sbsial offers exclusive and diverse content, such as celebrity reviews, stories, and experiences with the products, transforming the shopping experience into an emotional and meaningful journey. This content makes the store not just a point of sale, but an interactive platform where the customer experiences the brand's story.

The result is increased repeat visits, enhanced customer loyalty, and sustained brand engagement.

Podcasts and Live Audio Streaming – Authentic and Instant Engagement The app also offers the ability to organize live broadcasts and interactive podcasts , allowing stores and celebrities to engage directly with customers. These sessions can be used to answer customer inquiries, launch new products, or share inspiring stories that enhance customers' sense of belonging and confidence.

This interaction creates a cohesive community around the brand, creating a more vibrant and personalized shopping experience, which positively impacts sales and loyalty.

Turning challenges into golden opportunities Proactively building trust Instead of waiting for reviews, Sbsial gives you the opportunity to build trust through influencers and exclusive content. This reduces customer anxiety towards new or lesser-known brands. Influencing emotional purchasing decisions Exclusive, celebrity-backed content makes the shopping experience fun and emotional, increasing the likelihood of immediate purchase. Increase store visits and conversions Celebrity content inspires customers to visit the physical store, especially older age groups. Exclusive events or offers can be organized with celebrities to attract visitors and stimulate purchases. How to get started and get the most out of smart marketing? Find the right influencers: Choose celebrities and influencers whose audiences align with your store's target audience. This makes it easier to build effective relationships with potential customers and increase brand credibility. Create unique and engaging content : Tell real stories and experiences related to your products, and organize live events or interactive campaigns that capture customers' attention and strengthen their connection to the brand. Use podcasts and live streaming: Take advantage of these tools to connect directly with customers, answer their questions, and showcase new products in an interactive way that increases trust and encourages purchases. Promote flexible payment offers: Through platforms like Sbsial, advertise flexible payment options and discounts to attract a wider segment of customers and facilitate purchases, which increases conversion rates. Analyze results and develop strategy: Monitor the performance of marketing campaigns using analytics tools, and be prepared to adjust plans based on data to continually improve results. The future of retail starts now. Success in business is no longer a matter of luck or chance. Rather, it is the result of a deep understanding of consumer behavior and the use of smart tools like Sbsial, to build trust, stimulate engagement, and increase sales. This guide, based on Tabby's experience and data, is a roadmap for every merchant striving for excellence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Get started today with Sbsial , and be part of the future of smart retail.