Panasonic bats for enhanced service and supply efficiency by collaborating with Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) has revealed a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO), KSA’s premier electronics and lifestyle retail distributor. This collaboration marks a significant evolution in the Kingdom’s retail and electronics sectors, as it pioneers a direct supply model in the Saudi market, aligning a major international manufacturer directly with a leading national retailer. The partnership is also strategically designed to redefine how Saudi customers access and experience Panasonic’s innovative products, bringing them closer to consumers through SACO’s extensive network of retail locations across the Kingdom.

The partnership was formalized in a signing ceremony held recently in Riyadh, attended by Hiroyuki Shibutani, CEO of PMMAF; John Hardy, COO of PMMAF; Abdel-Salam Bdeir, CEO of SACO; and, Makram Malaeb, COO of SACO.

This step underscores Panasonic’s strong and growing commitment to the local market. Moreover, it builds upon Panasonic’s recent inauguration of its regional office in Riyadh, which is seen as a strategic investment aimed at fostering closer connections with local consumers and strengthening relationships within the Saudi ecosystem.  The partnership with SACO further solidifies Panasonic’s long-term vision and growth strategy for the region. It enables the group to deliver a unique value proposition to Saudi customers though one of the biggest networks in the kingdom.

“This strategic alignment allows us to cater to the unique needs of the Saudi market through SACO’s extensive retail network,” Shibutani commented.  “SACO is recognized as a retail powerhouse in the Kingdom, and we are confident that through this collaboration, we have better opportunities to showcase the full spectrum of Panasonic’s cutting-edge consumer electronics and elevate the shopping experience for our Saudi customers, building upon our growing presence in the region.”

By combining Panasonic’s renowned technological expertise and its diverse range of consumer electronics with SACO’s deep-rooted understanding of Saudi consumer behavior and its expansive retail footprint, this partnership promises to deliver elevated and locally relevant product offerings and customer experiences. Together, the two companies will create unique in-store environments tailored to the preferences of Saudi consumers.

Expressing SACO’s enthusiasm for the business alliance, Mr. Bdeir, CEO of SACO said: “Partnering directly with a global leader like Panasonic will enable us to provide our customers with an even wider selection of cutting-edge electronics, and a more seamless shopping experience. Together, we will strive to drive mutual success and showcase our shared ambition for excellence.”

This alliance transcends a traditional commercial agreement, representing a shared commitment to co-develop innovative retail experiences, gain deeper insights into local needs, and shape the future of the consumer electronics market in Saudi Arabia. Panasonic and SACO are poised to establish a new standard for collaboration between manufacturers and retailers in the Middle East.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

Italian luxury clothing brand Paul & Shark has onboarded cricketer KL Rahul as its first-ever Indian athlete global ambassador.

With this association, the brand aims to make deeper inroads in India which is a key market for the brand’s international distribution network.

As part of the partnership, KL Rahul will feature in a campaign endorsing the brand’s spring/summer 2025 collection across Paul & Shark’s global platforms.

Commenting on the association, Andrea Dini, CEO of Paul & Shark in a statement said, “KL Rahul’s journey as an athlete, his international appeal, and his distinct sense of style makes him a natural extension of our brand’s values. This partnership is not just about fashion – it’s about celebrating a way of life that merges sport, travel, and contemporary elegance.”

KL Rahul added, “Paul & Shark just gets my style. The brand is effortless, sharp, and never trying too hard. It stands for quality and quiet confidence, which is exactly how I see fashion too. Being the first Indian to represent them globally makes it even more special, it feels like the kind of partnership that just fits.”

Founded in 1976, Paul & Shark has a joint venture partnership with Reliance Brands Ltd in India. It operates three stores across Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, along with five shop-in-shop doors and digital presence on Ajio Luxe.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the country’s national organization for retailers and suppliers, is staging the highly anticipated National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31 – August 1 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

The PRA, following the remarkable success of its 30th anniversary celebration, is committed to bring an even more dynamic and world-class experience to all attendees.

The NRCE not only offers invaluable learning sessions, but also serves as the ultimate platform to showcase their latest products and services. It’s a game-changing opportunity to elevate their business and forge meaningful connections with like-minded industry leaders.

The PRA is set to deliver an event that exceeds expectations.

This year’s theme, “Retail Game-Changers,” will highlight the trailblazers who are revolutionizing how to inspire and empower people, engage customers, harness cutting-edge technology, and achieve extraordinary growth.

Attendees will gain unparalleled insights into the critical success factors needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving retail landscape and return to the fundamentals that will drive long-term success.

“The NRCE will provide a reality check on the ongoing transformations within the industry, offering invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities reshaping the retail sector,” PRA president Roberto Claudio, who is also the chairman emeritus of Quorum Holdings Corporation (Toby’s Sports) said.

With the full support of the PRA Board of Directors and the esteemed 31st NRCE Committee—led by overall chairman Sam Gregory Lim, chief operating officer of Blims Lifestyle Group—this year’s event promises to be a packed program and expo, reinforcing the event’s reputation as the industry’s must-attend gathering.

This is your chance to be a part of the retail industry’s biggest and most significant event, where top retailers from across the globe converge.

Whether you choose to exhibit or sponsor, the 31st NRCE is the perfect platform to make your brand known not only in the Philippines but internationally.

For partnerships and exhibit inquiries, reach out to info@philretailers.com or specialprojects@philretailers.com.

Secure your slots early and register your team at www.nrce-ph.com to enjoy exclusive group discounts and be part of this must-attend event for retail professionals.

The 31st NRCE is sponsored by: (Platinum) ETP International PTE LTD, Globe Business, Relex Solutions, PLDT Enterprise, Converge; (Gold) Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Wilcon Depot; (Silver) Anchanto; (Official Partner) Innovation One; (Sponsor) eCloudvalley Philippines; and its official PR partner Media Blitz Group.

News Credits- Manila Standard

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

FASTFACT

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

News Credits- ARAB NEWS

Reliance Retail’s Fashion World has entered a strategic partnership with franchise consulting firm Francorp to scale its high-street fashion format across India. The collaboration aims to drive Fashion World’s nationwide expansion through franchising and offer new opportunities for small and mid-sized entrepreneurs.

“This partnership with Reliance Fashion World is not just a collaboration- it’s a movement to empower local retailers, create inclusive entrepreneurship, and expand the frontiers of organised fashion retail,” said Franchise India Group’s chairman Gaurav Marya in a press release. “With Reliance’s unmatched retail prowess and Francorp’s franchise development expertise, we are laying the foundation for the next big retail revolution in India.”

Fashion World, launched by Reliance Retail, is designed to tap into India’s unorganised fashion retail segment. The format follows an “Invest. Own. Operate. Grow.” model, enabling franchisees to run stores featuring a curated mix of Reliance’s top-performing labels across apparel, footwear, and accessories. Backed by Ajio Business, franchise partners gain access to over three lakh styles via a strong business to business supply chain, according to Reliance.

The brand plans to reach over 200 million consumers across 500 cities within the next five years. It will offer two formats: ‘Family Stores’ (over 3,000 square feet) and ‘Specialty Stores’ (1,000 square feet), enabling partners to select models based on local demand and investment capacity. With Francorp’s franchise expertise and Reliance’s retail network, Fashion World aims to bring organised, affordable fashion to a wider audience while supporting profitable growth for franchisees.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Nermin Hassan, head of international cooperation at Egypt Post, tells Hazel King about the operator’s crucial role in the growth of e-commerce and digital transformation in the country

Egypt is a young nation; almost 60% of its 114 million citizens are aged between 15 and 59. This means that a large proportion are digitally native, preferring to use apps and websites to conduct their everyday lives rather than visiting physical stores.

This is evident in the dramatic rise in e-commerce in the country – there were around 20 million e-commerce users in 2017, rising to 62.4 million in 2023, according to Statista. And this trend is set to continue, with Mordor Intelligence anticipating that the Egyptian e-commerce market will grow from US$9.05bn in 2024 to US$18.04bn in 2029 (a CAGR of 14.8%).

To keep pace with this digital penetration, the Egyptian government launched its Vision 2030 program in 2016 (see Vision for the future at the end of this article), which aims to achieve ‘comprehensive sustainable development’ and ‘balanced regional development’. As part of this program, it announced its Digital Egypt project in 2020, which aims to get every citizen online. A major player in this project is the country’s incumbent postal operator, Egypt Post.

“Egypt Post’s business is all about the facilitation of postal, financial and government services and the ease of access to those services for our citizens,” explains Nermin Hassan, the organization’s head of international cooperation. “We are in every territory across the country and so we’re best placed to provide these services to every person. For some entities that are only located in big cities, citizens in villages would have to travel hundreds of miles to access those services. Now they can opt in to the service from their nearest post offices, ensuring inclusivity for everyone.”

As lettermail volumes decline, we need to find revenue-generating opportunities
Business diversification

Egypt Post has undergone a huge transformation in the 160 years since it was launched, growing its network to more than 4,600 post offices across the nation as well as a mobile post office car and more than 3,000 ATMs, two mobile apps for financial services and one for e-commerce and track and trace.

“In 2000, Egypt Post began focusing on automating its services for both financial and postal services, and this journey really picked up pace in 2016 when all the sorting centers were automated with scanners and track and trace technology for all lettermail items – both domestic and international,” says Hassan. “We also introduced electronic payment cards with Visa and Mastercard, and we produced our own mobile app for financial services.”

The post has grown the number of services it offers, from 15 in 2016 to over 170 today, including many government services such as document checking and collecting tax payments. “We also offer services for microlending companies, doing the collection of legal documents,” Hassan continues. “Once the loan is approved, we send an SMS confirmation to the citizens to collect the loan. Loan repayments can also be handled by Egypt Post, vastly improving financial inclusivity for Egyptians.

“As lettermail volumes decline, we need to find revenue-generating opportunities that counter the rising costs of delivering letters under our universal service obligations,” Hassan continues. “For example, we are the number-one provider for pension payments – there are seven million government pension payments in Egypt, and we handle 5.5 million of them.

“We have also begun a new project to digitalize legally binding correspondence such as court documents and taxation letters. There is a requirement for proof of delivery of such documents and, in line with Egypt Vision 2030 for the digitalization of all government entities, we are helping to remove the physical side to G2C [government to citizens] and B2C correspondence operations. Since 2020, we have explored the development of electronic registered mail services in Egypt. We have been working on finding the right technology service provider and developing the national legal framework for this service that states that electronic registered mail has the same legal impact as physical mail, and this legal framework was issued early in 2024.”

Egypt Post is now preparing for the launch of this service – called Bareedi (‘My post’ in Arabic) – in Q2 2025. It will make the operator an important component of the digital public infrastructure across Egypt (see Digital mail solution at the end of this article). “For each government and business entity that wants to communicate digitally with citizens with official documentation, they can contact the citizen through Bareedi,” explains Hassan. “Egypt Post is required by law to be the entity that manages and modernizes the infrastructure of mail all over Egypt in line with the general policy of the Egyptian government, so Bareedi is a fundamental part of this modernization, which aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and the Egypt National Climate Change Strategy 2025.”

Egypt Post has also established a company with Bahrain’s Beyon Connect, called Post Connect, to deploy the digital postbox solutions. Hassan explains, “Egypt Post, working under the direction of the Egyptian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, has adopted the digital transformation of the infrastructure of mail to support the wider digital transformation of the country. Everyone expects Bareedi to be a real game-changer because it will enable everyone to interact more easily with the government and vice versa.”

With the new electronic registered mail solution, more than 200 million paper documents are expected to disappear

She adds, “With the new electronic registered mail solution, more than 200 million paper documents are expected to disappear once fully implemented. We aim to have 30 million citizens using the service in the next three years, and this will have benefits for our finances (digital services are much cheaper to operate than our current subsidized physical mail service) as well as the environment.”

Supporting e-commerce

Alongside the digital transformation, Egypt Post has focused on supporting small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in their e-commerce growth. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up 90% of the private sector in Egypt, according to the country’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), but their uptake of e-commerce platforms has been slow.

In a joint report published in 2017, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Egyptian government found that only 3% of the micro and small enterprises that used the internet had made online purchases, and only 5% had received orders online for their products. This led to the launch of the National E-commerce Strategy for Egypt, which outlines a set of recommendations that support decision-making policies in key aspects of e-commerce and help to overcome the challenges facing e-commerce in Egypt.

Hassan confirms, “The focus of the government has been more and more on e-commerce and the enablement of SMEs, especially in the domestic market, and we have developed several products to support SMEs. These services include the logistics and delivery of parcels, the cash-on-delivery payment collection and the deposit of payments into the SME’s account.

“If you are an SME, you simply go to an Egypt Post office or request pickup through the Wassalha [‘Deliver it’ in Arabic] app to send your parcel and let the staff know how much money needs to be collected upon delivery. The money will be deposited in the SME’s account on the same day as delivery. This has been a big success for SMEs in Egypt.

“I believe that e-commerce is a very strong enabler for the development of the economies in developing countries, and I think our focus will continue to be on enabling SMEs to reach international markets as well as domestic.”

Competition in the courier, express and parcel market in Egypt is stiff, with the top five companies having 57% of the market share, according to Mordor Intelligence. Egypt Post is one of these five, so how does it continue to position itself as a top-choice CEP provider for SMEs and e-commerce businesses?

“We focus on doing what we are good at in the optimum way, and our focus is on the recipient and sender,” asserts Hassan. “Our strong belief is that if you provide a very good quality of service at an affordable rate with stability of performance, you will prevail.

“All the private companies operating in Egypt right now are focusing on certain districts and locations where you’ll find the big volumes. Our focus is on the continuity of the delivery of mail to everyone and everywhere in Egypt at an affordable price, with different options depending on your needs. From the sender perspective, they want easy access to services, guaranteed security of parcels and cash collection on delivery, and we provide a very competitive service.

“By focusing on building and enhancing our network and customer experience, as well as improving delivery times and keeping the costs as low as possible, we can compete.”

The post has also established an affiliate company – PDC – which is focused on providing e-commerce delivery, mainly in the B2C market. “The company is growing and is providing services for large logistics players, with parcel volumes continuing to rise. They are an independent company but they have a synergy of operations with Egypt Post to reach every citizen through our network,” Hassan adds.

E-commerce is a very strong enabler for the development of economies in developing countries

Growing out-of-home networks

Cash on delivery remains a popular choice for online shoppers in Egypt. According to payment orchestration platform NORBr, 57% of e-commerce transactions were conducted in cash in 2022, so at-home delivery remains dominant. “Most e-commerce customers in Egypt still opt for at-home delivery, and services such as pharmacy also offer door-to-door delivery for medications,” Hassan says. “PUDO can be easily implemented at our post offices. The service is available but it is not very popular.”

However, Egypt Post is looking to capture a slice of the rapidly growing parcel locker market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). According to Business Market Insights, the MEA smart parcel delivery locker market is expected to grow from US$34.74m in 2021 to US$79.11m by 2028, led predominantly by the changing needs of a younger population.

Hassan confirms, “We have found a need for parcel lockers for the new segment of e-commerce customers who make a lot of orders but are not at home in the daytime. It is a new lifestyle for the younger generation in Egypt. To reduce the number of missed deliveries we’re experiencing, we’ve launched a pilot project of 200 parcel lockers in Cairo and we expect this to be implemented in Q3 this year.

“We’re working with Omnic on this project, which will improve the convenience of parcel delivery for our customers. If it proves successful, we will expand the network.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL