South Africa’s retail sector is marked by a mixed system featuring elements of both traditional and modern retailing. In recent years rising retail spending has been driven by a growing middle class and increased access to finance. According to data from Statistics South Africa, retail was the fastest-growing segment of GDP in the third quarter of 2011, and added 48,000 jobs in the fourth quarter...
Retail
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Bahrain has weathered the effects of a difficult global economic period well, and its recovery has been solid, demonstrating the strength and flexibility of its economy. The government’s drive to diversify away from oil and gas dependence has been renewed, and a wealth of ambitious non-oil sector projects – from infrastructure to renewable energy technology – is now in the pipeline.
South Africa lies on the southern tip of Africa, occupying 1.22m sq km with some 2800 km of coastline along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The so-called “Rainbow Nation” has a population of around 50.5m and is a melting pot of ethnicities, cultures and languages that reflect its rich and tumultuous history.
Economic update | Abu Dhabi: Retail on the rise
14 May 2012
The emirate’s retail sector is looking ahead to busier times, with solid sales growth expected and a swathe of new shopping developments set to be rolled out over the next 12 months. Such optimism is largely due to rising demand, which is currently fuelled by a young and increasingly affluent population, as well as the steadily growing number of overseas visitors.
Economic update | Oman: Giving retail a boost
2 May 2012
With pay rises across both the public and private sectors in Oman producing higher levels of consumer spending, some analysts are now revising their forecasts upwards for the Sultanate’s retail sector in favour of solid growth.
The Philippines’ retail sector is expected to have a strong year, with forecasts pointing to rising consumer spending as the economy continues to expand and inflation remains contained. Low interest rates, meanwhile, will serve to encourage consumer spending.