Qatar’s online shopping market has been experiencing significant growth in the first five months of the year, with experts predicting further increases in demand. E-commerce has become a convenient way for customers to shop, especially during holidays when some physical stores may be closed. Customers like Rashmi Sudhakar from Al Wakrah prefer online shopping due to the rising temperatures, which make visiting stores tiring and potentially harmful to health. Sam K also highlights the benefits of online shopping, mentioning popular platforms like Carrefour, Jazp, and Ubuy Qatar that provide a stress-free and crowd-free shopping experience.
Iyad Hudaib, Senior Marketing Manager at City Center, emphasizes the importance of online shopping during the summer season. He notes the significant growth in the e-commerce market, with the introduction of new brands and shops enhancing the shopping experience both in-store and online. Valeria Mazzei, Founder and Director of e-commerce platform Venus Karma, discusses market expectations for the summer, pointing out that sales before the Eid break saw a spike. She expects that customers staying in Qatar during the hot season will continue shopping online and engage in summer popups for various opportunities.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) recently organized a workshop titled ‘E-Commerce Strategy for Qatar’ to address the challenges and opportunities for further growth in the e-commerce sector. The workshop brought together various government entities to discuss ways to strengthen the e-commerce market and build a comprehensive national strategy. With the increasing popularity of online shopping in Qatar, it is important for businesses to adapt to the changing consumer preferences and offer a seamless shopping experience to attract more customers.
It is clear that online shopping has become a preferred choice for many consumers in Qatar, especially during holidays and hot seasons when physical stores may not be accessible. The convenience of shopping from home, avoiding crowds and heat, combined with a wide range of products available on e-commerce platforms, has driven the growth of the online shopping market. Businesses like City Center and Venus Karma are focusing on enhancing their online retail offerings to meet the increasing demand and provide customers with a diverse shopping experience.
The summer season brings new opportunities for e-commerce platforms to attract more customers, especially those staying in Qatar during the peak heat period. With a focus on summer popups and engaging promotions, businesses can capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping in Qatar. The collaboration between government entities through workshops like the one organized by MCIT highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive national strategy to further enhance the e-commerce sector and support its continued growth in the country.
In conclusion, the online shopping market in Qatar is witnessing rapid growth, driven by changing consumer preferences and the convenience of shopping from home. Businesses are adapting to these trends by improving their online retail offerings and focusing on customer engagement. With the summer season presenting new opportunities for e-commerce platforms, there is a potential for further growth and expansion in the market. By working together with government entities and implementing a comprehensive national strategy, Qatar can continue to strengthen its e-commerce sector and provide customers with a seamless shopping experience both in-store and online.
