Amazon hit the headlines last week when it confirmed its acquisition of SOUQ.
Relative to other world regions, the Middle East’s commerce infrastructure remains less advanced, according to Global Web Index data. Around 81 percent of its internet users might be visiting online retail sites, but this is significantly behind other regions such as the Asia Pacific.
The Middle East’s figures for online purchasing are on similar lines too with just 52 percent buying products online each month, compared to over 80 percent in APAC, and 73 percent in the Americas. Some of these trends are expected to undergo change as Amazon utilizes SOUQ to extend its reach across the region, bring in global best practices and create offers that will attract Middle Eastern onliners.
