In this conversation, Younis Skainy, the COO of Aljazera Markets, discusses the grocery chain's journey of digital transformation, expansion plans, and customer-centric strategies in Riyadh. He highlights the importance of omnichannel retailing, the challenges faced in a competitive market, and the unique initiatives taken to enhance customer loyal…

In this conversation, Moussa Asfour, the CEO of Carina Wear, discusses the dynamics of the Egyptian retail market, focusing on the brand's growth, e-commerce strategies, and consumer behavior. He highlights the challenges and opportunities in the region, including the importance of reliable delivery services and effective marketing strategies. The …

In this episode of Commerce Talks, Alex Graf explores the innovative realm of e-foiling with Alex Bachev, the founder of SiFly, a pioneering e-foil brand from Bulgaria. Alex shares his journey of transforming a passion for water sports into a thriving business, driven by the need to make e-foiling more accessible by lowering the prohibitive costs a…

Celso from PepsiCo Europe discusses the digital transformation in CPG and FMCG, highlighting e-commerce's evolution, logistics challenges, and the influence of Millennial and Gen Z consumers on the future of online food and beverage sales.

Valer Pinderi, co-founder of an e-commerce company in Albania and representative of the Balkan E-Commerce Alliance, discusses the emerging e-commerce opportunities in the Western Balkan region.

Mohamed Issa, the co-founder and CEO of Cash My Stock, discusses the company's B2B cross-border liquidation platform. Cash My Stock helps companies liquidate their slow-moving inventory and release working capital. The platform connects buyers and sellers, providing a seamless and secure transaction experience. The business model focuses on premium…

Rajesh Chandramohan discusses business strategies at Seamless Dubai 2024, covering Grandiose Supermarkets' expansion, challenges for small retailers in digital adaptation, and the impact of customer service and technology in the Middle Eastern market.

Hani Saif, CIO of Extra, a major electronics retailer in Saudi Arabia, discusses the company's 20-year journey. He shares insights on Extra's innovative fixed pricing concept, strategic supplier relationships, online expansion, partnership with Noon, and customer retention strategies. Hani addresses talent management challenges and navigating the t…

Kailash Tulsi Gajara, founder of Megastore, shares the journey of creating a B2C marketplace for handmade products, focusing on artisans and their unique creations. The platform offers a wide range of categories, sustainable and eco-friendly products, and a social and video commerce feature. Kailash discusses the business model, customer base, and …

This podcast episode features Boozt CEO Herman Haraldsson, who shares insights into his experience running a successful e-commerce business in the Scandinavian region. The entrepreneur discusses transitioning to a multi-brand model, focusing on the Nordic market, AI, customer-centricity for operational efficiency, and differentiation in e-commerce.…

In this episode of Commerce Talks podcast, we discuss Burger King operations and expansion plans in Denmark and Sweden with Carsten, the main director for Kingfood in these regions. We explore the advantages of owned versus franchised restaurants, workforce challenges, market strategies, menu innovations, and franchising processes. Delving into fin…

Julie Samaha, Head of E-commerce at Tamimi Supermarkets, discusses the company's e-commerce strategy and the challenges they face in the Saudi Arabian market. Tamimi Supermarkets is a Saudi family business with 111 stores across the country. They have implemented a click and collect model to provide a convenient and sustainable shopping experience.…

May Kanounji, CEO of Blooming Ware, discusses the Saudi fashion industry on Commerce Talks. She highlights feminizing lingerie, e-commerce, and omni-channel strategies, offering insights and advice for brands entering the Saudi market.

In this conversation, Aurèlien Cuellar, Director of Omnichannel and Technology at Chalhoub Group, discusses the success and business model of Chalhoub Group, a leader in retail and distribution of luxury products in the Middle East. He shares his reasons for moving to the region and highlights the opportunities and challenges it presents. Aurèlien …

Indraneel Chitale from Chitale Bandhu discusses the company's growth, unique flavors, India's economic progress post-liberalization, and adapting to digital trends for market expansion in a Commerce Talks podcast.

In this episode of the Commerce Talks podcast, Ali discusses his coffee venture in Kuwait and the market in the GCC region. The COFE App aims to solve the problem of connecting coffee bean farmers directly with coffee shops, cutting out the middlemen. The app offers a personalized coffee ordering experience for consumers and generates revenue throu…

In this episode, Günther Helm, CEO of Cenomi Retail, discusses the growth of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia and the challenges and opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of price and customer service in building customer loyalty. Günther also shares insights into the unique aspects of doing business in Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi…

In this episode, we chat with Giulia Staffieri the Chief Marketing, Sales, and Omnichannel Officer, at Leroy Merlin. We learn about the DIY business model in Italy and their unique DIY store experience, which is more like a boutique and offers fully integrated services. Giulia also talks about the challenges of managing different services and the t…

In this final episode of Commerce Talks recorded at Seamless KSA, Alex is joined by his co-host Lina Gallagher, and Anshuman Anand, the CEO of fashion retailer R&B.R&B is the fastest-growing value fashion retailer in the GCC & India, offering the latest fashion at affordable prices. It has more than 100 stores along with its online shopping platfor…

This episode of Commerce Talks sees Alex at Seamless Europe in Berlin, where he was joined by Lennard Neubauer, Director COO / CCO Strategy & Operations at Just Eat Takeaway.Just Eat has become one of the world’s best-known brands over the past decade, and Alex and Lennard enjoyed a fascinating conversation about the evolving landscape of the food …

In another episode of Commerce Talks recorded at Seamless KSA with co-host Lina Gallagher, Alex interviews Samer El Sahn, the Chief Product Officer at online flowers and gift company Floward. Founded in 2017 and having raised $156M in Series C funding, Floward delivers in 36 cities in nine countries across MENA and UK, guaranteeing same-day deliver…

In another episode recorded at the Seamless KSA event, Alex is joined by Seifeddine Ben Jemia, the CEO of the grocery business Monoprix Tunisie.Monoprix Tunisie opened its first store in 1933 and has grown to become one of the biggest stores of its type in Tunisia, listed on the Tunisian stock market and with 87 stores. It is now working to adapt t…

This special episode of Commerce Talks sees Alex joined by Anthony Soohoo, a Fortune 50 executive, entrepreneur, former EVP at Walmart, and new Spryker board member. Based in Palo Alto, California, Anthony has unrivalled knowledge of the U.S. ecommerce landscape and vast experience driving performance and innovation at scale. He shares his insight …

In this latest episode of Commerce Talks recorded at Seamless KSA, Alex is joined again by Lina Gallagher as co-host, and they welcome to the pod Saleh AlTunaib, CEO at Raha, the pure-play automated grocery platform.Founded in Kuwait in 2020, Raha sells groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials. It deploys a completely temperature-controll…

This episode of Commerce Talks sees one of the most exciting ecommerce execs join Alex and his co-host Lina Gallagher - Tala AlSahsah, Chief Executive Officer and founder of grocery delivery app, Doos.Founded less than one year ago, Doos is already breaking even thanks to a combination of low rider salaries, cheaper store rentals, and a well-design…

In this episode of Commerce Talks recorded at Seamless KSA, Alex is joined by his co-host Lina Gallagher, and the duo welcome to the podcast Sadeq Abdulrasool, the Chief Digital Officer at Homiez, Bahrain’s largest non-food marketplace.Homiez buys and sells products in 30 different categories, focusing on electronics, household appliances, cosmetic…

In another episode recorded at the recent Seamless KSA event – this time with Alex’s occasional co-host, Lina Gallagher – they are joined by Mamoun Hmedan, the Chief Commercial Officer and MD-MENA and India at Wego, one of the leading online travel marketplaces in the GCC, MENA, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia.Wego simplifies travel planning by…

In this episode of Commerce Talks recorded recently at Seamless KSA, Alex interviewed Mohammed Almashjari, the Chief Strategy Officer of Global Healthcare Co., a leading player in the Saudi Arabian health and beauty care market. Global Healthcare Co (GHC) is a holding company that owns retail and distribution interests. With more than 200 stores, G…

In this episode of Commerce Talks, Alex is once again presenting from Seamless KSA and welcomes Saeed Omar, the CEO of Makesy. Makesy is a company specializing in fashion production on demand. It aims to provide fashion designers with the means to bring their designs to life by offering services such as fabric sourcing, accessory procurement, and m…

This episode sees Alex interview Mahmoud Gao, the CEO and founder of Mr. Draper, a curated shopping service for men. The interview took place at the recent Seamless event in Riyadh, where Mahmoud explained how Mr. Draper operates, the company's journey, and its business model.That business model involves simplifying the fashion shopping experience …

You might not associate social commerce with diplomats, but that was a key discussion point in Alex's recent podcast interview with Chrissina Tonks, Digital Director at International Diplomatic Supplies (IDS). IDS supplies alcohol and other products to embassies, consulates, NGOs, and military bases enjoying diplomatic privilege. Alex – joined as c…

Alex has a longstanding interest in cars, so this episode with Salah Yamout, COO of Arabian Automobile Company is one of his absolute favorites. It's another podcast from Seamless Middle East in Dubai earlier this year, and Alex is joined again as co-host by Lina Gallagher.AAC sells cars, services cars, and supplies spare parts, three related but d…

Finnish company KONE moves more than one billion people every day across its global portfolio of elevators and escalators. But it’s so much more than that, as Alex found out in the latest edition of Commerce Talks, where he spoke with Johannes Rastas, KONE’s SVP of R&D. Johannes regards KONE as a tech firm, focused on improving the flow of urban li…

With just a few weeks until the Seamless KSA event in Riyadh, Alex caught up with ‘godmother of the metaverse’ Cathy Hackl to talk about the latest emerging tech and how it is being used by leading brands. The discussion covered the metaverse (of course), the most advanced piece of consumer technology ever created, and Cathy’s upcoming keynote at S…

At Seamless Middle East, we spoke with Adam Docrat, Head of IT at Aster Pharmacy and Aster Retail. Aster is a hugely significant player in the pharmaceutical market in the Middle East, and it is now setting its sights on expansion into the health and well-being sectors. Adam discusses how they are approaching that sector while also explaining the w…

This latest edition of the podcast from Seamless Middle East sees Alex joined by Adnaan Jassat, the CEO and founder of Thriller, the online marketplace for sneakers that sees buyers and sellers come together to exchange sneakers and trainers. The sneaker sector is massive – estimated to reach $40 billion by 2025, according to Adnaan – and he explai…

Ahead of the upcoming (September 4th and 5th) Seamless KSA event in Riyadh, Alex caught up with renowned tech and Artificial Intelligence consultant Karl Lillrud to discuss how retailers and e-commerce firms could use AI and even newer emerging technologies. The wide-ranging conversation focused on innovation in the Middle East, the role of GenAI, …

We've been working closely with the Seamless team to bring you insights from the MENA region and this week, we're sharing a conversation with Jennifer Drury, who heads up marketing for the Seamless events. Listen in to learn more about how Seamless has evolved over the years, the challenges of organizing the event, and why Saudi Arabia is the next …

E-commerce within the fuel industry comes with its own particular challenges, so Alex’s guest for this podcast - Suryaveer Singh, Head of Loyalty at ENOC Retail – was hugely insightful about those challenges and how ENOC was addressing them. They discussed how ENOC had embraced the digital change required to keep pace with changing customer expecta…

Welcome to another podcast from Seamless Middle East, with Alex accompanied by Lina Gallagher as co-host. They are joined in this episode by Rajiv Warrier, CEO at Choithrams, which opened its first store in 1944 and is now regarded as one of the leading supermarket and department stores in the GCC. For a retailer so established and successful in br…

B2B and B2C digital commerce can be vastly different, so it was illuminating to welcome a guest - Anton Nehaenko, COO at Yalla Market and Yalla!Hub – that is making a success of both sectors. Yalla Market is a rapid grocery delivery service, while Yalla!Hub helps other businesses to sell products in Dubai. Anton joined Alex and co-host Lina Gallagh…

Transitioning from brick and mortar to multichannel is a challenge all retailers are facing. Our latest guest, Kartik Bhatt of Sharaf Retail – operational in nine countries, 100+ outlets, 2,000+ employees - is someone that has made an enormous success of it in the Middle East. It’s the latest podcast from Seamless Middle East, with Alex joined agai…

With 400 branches, 400m visitors, and ¼ market share, Panda Retail has a perspective on how to win the KSA grocery game. The grocery market in KSA has one of the steepest growth curves in the world, and Alex was lucky to catch up with of the sector’s leading figures – Panda Retail CIO, Piyush Chowhan - at the recent Seamless Middle East event. The …

At Seamless Middle East, Alex spoke to some of the region’s leading e-commerce figures. He is joined here as co-host by Lina Gallagher, and they interview Saad Tounzi, the Digital Projects Department Manager for ADNOC. ADNOC Distribution is the UAE's largest fuel and convenience retailer, and the leading marketer and distributor of fuels and lubric…

Mina Salman is the brilliant mind behind the renowned Pakistani fashion and beauty brand, Bagallery. Mina is an accomplished entrepreneur, trendsetter, and a true trailblazer in the industry. Bagallery has disrupted the traditional retail landscape, embracing technology and social media to create an immersive customer shopping experience. We explor…

Regular listeners will be aware of Alex’s ongoing interest in B2B marketplaces and this week’s episode features one of MENA’s biggest and most dynamic – Marius Ciavola, the CEO of Tradeling. Marius talks through the reasons behind Tradeling’s success, focusing on its business model, how it facilitates cross-border trade, and how it connects sellers…

This week’s guest used to work at a company whose products we have probably all used at one time in our life – Colgate-Palmolive. Josue Munoz is the former Vice President Global ECommerce | Global Supply Chain and in this episode, he explains how Colgate embraced digital commerce and started moving towards being a more D2C focused company. He attri…

Ahead of Alex’s presence at Seamless Middle East, this episode sees him catch up with The Toufic Kreidieh, founding partner and CEO of Brands for Less Group. BFL Group is a company that dominates the off-price business in the Middle East and will be present at Seamless in May. BFL Group is the parent company of several retail chains, headquartered …

In this episode, Alex catches up with Mexican e-commerce pioneer Jose Esparza, the Head of Digital Commerce at Mercardo Mayco and CEO of Dupplo, the digital business unit of Mercardo Mayco. Jose explains how he launched Dupplo – Mexico’s first digital CPG wholesaler – from a company that until then had been 100% bricks and mortar. He explores the u…

E-commerce is truly global and this episode of Commerce Talks goes further than it has done before, speaking to Australian e-commerce expert, Brian Walker, CEO of the Retail Doctor Group. Brian discussed the state of e-commerce in Australia, touching on levels of online penetration, Amazon's presence in the Australian e-commerce market, the emergen…