Saudi Arabia Retail Market

Saudi Arabia Retail Market By Type (Food Retail v/s Non-Food Retail), By Retail Store Type (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online, Baqala Stores, Departmental Stores, Exclusive Stores, Convenience Stores, Others (Specialty Stores, Drugstores/Pharmacies, etc.)), By Region, Competition Forecast Opportunities, 2018-2028F


The retail market of Saudi Arabia is poised for strong growth during the forecast period due to several factors, including the rise in tourism, the expanding presence on online platforms, and the increasing number of retail establishments across the nation.

A retail business involves the sale of goods and services to customers in small quantities, either through physical stores or online channels. Examples of retail include grocery stores, apparel shops, and drugstores. This category also encompasses online retail channels. However, it does not encompass service-based retailers such as beauty salons or dry cleaners.

Driven by rising inflation and heightened consumer expenditure on essential items, retailers in the Gulf Cooperation Council region are witnessing higher turnover rates. Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the first half of the year, Saudi Arabia's retail sector experienced an expansion in retail space and a strong recovery in domestic demand. The value of point-of-sale transactions grew by 16% year over year in April and May 2022, reaching a total of USD 24.79 billion across the kingdom. In the first half of 2022, Riyadh's total retail stock expanded by 55,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Jeddah's retail space grew by 16,000 square meters to reach 1.7 million square meters, and Makkah's retail space increased by 17,500 square meters to 1.4 million square meters.

Furthermore, major retail chains in the country have observed significant growth in 2022. For instance, during the first quarter of the year, Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co. established nine new branches, enhancing its branch network by 7.31%. Additionally, Al Othaim's first-quarter profit for 2022 increased from USD 15.57 million in the same period of 2021 to approximately USD 24.57 million. Similarly, BinDawood, a Saudi Arabian retailer, reported a 5.4% increase in first-quarter profit in 2022, attributed to higher revenue.

Companies within the industry have been enhancing their strategies to improve their services and attract a wider consumer base. In 2022, for instance, Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets Company introduced a strategic plan for its Saudi Arabian retail business, aimed at offering a diverse range of options to shoppers and delivering a unique experience through various sales points, supermarkets, developed corners, wholesale channels, and online platforms.

Additionally, a study from the investment ministry indicates that net foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia surged by 257.2% in 2021, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency. Furthermore, the wholesale and retail sector continues to be a dominant force in foreign investment licensing, accounting for 1,481 licenses issued in the second half of 2021, according to SPA.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's retail market is on a trajectory of robust growth, bolstered by a combination of factors including the rise in tourism, expanded online presence, and the proliferation of retail establishments across the nation.

Rising Tourism Will Fuel the Market Growth

Furthermore, in 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) permitted more than one million pilgrims to partake in the Hajj pilgrimage after a two-year hiatus. This move is projected to aid the kingdom in achieving its objective of tripling international visitors to 12 million, concurrently boosting the retail sector in Makkah. In totality, the augmented influx of visitors is anticipated to positively impact Saudi Arabia's retail industry. Notably, international tourist arrivals in the nation exhibited a remarkable increase of approximately 575% when compared to figures from 2021, culminating in 3.6 million visitors during the second quarter of 2022. Additionally, as per the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Saudi Arabia is poised to witness the most rapid expansion in its tourism sector among Middle Eastern countries over the next decade. Consequently, the burgeoning growth in Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is predicted to catalyze the expansion of the country's retail market.

New Store Launches by Market Players Aiding the Market Growth

Numerous retail chains have been placing a significant emphasis on enhancing their presence within Saudi Arabia by introducing new retail outlets across the country. As an illustration, in 2022, Spinneys, a Dubai-based grocery retailer, entered into a partnership agreement with Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group to establish its inaugural store in Saudi Arabia, slated for a 2023 launch. Likewise, during the same year, the Lulu Group inaugurated its 29th store in the Al Ruwais district of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, in 2020, BinDawood unveiled plans for a new Danube store in Jeddah, strategically situated on Fayfa Avenue, along Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street. Consequently, this trend is expected to contribute to the further expansion of the market's growth trajectory during the forecast period.

Unique Marketing Strategies Will Boost the Market Growth

Diverse retail enterprises have been enhancing their marketing strategies as a means to optimize their profits. To illustrate, in the year 2022, Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets initiated an extensive marketing campaign spanning multiple weeks. With the intention of rewarding their loyal customers and fostering closer connections, the company executed an 8-week campaign under the theme "Imagine for 65 years, and Al-Othaim is part of you." This initiative featured Monday specials and cost-effective rates. The campaign received an investment exceeding USD 1.60 million to ensure its successful execution. Furthermore, in the same year, Majid Al Futtaim introduced an innovative entertainment-focused loyalty program within Saudi Arabia. Enrolled members of the 'SHARE' program gain access to the complete LEC portfolio across the Kingdom, facilitated by Majid Al Futtaim, allowing them to accrue and redeem points. These factors are anticipated to have a favorable impact on the overall expansion of Saudi Arabia's retail market.

Market Segmentation

The Saudi Arabia retail market is segmented based on type, retail store type, region, and competitional landscape. Based on type, the market is further fragmented into food retail v/s non-food retail. Based on the retail store type, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, online, Baqala stores, departmental stores, exclusive stores, convenience stores, and others (specialty stores, drugstores/pharmacies, etc.). The market analysis also studies the regional segmentation to devise regional market segmentation, divided among western, eastern, northern & central, and southern regions.

Company Profiles

Lulu Group International (EMKE Group), Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co., Panda Retail Co (Savola Group), Fawaz Abdul Aziz Al Hokair & Co., Majid Al Futtaim Retail LLC, Choithram LLC, Balsharaf Group, Bin Dawood Holding Company SJSC, Al-Raya Foot Stuff LTD., AL-Sadhan are among the major market players in Saudi Arabian platform that lead the market growth of the Saudi Arabia retail market.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Saudi Arabia retail market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
  • Saudi Arabia Retail Market, By Type:
  • Food Retail
  • Non-Food Retail
  • Saudi Arabia Retail Market, By Retail Store Type:
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Online
  • Baqala Stores
  • Departmental Stores
  • Exclusive Stores
  • Convenience Stores
  • Others
  • Saudi Arabia Retail Market, By Region:
  • Western
  • Eastern
  • Northern & Central
  • Southern
Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Saudi Arabia retail market.

Company Information
  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).
Please Note: Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 3-5 working days of order. Single User license will be delivered in PDF format without printing rights


1. Introduction
1.1. Product Overview
1.2. Key Highlights of the Report
1.3. Market Coverage
1.4. Market Segments Covered
1.5. Research Tenure Considered
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations
3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Overview
3.2. Market Forecast
3.3. Key Regions
3.4. Key Segments
4. Voice of Customer Analysis
4.1. Sample Size Determination
4.2. Respondent Demographics
4.2.1. By End User
4.2.2. By Age
4.2.3. By Occupation
4.3. Factors Influencing Purchase Decision
4.4. Sources of Information
5. Saudi Arabia Retail Market Outlook
5.1. Market Size & Forecast
5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
5.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis (Food Retail v/s Non-Food Retail)
5.2.2. By Retail Store Type Market Share Analysis (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online, Baqala Stores, Departmental Stores, Exclusive Stores, Convenience Stores, Others (Specialty Stores, Drugstores/Pharmacies, etc.))
5.2.3. By Regional Market Share Analysis
5.2.3.1. Southern Market Share Analysis
5.2.3.2. Western Market Share Analysis
5.2.3.3. Eastern Market Share Analysis
5.2.3.4. Northern & Central Market Share Analysis
5.2.4. By Top 5 Companies Market Share Analysis, Others (2022)
5.3. Saudi Arabia Retail Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
5.3.1. By Type Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
5.3.2. By Retail Store Type Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
5.3.3. By Regional Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
6. Western Saudi Arabia Retail Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
6.2.2. By Retail Store Type Market Share Analysis
7. Eastern Saudi Arabia Retail Market Outlook
7.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
7.2.2. By Retail Store Type Market Share Analysis
8. Northern & Central Saudi Arabia Retail Market Outlook
8.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
8.2.2. By Retail Store Type Market Share Analysis
9. Southern Saudi Arabia Retail Market Outlook
9.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
9.2.2. By Retail Store Type Market Share Analysis
10. Market Dynamics
10.1. Drivers
10.1.1. New Store Launches by Market Players
10.1.2. Rising Tourism
10.1.3. Increasing Number of Collaborations & Partnerships
10.2. Challenges
10.2.1. Dynamic Consumer Preference
10.2.2. High Competition
11. Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi Arabia Retail Market
11.1. Impact Assessment Model
11.1.1. Key Segments Impacted
11.1.2. Key Regions Impacted
12. Market Trends & Developments
12.1. Growing Consumer Spending
12.2. Government Initiatives
12.3. Increasing Online Presence of Market Players
12.4. Growing Marketing Campaigns by Companies
12.5. Rising Construction Rate
13. Porter’s Five Forces Model
13.1. Competitive Rivalry
13.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
13.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
13.4. Threat of New Entrants
13.5. Threat of Substitutes
14. SWOT Analysis
14.1. Strengths
14.2. Weaknesses
14.3. Opportunities
14.4. Threats
15. Policy & Regulatory Landscape
16. Saudi Arabia Economic Profile
17. Competitive Landscape
17.1. Company Profiles
17.1.1. Lulu Group International (EMKE Group)
17.1.1.1. Company Details
17.1.1.2. Product & Services
17.1.1.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.1.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.1.5. Recent Developments
17.1.1.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.2. Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co.
17.1.2.1. Company Details
17.1.2.2. Product & Services
17.1.2.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.2.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.2.5. Recent Developments
17.1.2.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.3. Panda Retail Co (Savola Group)
17.1.3.1. Company Details
17.1.3.2. Product & Services
17.1.3.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.3.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.3.5. Recent Developments
17.1.3.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.4. Fawaz Abdulaziz AlHokair Co.
17.1.4.1. Company Details
17.1.4.2. Product & Services
17.1.4.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.4.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.4.5. Recent Developments
17.1.4.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.5. Majid Al Futtaim Retail LLC
17.1.5.1. Company Details
17.1.5.2. Product & Services
17.1.5.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.5.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.5.5. Recent Developments
17.1.5.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.6. Balsharaf Group
17.1.6.1. Company Details
17.1.6.2. Product & Services
17.1.6.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.6.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.6.5. Recent Developments
17.1.6.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.7. Bin Dawood Holding Company SJSC
17.1.7.1. Company Details
17.1.7.2. Product & Services
17.1.7.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.7.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.7.5. Recent Developments
17.1.7.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.8. Alraya Foot Stuff LTD.
17.1.8.1. Company Details
17.1.8.2. Product & Services
17.1.8.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.8.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.8.5. Recent Developments
17.1.8.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.9. AL-Sadhan
17.1.9.1. Company Details
17.1.9.2. Product & Services
17.1.9.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.9.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.9.5. Recent Developments
17.1.9.6. Key Management Personnel
17.1.10. Choithram LLC
17.1.10.1. Company Details
17.1.10.2. Product & Services
17.1.10.3. Financials (As Per Availability)
17.1.10.4. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
17.1.10.5. Recent Developments
17.1.10.6. Key Management Personnel
18. Strategic Recommendations/Action Plan
18.1. Key Focus Areas
18.2. Target Regions
18.3. Target Segment
(Note 1: The companies list can be customized based on the client requirements.)

Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research

Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.

Download eBook
Cookie Settings