Retail in the United Arab Emirates

February 2024
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EUR 2,275
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retailing industry in United Arab Emirates with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retailing industry in United Arab Emirates, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retailing in United Arab Emirates report includes:

  • Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
  • Detailed segmentation of international and local products
  • Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retailing in United Arab Emirates?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retailing in United Arab Emirates?
  • How are products distributed in Retailing in United Arab Emirates?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in United Arab Emirates?
  • How has the impact of COVID-19 and national lockdown impacted consumer demand?
  • Which formats have benefited the most from stockpiling and enforced home seclusion?
  • How will the wider economic impact of COVID-19 shape the retail landscape in the future?
  • Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
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Retail in the United Arab Emirates

Retail in 2023: The big picture
Retailers explore innovative ways to integrate technology to improve shopping journey
Sustainability takes centre stage in board discussions with COP28
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2023
Seasonality
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Summer Surprise
Back to School
Super Sales
White Friday
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2018-2023
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2023-2028
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Convenience retailers continues to grow as small formats remain relevant
Outlet expansion continues with pacing property and residential landscape
Technology companies continue to test new concepts for convenience retail
Strong tourism and business activity to further drive sales
Non-traditional player may find opportunity in convenience stores
Greater opportunities for operators to offer rewards programmes
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Continual expansion and store refurbishments by leading players
Supermarkets focus on gourmet expansion and in-store coffee sections
Following acquisition by GMG, Geant offers rapid expansion potential
Discounters to offer direct competition to supermarkets
Increasing delivery charges by third party delivery platforms to be offset by rewards
Technological challenges will become more profound as retail embraces wider integration
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Hypermarkets in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Hypermarket operators aim to promote local products
Lulu establishes an anchor hypermarket in the world’s biggest mall in Dubai
Use of technology to enhance customer experience a key trend in hypermarkets
Hypermarkets to focus on more diverse food types and cuisines in addition to healthier options
Lulu Group to strengthen its position with an IPO
Discount and reward wars likely in an effort to retain consumers
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Discounters in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Viva remains in the spotlight as the only discounter in the local market
Rapid penetration in residential areas through smaller formats is winning strategy
Viva remains competitive in higher cost-of-living environment
Positive outlook for discounters in the United Arab Emirates, with room for new players
Discounters set to see greater appeal as value hacking becomes key trend in 2024
Private label may emerge as a key strategy among grocery retailers but brand value will matter
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Small Local Grocers in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Small local grocers experiences a resurgence in consumer preferences
Small local grocers partner third party delivery platforms and use social media
Product availability remains limited, while many operators work with various suppliers
Many small grocers likely to expand into chained players
Cash payments to continue declining despite preferences of certain consumers
Greater competition from larger scale formats and discounters likely
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

General Merchandise Stores in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Asian variety stores gain popularity and expand footprint in the United Arab Emirates
Landmark Group continues to strengthen its value department store brand
United Arab Emirates remains attractive market for Debenhams and Galeries Lafayette despite challenges
Variety stores to gain further momentum over the forecast period
Variety stores to focus on enhancing online presence
Department stores will remain popular but partnering quality brands will be key
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Local fashion is developing at a faster pace due to rising global collaborations
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming an area of focus and positioning
Gender-neutral, modest fashion and athleisure are new areas for design
Impacted consumer spending drives quest for value, although high-end fashion will retain target audience
E-commerce platforms rapidly gaining share of apparel sales
More retailers likely to test AI tools to personalise and digitise shopping journey
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Growing demand for smart and connected appliances in the United Arab Emirates
Private label or white label products available on e-commerce platforms gain traction
Supply chain disruptions continue to impact availability
Aftersales service and guarantees can offer unique positioning
Smart homes and gaming remain an opportunity
Channel will continue to see greater omnichannel development
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Home Products Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Rising number of consumers start to prioritise durability of home products
Outdoor living and smart home integration drive new trends
IKEA retains lead although consumers are shifting towards different furnishing styles
Competitive pricing to remain key to winning in home products specialists
Improving prospects for high-end homewares and home furnishing stores
Stronger growth for pet shops and superstores due to higher pet ownership
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Health and Beauty Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Loyalty points, in-store offers and social media engagement are key strategies
Korean beauty brands gain greater visibility in the United Arab Emirates
Strong government focus to invest in healthcare sector set to support growth of pharmacies
Sustainability to become a more prominent theme among health and beauty specialists
Blending of formats as more pharmacies focus on beauty and wellness products
E-commerce platforms to gain greater traction over the forecast period
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Vending in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Unattended payment solutions continue to evolve in vending
Etisalat launches self-service smartphone vending machine
Advancements support smart or connected vending machines
Soft drinks and snacks will remain popular vending products
Vending becomes popular channel for new concept testing
Technology and innovation to keep the channel alive
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Direct Selling in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Competition from established brands continues to hinder reach of direct selling
Beauty brands traditionally operating direct selling model see blurring of lines
Dubai hosts World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA)
E-commerce and strong brand loyalty will remain clear challenges
Expanding consumer base will remain a challenge
Influencer marketing can become the new norm for direct selling
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Retail E-Commerce in the United Arab Emirates

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Discounts, promo codes and points – e-commerce platforms continue to entice consumers
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu attracts customers with its “Shop like a billionaire” positioning
New e-commerce law aims to strengthen market’s position in digital economy
Enhanced regulatory landscape in light of integrating new technologies and use of consumer data
Alternative payment methods and integrated loyalty are key elements of future e-commerce platforms in the United Arab Emirates
Artificial intelligence to reshape online shopping experiences
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2017-2022
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2017-2022
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2018-2022
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2019-2022
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2022-2027
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2022-2027
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2022-2027
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2022-2027
The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retailing

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retailing

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

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