ACE seeks to capitalize on UAE’s real estate boom – News

Home improvement market expected to drive sales as buyers move to suburbs

ACE store in Dubai Festival City. – Photos provided

The home improvement market in the UAE has seen a huge boom, especially since the pandemic. Consumers took advantage of the lockdown for renovations, DIY projects and home improvements. This segment is expected to continue to grow as people in the region increasingly prefer home ownership. The DIY culture is steadily growing in the region.

Al-Futtaim ACE has been one of the largest players in the UAE home improvement market. “We continue to bring quality products from top local and international brands to the region. Our customers can purchase a range of power tools, hand tools, hardware, electrical, safety and security, flooring, plumbing supplies and more,” a spokesperson said .

The sector was also boosted by a recovery in the country’s overall property market. “The UAE is gearing up for a suburban living boom in the coming years. At ACE, we understand how this can be a key driver of our sales,” the spokesperson said. The location of a retail store greatly affects its sales. Properties in prime locations tend to have higher foot traffic, attracting more customers and increasing sales. Keeping this in mind, in the past 2 years, ACE has expanded its operations to prime locations like Dubai Hills, Dubai Festival Plaza, Nakheel Mall etc.

With brick-and-mortar stores closed during the pandemic, ACE has seen an exponential increase in online shopping. “The trend of online shopping has our customers focusing not only on our niche categories, but also on products that can help their families stay engaged, safe and busy during lockdown,” the spokesperson said.

ACE focuses on omni-channel innovation, looking at transformation, integration and collaboration between its online and offline strategies. – Photos provided

ACE focuses on omni-channel innovation, looking at transformation, integration and collaboration between its online and offline strategies. “A strong digital presence proved to be a lifeline when physical contact was kept to a minimum. For ACE, the focus was on implementing integrated solutions that positively impact processes, individuals and technology,” said the spokesperson.

To adapt to new customer behaviors and preferences, the company is constantly evaluating its omnichannel offerings and working to identify opportunities for innovation and fill gaps. “Our focus is on blending physical and online channels to deliver a unique customer experience to our customers in the channel of their choice,” the spokesperson said.

Online will remain an important part of ACE’s retail offering as the pandemic ends, and as part of this effort, it will maintain a digital-first approach. “We’ve seen how important it is to us to have a strong online presence. We’re always working hard to increase our online assortment,” the spokesperson said.

In another move to enhance the online shopping experience for customers, ACE recently launched Marketplace on its UAE website. Since launching in July 2022, Marketplace has increased its presence in the digital business with more than 70 sellers and more than 15,000 products available online exclusively for customers. With the increase of product categories, the market sales increase month by month.

Mohammad Mansour, Head of E-Commerce ACE, said: “The goal of this marketplace is to provide its customers with a strong digital platform, offer competitive products in its niche category, and open up new markets. For suppliers, The Marketplace model provides the right platform to sell their products under the ACE umbrella.”

In 2023, ACE UAE plans to increase its online and physical store offerings in the UAE and new territories. Over the next few months, ACE UAE will expand its online and in-store selection to provide a more robust omni-channel experience. “We continue to research markets and consumer insights to come up with products, services and solutions to meet our customers’ needs. The consumer experience is rapidly changing from traditional in-store shopping to one focused on building lasting, rich relationships. As a retailer, ACE It aims to create a smooth and personalized journey for customers by improving our channel ecosystem and digital presence,” the spokesperson said.