Report says share of e-commerce at 12 per cent

MUSCAT: A report prepared by Dubai-based Alpen Capital, a leading banking and investment consultancy firm said that the Sultanate’s share of e-commerce is 12 per cent of the GCC retail market. The report added that the region’s e-commerce sale is expected to reach $41.5 billion by 2021. The report added that as demand increases, the region is likely to see the emergence of new e-retailers and revamp of online portals by traditional retailers. The report further said that the consumer base, which included a big number of youngsters and expatriates, propelling growth in the GCC e-commerce, is growing. According to Alpen’s report, the size of the GCC retail sector is set to grow at a CAGR of 4.6 per cent from $250.5 billion in 2016 to $313.2 billion in 2021. During the period, food retail sales are likely to grow at a CAGR of 3.5 per cent driven by the expanding consumer base and demand for health foods, the report added. — ONA