Alphabet-owned Google launched its Grow My Store tool in both Arabic and English in the Middle East and North Africa region, which helps local retailers grow their business using data analytics, the company said.
Rolled out globally in May 2019 in English, French, German and Spanish, the free tool aims to help local businesses improve their digital storefront, grow customer traffic and optimise their customers' online experience to successfully complete further transactions.
The tool assesses online shops and generates a report with recommendations for shop owners on how to improve a customer's shopping experience, which in turn can help boost the development of their business.
Retailers enter their website address into the Grow My Store tool to receive a customised assessment report and an overall score supported by industry benchmarks, in addition to consumer trends that can improve company websites.
The recommendations are "market-specific and are presented with more than hundred local insights by internal research and external surveys," Google said.
“Retailers witnessed a paradigm shift in the last year ... thousands have moved online. They are the heart of our communities and the driver of recovery in Mena and around the world,” said Ziad Chehade, head of business marketing at Google in Mena region.
“We are committed to helping retailers grow and reach more customers via this tool, as businesses will be able to evaluate their sites directly and receive a set of local insights and customised recommendations,” he said.
Currently, Grow My Store is available in North America, the UK, Western Europe, Turkey, the Mena region and Sub-Saharan Africa. It supports websites in Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.
Last year, Google announced that all retailers have access to list their products on the Google Shopping tab, across eight countries in the Mena region, to help them connect with more customers regardless of whether they advertise with Google.
The Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in e-commerce and accelerated the digital transformation of companies, services and industries.
As lockdowns became the new normal, e-commerce’s share of global retail trade grew to about 17 per cent in 2020 from 14 per cent in 2019, according to a report in March by the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
A previous survey by Chicago-based consultancy Kearney showed that the GCC's e-commerce sector is predicted to more than double to $50 billion by 2025, up from $24bn last year.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
more from Janine di Giovanni
The%20specs
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Results:
First Test: New Zealand 30 British & Irish Lions 15
Second Test: New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24
Third Test: New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
DUBAI CARNIVAL RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner Dubai Future, Harry Bentley (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Dubai Love, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Equilateral, James Doyle, Charles Hills.
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
Winner Laser Show, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Glorious Journey, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.