Designing the Future

Saudi Arabia's interior design industry is flourishing as the construction and development sectors boom, with a varied range of projects taking place throughout the Kingdom, including giga-projects such as The Red Sea and Amaala, which are attracting globally renowned interiors and fit-out companies.

Building a Firm Base for Life-Long Engagement

Almost 40% of the KSA population is between the ages of 15 and 34. These Gen-Z and Gen-X consumers present a unique potential for digital-first merchants to grow their consumer base. Major retail companies are now attempting to build a firm foundation for a life-long engagement with this digital-native audience by developing product lines that cater specifically to the growing tastes of this generation. In tandem with this, stores are demanding fresh and innovative concepts for their bricks and mortar stores, giving consumers a genuinely experiential experience that attracts repeat business.

While acquiring younger clients may appear to be an additional investment in operating expenditures, this is not always the case. Understanding behavioral variances, empowering brand ambassadors, and establishing physical outlets in strategic areas are critical. Aspirational aesthetics, authentic influencer voices, and a ‘happening’ experience go a long way with these shrewd and edgy generations.

Although each retail store and hospitality venue is unique, they all have the same objective: to bring clients across the threshold and persuade them to make a purchase. Retailers have tried everything from playing music through to seductive aromas - and while this is nothing new, getting it right is a true art. Hit the target and it will bring about better engagement with customers, build a dedicated and more enthusiastic workforce, and secure a brand’s value proposition for years to come.

That’s why interiors companies, retailers, hotels, and the catering industry will all be in attendance at INDEX Saudi 2023, to be held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) on the 10, 11, and 12 of September.

INDEX Saudi 2023 is the leading interior design, fit-out, and architectural show in Saudi Arabia.

This huge international trade event brings together interior suppliers and manufacturers with interior designers, architects, project managers, and procurers from what is a continuously diversified industry.

INDEX Saudi 2023 will feature a comprehensive showcase of interior design solutions, high-tech lighting, traditional flooring, and much more. There will also be a free conference with expert speakers discussing the newest trends, best practices, and practical ideas in interior design. The interactive lectures will be given by industry thought leaders and innovators who are committed to driving design best practices throughout the Kingdom. It’s a mustattend event, so put it in your diary now!

How Long is a Piece of String?

Many believe that retail design refers to how you merchandise your products. But while marketing is an important aspect of store interior design, it is not the sole one. Every aspect of a store, from the entrance to the checkout display, can influence a customer's route to purchase. As a result, retail interior design is applicable to the complete retail area, both interior and exterior. And to achieve the very best results you need an interiors expert.

But what exactly does a retail interior designer do?

When people hear ‘interior designer’ or ‘interiors company’, some think that means decorator, while others think project coordinator, yet the true role is typically more wide-ranging and complex than that.

Let us begin with a straightforward definition: An interior designer specializes in space design and development. They collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other experts to create branded retail environments, combining a wide range of creative and technical talents. That's a really broad statement because an interior designer can contribute to a project on a variety of levels. But it's a good starting point. Nevertheless, a topnotch design company can create effective solutions for both brands and retailers, providing spaces that entice consumers by creating a personal connection and sense of place. When considering interiors companies, the old saying ‘as long as a piece of string?’ has never been more relevant!

And of course, the term ‘retail’ encompasses far more than just enterprises that sell goods (such as food and fashion). Businesses that sell services and experiences are also included, from coffee shops to wellness and travel. In fact, in any type of location where customers interact with a product or brand, retail experience design concepts play an important role. Put simply, it is a vast and fast-moving industry, and Saudi Arabia is currently at the forefront of the interiors revolution. Consequently, Saudi Projects will home in on this important sector, bringing you all of the latest news, views, and opinions. Join us, as we dive deep into one of the world’s most creative industries.