Social responsibility and sustainability are emerging international trends, which Middle East retailers cannot ignore, said an expert.

'The demand for sustainable buildings is not just growing internationally but here in the Middle East too,' said Retail City 2008 Project Manager Naomi Koningen.

'The affluent consumers of the Arabian Gulf are concerned about the impact retailers are having on the environment,' said Koningen.

The fast growing Arabian Gulf economies continue to develop ambitious retail infrastructure projects.

'But what is needed now are more buildings that not only provide shelter, comfort and healthy places to live and work but also have far less impact on the environment,' Koningen added.

Retail City, which will takes place from June 1-3, 2008, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will bring together global retailers, investors, shopping centre developers, franchise networks, shopping centre management, architects and regional authorities to focus on all aspects of the retail development cycle.

“The Middle East retail sector is currently worth in excess of $100 billion annually and is second only to residential property in the non-oil economy,' said Koningen.

'It is all the more important then that this hugely vital economic sector takes on board the impact it has on the environment and the need for sustainability in both design and construction of stores and malls.'

Consumers are also becoming increasingly concerned about the impact that companies have on society and the environment with social responsibility and sustainability identified as one of the new trends in global retailing by consultants Deloitte Research.

Dr Ira Kalish, author of a 2008 Deloitte report on Global Powers of Retailing, is one of the speakers at the Retail City event.

'Some consumers appear to be willing to pay a price premium for products or services where there is a discernible focus on social responsibility,' he wrote.

'In such cases, retailers can actually increase their profit margins by engaging in such a focus – while at the same time performing a service.'

In addition, he believes some retailers and suppliers are eager to get ahead of the competition by 'going green' in order to be well positioned should the regulatory environment become more onerous as governments act on carbon emissions.

In a special session on sustainability at Retail City, Imtiaz Khan, Head of Facilities Management for the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, will explore the concept of responsible retailing issues including sustainability in the design and construction of 'green' stores and malls.

New at this year’s Retail City event will be a dedicated Retailers Pavilion where retailers from emerging markets can network and exhibit to expand their brand in direct contact with mall management, retail developers, investors and operators, the organisers said.

The Retail City Awards will take place on June 2 rewarding excellence in the retail industry with categories such as Emerging Market Retailer, Retailer of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility, Architectural Designer, Franchise Operator, Mall of the Year and World’s Best Retail Destination, they added. – TradeArabia News Service