Dubai, December 4, 2004: The seminar entitled: "The Future of Retailing", being organized by the Department of Economic Development (DED) on December 6, 2004, will be conducted by internationally renowned 'retail anthropologist' Paco Underhill, who has earned his status as a leading expert and pioneer in the field with over 25 years experience in studying the shopping patterns of people. 

Paco Underhill is the founder and Managing Director of Envirosell, a New York based research and consulting firm with offices around the world. He will be speaking on two subjects including: "Science of Shopping" and "The State of retail and Industry trends" on December 6, 2004 at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry auditorium.  He is an insightful and captivating speaker, who frequently presents to trade associations and professional groups about the methodology and findings of his research.

"Across the region, Dubai has earned the title, "The Shopping Capital of the Middle East" with its commitment to providing customers with a quality shopping experience," Mr. Essa Kazim, Co-ordinator General Dubai Quality Award and Director General, Dubai Financial Market.  "The DED is organizing this seminar as part of its commitment to provide value-added services to the members of the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES). Seminars of this kind will greatly benefit the retail sector in the Emirate and enable retailers to better understand their customers," he added.

"The DSES was launched as a special quality and service excellence initiative aimed at retail and service outlets in Dubai and aims to promote businesses that strive for an ever-increasing standard in customer service. The topics under discussion at this seminar will add value to the services currently being offered by the DED," said Dr. Lway Nackasha, Adviser Quality and Excellence at DED.

Underhill has often been quoted as saying that: "Today's retail world is ruled by factors such as gender, "trial and touch" and human anatomy." His intensive study of shoppers has enabled companies to understand what motivates consumer behaviour today.

In his speech he is expected to focus on the placement of display products, the walking speed of the potential shopper and the 'downward shift', the area just inside the door or the 'Decompression zone' and other such factors that affect shopping trends.

Underhill and Envirosell have been profiled by major publications, such as, The New Yorker, Fortune, Fast Company, Business Week and Smithsonian Magazine, and have been featured on ABC's 20/20, and CBS's 48 Hours.  Underhill himself is a regular contributor to NPR and BBC Radio and his columns and editorials have appears in the New York Times, London Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Christian Science Monitor. 

His first book, Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping has been published in 23 languages, and has sold more copies than any other retail book in history. His second book entitled Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping was published early this year by Simon & Schuster.

The seminar will also include a detailed presentation on the DSES for potential applicants of the scheme. In addition, Mr. Underhill is expected to participate in a "Mall Walkabout" with top officials of selected companies. People wishing to register for the event can do so by contacting the DSES office at the DED.

-Ends-  

Note to Editors:
About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) was established in March 1992, with the objective to organise, regulate and boost trade and industry within the Emirate of Dubai. The DED has moulded its mission of building a futuristic establishment, in accordance with the vision of the Government of Dubai and in the light of globalisation and the requirements of a digital economy. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors. 

The DED's other functions comprise a wide range of regulatory activities including the preparation and maintenance of a commercial register and the supervision of all organisations. The DED is responsible for regulating the affairs of commercial agents and brokers and commercial advertising offices, in addition to overseeing and controlling the insurance industry in the Emirate. Examining the participation of the government in the private sector and representing the government in companies where it has a stake, also comes under the purview of the DED.

For further information, please contact:
Sameh Hamtini / Sudha Chandran
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel : (971 4) 3344550;
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
Email : info@asdaa.com 

© Press Release 2004