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Theretailindustryisundergoingoneofthemosttransformativeperiodsinits
history.Fromshiftingconsumerexpectationstotheriseofdigital-first marketplaces,today’sleadersarenavigatingalandscapedefinedbyconstant changeandinnovation.Whatsetsthetrulyexceptionalapartisnotonlytheirabilityto adaptbutalsotheirvisiontoredefinethewayweexperienceretailaltogether
InthisspecialeditionofInsightsSuccesstitled, The 10 Most Influential Leaders in Retail Innovation, 2025,weshineaspotlightontheindividualswhoarereshapingthe industrywithcreativity,resilience,andforward-thinkingleadership.Theseleadersare leveragingcutting-edgetechnologiesartificialintelligence,data-drivenpersonalization, sustainablesupplychains,andomnichannelstrategiesnotasbuzzwords,butastoolsto buildmeaningfulcustomerexperiencesandsustainablebusinessmodels.
Moreimportantly,theyembodyararecombinationofcourageandempathy Theyare notsimplyrespondingtotrends;theyareanticipatingthem,oftensettingnew benchmarksforotherstofollow.Fromintegratingethicalpracticesintobusinessmodels toreimaginingcustomerengagementinanincreasinglydigitalworld,theirinfluence extendsfarbeyondorganizationalwalls.
Thiseditionisnotjustaboutcelebratingsuccess;itisaboutrecognizingthepeoplewho arerewritingthefutureofretail.Theirstoriesoffervaluablelessonsinresilience, innovation,andleadershipatatimewhentheindustryneedsthemmost.
Asyouexplorethejourneysofthesetenremarkableleaders,Iinviteyoutoreflecton thepowerofinnovationtodrivegrowth,inspireloyalty,andultimately,transformlives. Thefutureofretailisbeingwrittentoday,andtheseleadersareholdingthepen.
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How Technology is Transforming Tyre Recycling - By Arthur Wagner
The Need for Compassionate Leadership During a Global Pandemic - By Eileen Willet
Leadership in a Digitalized World - By Akinlawon Fayokun
Bianca Rangecro Pu ng an End to “I have Nothing to wear” Dilemma
Deirdre Mc Ge rick Offering Wide Range of Furnishings
Nazim Cassim
Breaking the S gma and ReshapingRetail Careers
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AdrianoSilva HeadofGrowthfor MEAandAPACVTEX
BiancaRangecroft
Founder&CEO
DeirdreMcGettrick Founder&CEO
FerencBoele HeadofIT
LediLapaj DirectorCustomer Experience
MuhammadFathy
DirectorofTechnology
Services&ITOperations ManagementSector
NarinderAuluck ChiefTechnology Officer
NazimCassim Founder
OlivierBusolini
GroupHeadof InformationSecurity
VincenzoMinore GroupCEO
VTEX vtex.com
Whering whering.co.uk
Ufurnish ufurnish.com
NationalBankofOman nbo.om
Bank-al-Etihad bankaletihad.com
BanqueduCaire bdc.com.eg
InvestBank investbank.ae
RetailInstituteof SouthAfrica(RISA) retailinstituteofsa.com
Mashreq mashreqbank.com
TheGroomingCompany Holding https://omorfiagroup.com
Adynamicleaderdrivinggrowthacrossglobalmarkets,Adriano excelsinscalingbusinesses,buildingstrategicpartnerships,and leveragingdata-driveninsightstoaccelerateexpansionacross MEAandAPAC.
Biancacombinesentrepreneurialspiritwithfinancialexpertise, skilledininnovation,strategicleadership,andempowering diverseteamstocreateimpactfulsolutionsinthemodern businesslandscape.
Deirdreisavisionaryentrepreneurblendingcreativitywith technology,passionateaboutsimplifyingconsumerexperiences, fosteringinnovation,anddeliveringscalablesolutionsinhighly competitivedigitalmarketplaces.
FerencisatechnologyleaderwithexpertiseinITinfrastructure, digitaltransformation,systemoptimization,andaligningtechnology strategieswithbusinessgoalstodelivermeasurableoutcomes.
Lediispassionateaboutenhancingcustomerjourneys,skilledin experiencedesign,customerengagementstrategies,process optimization,andbuildingserviceexcellenceculturesacross globalorganizations.
Muhammadisaresults-orientedITleaderspecializingin technologyservices,operationsmanagement,digital transformation,andcybersecurity,ensuringseamlessbusiness continuityandlong-termoperationalresilience.
Narinderisatechnologystrategistwithaproventrackrecordin digitaltransformation,innovation,softwaredevelopment,and deliveringscalableenterprisesolutionsthroughmodernarchitecture.
Nazimisanaccomplishedexecutivewithdeepexpertiseinretail transformation,strategyexecution,andoperationalexcellence, recognizedfordrivingsustainablegrowthandcustomer-centric businessinnovation.
Olivierisasecurityexpertwithextensiveknowledgeinrisk management,compliance,cyberdefense,andsafeguarding enterprisesystemsthroughrobustgovernanceandproactive securityframeworks.
Vincenzoisavisionaryleaderwithexpertiseinstrategic growth,corporategovernance,businesstransformation,and empoweringorganizationstoachievelong-termsustainable successincompetitiveglobalmarkets.
AdrianoSilva,HeadofGrowthforMEAandAPACat VTEX VTEX’s ,servesasakeyregionalamplifierof global strategy in one of the world’s most dynamic digital commerce landscapes. With over two decades of experiencespanningDigitalCommerce,cloudtechnologies, and sales leadership, Adriano combines extensive global expertisewithakeenunderstandingofMEA’s(MiddleEast &Africa)uniquechallengesandopportunities.Fluentinfour languages and passionate about fostering partnerships and talent development, he supports regional businesses in unlockingnewgrowthhorizonsalignedwith ’sbroader VTEX vision
The Great Convergence: MEA’s Moment to Redefine DigitalCommerce
Commerce worldwide is experiencing a historic transformation. What began as enthusiastic consumer adoption of online shopping has matured, now reshaping retail, wholesale, and complex B2B supply chains alike. Analystsforecaste-commercewillrepresentalmostaquarter of global retail sales by 2027, and Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80% of B2B sales interactions will happen on digital channels.
MEAsitsattheforefrontofthisshift.Boastingayoung,mobilefirst population, aggressive government digitalization initiatives,andrapidfintechinnovation,theregionhasarare chance to bypass outdated legacy systems and build a digitally native commerce ecosystem Yet success here requires more than technology, it demands visionary leadership,agility,andtherightstrategicpartners.
UnlockingMEARetailPotentialwithUnifiedCommerce
The MEA’s retail sector is on a fast-moving digital trajectory, with the wider MEA region expected to see digital wallets handling nearly 70% of online transactions by 2027. In markets such asTurkey, mobile commerce already accounts forcloseto70%ofpurchases—aclearsignalofwhereMEA markets are heading as mobile-first consumers set new standardsforconvenience.
Shoppersherenolongertoleratefragmentedexperiences They expect to browse, pay, and receive their orders seamlessly across apps, websites, and stores This is why unified commerce a step beyond traditional omnichannel is becomingthedefiningstrategyforMEAretailers.
Thestrengthofthemarketisreflectedinthecalibreofplayersit attracts Global commerce leaders such as Salesforce
“MEA’s digital accelera on brings promise, but also sharper risks—from rising cyber threats to governance gaps and fragmented AI adop on. Addressing them is cri cal for growth.”
Commerce Cloud, Adobe Commerce (Magento), SAP Commerce Cloud, and Shopify Plus have all established a strong footprint in the region. Alongside them, —aVTEX globally recognized leader in composable commerce—has beensteadilyexpandingacrossMEA,bringingitsexperience powering enterprise brands like Samsung, Whirlpool, and Carrefour.
Thisrobustcompetitivelandscapeisgoodnewsfortheregion It gives retailers choice, drives innovation, and accelerates digital maturity For MEA businesses, the opportunity is to adopt platforms that offer composability the ability to modernize with precision, selecting AI-driven personalization, live shopping, or marketplace capabilities incrementally, without costly full-stack overhauls. VTEX’s pragmaticapproachtocomposablecommerceisparticularly well-suited to this reality, helping businesses innovate fast whilestayingincontroloftheirtechinvestments.
Bringing a Personal Touch to Digital Commerce with AI andLiveShopping
Whilescalabilityisdigital’sadvantage,thehumanconnection remainsparamount.ModernMEAconsumerscraveefficiency but also intimate, personalized service that reflects longstandingculturaltradingtraditions. ’sinnovations VTEX in live shopping and concierge commerce, supported byAIpowered recommendations and search, replicate bespoke service at scale. Retailers can host real-time product demos, interactivechats,andone-clickcheckoutembeddedin
“ ’s innova ons in VTEX live shopping and concierge commerce, supported by AI-powered recommenda ons and search, replicate bespoke service at scale.”
livestreams—building trust and loyalty in a distinctly MEA style.
AIenhancesoperationalefficiencytoo fromdynamicpricing to demand forecasting turning static catalogs into responsivecommerceengines.Forresterreportsaremarkable 133% ROI and $5.8 million savings for clients, VTEX underscoringtheplatform’sbottom-lineimpact.
TheStrategicB2BTransformation:ComplexityDigitalized
Alongside retail's digital evolution, MEA's B2B sectors are experiencing an equally transformative shift. Historically reliantonphone,fax,andpaper,industrieslikeconstruction, chemicals, industrial tools and others are increasingly embracing digital platforms built for managing complexity. Tex’s composable architecture excels here, supporting contract-specific pricing and tailored order workflows. Companies like Colgate and Stanley Black & Decker have successfully digitized their extensive distribution networks and dealer relationships with , proving that even VTEX complex B2B ecosystems can thrive digitally Several Research shows that B2B companies leading digital transformation can achieve up to multifold revenue growth compared to those slower to adopt digital strategies, highlighting the critical urgency for businesses to embrace thisshift
MEA’s Unique Edge: Converging Retail and B2B on a Mobile-FirstFrontier
MEAisperfectlypoisedtoblendretailagilitywithB2Bscale. Mobile-first consumer habits push retailers to innovate at speed, while industrial and logistics sectors begin digitizing procurementandsupplychainprocesses.Growingdigital
VTEX VTEX (NYSE: ) is the composable and complete commerce pla orm for global brands and retailers, delivering greater efficiency and reduced maintenance for organiza ons looking to make smarter IT investments and modernize their tech stack. Through a pragma c composability approach, empowers VTEX brands, distributors, and retailers with unparalleled flexibility and comprehensive solu ons, allowing them to invest only in what drives clear business advantages and increases profitability. is VTEX trusted by 2.4 thousand global B2C and B2B customers, including Carrefour, Colgate, Sony, Stanley Black & Decker, and Whirlpool, opera ng 3.4 thousand ac ve online stores across 43 countries (FY ended December 31, 2024). For more informa on, visit www.vtex.com.”
“ Shield embeds VTEX enterprise-grade defenses—Web Applica on Firewall, real- me monitoring, and pen-test readiness—so businesses can scale securely without added complexity.”
wallet adoption across Gulf nations and rising super-app ecosystemsinEgyptandNigeriaaccelerateconvergence.
VTEX’slocalpresencemeansMEAbusinessesgainglobalbest practices fine-tuned for regional needs—supporting varied payment methods including cash on delivery, wallet integrations, and installment financing, alongside scalable B2Bcapabilitiesthathandleeverythingfromlocaldealersto multinational procurement portals This future proofing enablesMEAcompaniestodeliverpersonalized,transparent, and efficient experiences to both consumers and business buyers.
Navigating Risks and Seizing Rewards: Priorities for Leaders
MEA’s digital acceleration brings promise, but also sharper risks from rising cyber threats to governance gaps and fragmented AI adoption. Addressing them is critical for growth.
Security first. Customer trust hinges on protection VTEX Shield embeds enterprise-grade defenses—WebApplication Firewall, real-time monitoring, and pen-test readiness—so businessescanscalesecurelywithoutaddedcomplexity.
Governanceatscale.Expansionacrosschannelsandmarkets oftencreatescontrolissues.With Vision 25’s B2B approval workflows and punchout integrations, ensures VTEX compliance, budget control, and multi-level approvals are seamless, turning governance into an enabler, not a roadblock.
AI with purpose. Many businesses rush AI adoption without measurable ROI. ’s Agentic AI framework—from the VTEX VisualEditorAgentforno-codestorefrontchanges,totheData InsightsAgentforreal-timeanalytics,andtheWeniCustomer Service Agent for conversational commerce integrates intelligenceatthecoreofoperations.
The reward. By combining security, governance, andAI-native innovation,MEAbusinessescanscalefaster,safeguardtrust,and competewithgloballeadersonequalfooting.
LookingForward:MEA’sRoleasaGlobalDigitalCommerce Benchmark
ThefuturewillblurlinesbetweenB2CandB2B;consumerswill buydirectlyfrommanufacturers,andbusinessprocurementwill demand retail-like simplicity. Transactions will increasingly happen “in the flow” within apps, social media, and collaboration tools, with AI seamlessly orchestrating personalized,securecommerce.
MEA’syouthful,digitallysavvypopulation,backedbyproactive governmentsandpoweredbyplatformslike ,isperfectly VTEX positioned not just to keep pace but to set the pace in global digitalcommerceinnovation.
ForMEA’sdigitalcommerceleaders,themessageisclear:thetime toactisnow Embracingcomposable,unifiedplatformsisn’tjust a technological choice—it’s a strategic imperative laying the foundation for sustainable growth, resilience, and global leadership.
ReferencesusedfortheStatisticalData
1. Red Stag Fulfillment What Share of Global Retail Sales Is Ecommerce?
2. Oberlo EcommerceShareofRetailSales(2024–2028)
3. GlobeNewswire B2C E-Commerce and Shopper Insights Report2025–2028
4. Forrester. Global Retail E-Commerce Sales Will Reach $6.8 Trillionby2028.
5. GlobalConsultantsReview.80%ofB2BSalesInteractionsto BeDigitalby2025.
6. DestinationCRM The Future of Sales in 2025: A Gartner TrendInsightReport
August 2025 | 18 | www.insightssuccessmagazine.com
Retail is no longer just about shelves, products, and price
tags.Intoday’shyper-competitivelandscape,thesuccess ofanyretailstrategydependsnotonlyonwhatcompanies sellbutalsoonhowtheyconnectwiththehumanmind.
The psychology behind retail innovation offers profound insights into why customers make decisions, what motivates them to stay loyal, and how businesses can continually adapt to shifting consumerbehaviors.
Attheheartofretailinnovationlieshumanpsychology.Consumers are not purely rational beings; their decisions are shaped by emotions, social influences, and subconscious triggers. For instance,thefeelingofexclusivity,thethrillofdiscounts,oreven the sensory appeal of a store layout can deeply influence buying behavior
Retailers that understand this psychological layer can design experiences that feel intuitive, engaging, and personalized. By tapping into how customers think and feel, innovation becomes less about technology alone and more about creating meaningful humanconnections.
One of the most significant drivers of consumer behavior is emotion. Studies show that people often buy emotionally and justify their choices logically afterward. This is where retail innovation plays a powerful role. From immersive in-store experiences to AI-driven personalization online, retailers are designing journeys that evoke happiness, curiosity, or even urgency
For example, think of how limited time offers trigger a sense of “fearofmissingout”(FOMO),nudgingcustomerstoactquickly Similarly, loyalty programs that celebrate milestones like birthdays or anniversaries instill a sense of belonging and appreciation. These psychological cues, when integrated into innovation,turncasualbuyersintolong-termbrandadvocates.
Modern consumers crave recognition. They want brands to know their preferences and offer tailored solutions Personalization,therefore,hasbecomeacornerstoneofretail innovation. Whether it’s a curated product recommendation onane-commercesiteorapersonalizedgreetinginaphysical store, these efforts create a psychological bond between the consumerandthebrand.
Thissenseofindividualattentiontapsintoabasichumanneed forvalidation.Customersarefarmorelikelytoengagewhen they feel seen and understood. Retailers using AI and data analyticstopredictandrespondtoconsumerbehaviorarenot just offering convenience—they are nurturing emotional loyalty
Retail environments are carefully engineered to influence psychology.Lighting,music,storelayout,andevenscentall plays a role in how consumers perceive value and make decisions. This is another dimension of retail innovation: designingspacesthatstimulatepositiveemotionsandreduce decisionfatigue.
Consider how luxury brands often use minimalist designs to highlight exclusivity, while fast-fashion retailers use vibrant colors and upbeat music to energize shoppers. Online, this translates into user-friendly interfaces, intuitive navigation, andvisuallyappealingproductdisplays.Bothapproachesare groundedinthepsychologyofperceptionandattention.
In a world filled with choices, trust becomes a critical psychological anchor. Consumers are more likely to engage with retailers who demonstrate transparency, ethical practices, and social responsibility. Today, retail innovation often incorporates sustainable practices, transparent supply chains, and honest marketing as ways to build deeper connectionswithsociallyconsciousbuyers.
This shift is not just about doing what is right, it’s about aligning with the values of consumers who want their purchases to reflect their beliefs.Wheninnovation is guided bytrustandethics,itcreatesastronger,long-termrelationship betweenbrandsandcustomers.
Technology is often seen as the backbone of modern retail. But its success depends on how it interacts with the
subconscious mind.Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-driven chatbots are more than tools they are enablersofpsychologicalengagement.
Forinstance,ARtoolsthatallowcustomersto“trybeforethey buy” reduce uncertainty and increase confidence. Similarly, recommendation engines create a sense of discovery, sparking curiosity and delight. These innovations are successful because they ease psychological friction and enhanceconsumerconfidenceintheirchoices.
Humans are social creatures, and much of consumer psychology is influenced by the opinions and behaviors of others. Social proof reviews, testimonials, and influencer endorsements plays a massive role in decision-making. Modern retail innovation leverages this psychology by integrating community-driven features such as ratings, peer recommendations,andsocialshoppingexperiences.
This sense of belonging to a larger community or trend reassures buyers that they are making the right decision. It also fuels the human need for connection and shared experience, making retail a collective activity rather than a solitarytransaction.
The future of retail innovation will increasingly focus on merging technology with psychology Instead of overwhelming customers with endless options, retailers will prioritize simplicity, personalization, and emotional resonance.
For instance, AI-driven mental well-being tools might be incorporatedintoshoppingplatformstoreducestress.Retail spaces may evolve into experiential hubs where customers feel emotionally enriched, not just commercially served. In short, innovation will be less about the next big gadget and more about addressing the core psychological needs of the consumer
The psychology behind retail innovation reminds us that successful retailing is not just about products and prices it’s aboutpeople.Understandingemotions,personalization,trust, andsocialinfluenceenablesbusinessestodesignmeaningful experiencesthatresonateonadeeperlevel.
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In the rapidly evolving retail landscape, customer
expectationsarechangingfasterthaneverbefore Shoppers todayvaluespeed,convenience,andsecuritywhenmaking purchases.Thisshifthasplacedretailinnovationattheforefront, withcontactlesspaymentsolutionsemergingasoneofthemost significanttransformationsshapingtheindustry.
Frommobilewalletstonear-fieldcommunication(NFC)cards, contactlesstechnologyisnotonlyredefininghowcustomerspay but also how retailers operate and compete in an increasingly digital-firstworld.
The concept of contactless payments is no longer a futuristic idea ithasbecomeamainstreamreality Theglobalpandemic accelerated its adoption, with consumers seeking touch-free experiencesforsafetyandefficiency Today,mobilewalletslike ApplePay,GooglePay,andSamsungPay,alongwithtap-to-pay debitandcreditcards,havebecomeeverydaytools.
Retailerswhoembracethesemethodsarenotjustkeepingpace with technological trends but are actively engaging in retail innovation by meeting customers where they are digitally connected, time-conscious, and security-focused This innovation helps retailers build stronger relationships while reducingfrictionatthecheckoutcounters.
At the heart of retail innovation lies the customer experience Contactless payments reduce waiting times at checkout, streamline purchases, and create seamless shopping journeys Whetheritisabusycoffeeshopduringmorningrushhourora large department store during the holiday season, contactless solutionsensurethattransactionsarequickandhassle-free.
Moreover,thesesystemsintegrateeasilywithloyaltyprograms andpersonalizedpromotions.Acustomertappingtheirphoneto paycouldsimultaneouslyearnpointsorunlockdiscounts This creates an engaging ecosystem where convenience and customer satisfaction converge a hallmark of retail innovation.
Retail innovation is not limited to front-end customer interactions;italsoinfluencesback-endoperations Contactless payment solutions help retailers cut down on cash-handling costs,reduceerrorsfrommanualentries,andminimizetherisks associatedwithcounterfeitcurrency
By integrating contactless systems with advanced analytics, businessescanalsogaininsightsintoconsumerbehavior.Data on shopping frequency, average spending, and preferred payment methods allows retailers to tailor offerings and improve inventory management This efficiency strengthens overall business performance and allows for more informed decision-making.
Oneofthemostcriticalelementsinretailistrust.Contactless payments have been designed with enhanced security measures, such as tokenization and biometric authentication, whichsignificantlyreducefraudrisks Customersarereassured knowingtheirsensitivedataisnotexposedduringtransactions.
By embedding trust into every purchase, retailers strengthen long-term customer relationships. This focus on secure, transparent payment systems is another layer of retail innovation,ensuringthatbusinessesremainresilientintheface ofdigitalthreatswhileprioritizingcustomersafety
Retailinnovationextendsbeyondphysicalstores.Contactless payment solutions are bridging the gap between in-store and online experiences. For instance, customers who shop online for delivery or curbside pickup can still enjoy contactless, hassle-freepayments
Omnichannel integration empowers retailers to deliver consistentserviceregardlessofwherecustomersengage.This holistic approach ensures that convenience, security, and personalizationremainintactacrossalltouchpoints,creatinga seamlessbrandexperience
Itisnotonlylargeretailersthatbenefitfromthiswaveofretail innovation Smallbusinesses,too,areleveragingmobilepointof-sale systems that accept contactless payments This levels the playing field, enabling them to compete with established giantsbyofferingthesameseamlesspaymentexperiences.
Globally, contactless adoption is also creating financial inclusion opportunities. In regions where banking infrastructureislimited,mobilewalletsprovideanentrypoint for underserved populations to participate in the digital economy This democratization of commerce underscores the transformativepowerofretailinnovation.
Whilethebenefitsaresignificant,theroadtouniversaladoption does come with challenges Some customers remain hesitant due to a lack of awareness or misconceptions about security Similarly, smaller retailers may face initial costs in upgrading systems
However, as technology becomes more accessible and consumertrustcontinuestogrow,thesehurdlesareexpectedto diminish.Theongoingevolutionofpaymenttechnologies,such as biometric verification and blockchain-backed transactions, will push retail innovation even further, paving the way for a futurewhereseamless,contactlesscommerceisthenorm.
Contactless payment solutions are more than just a convenience—they represent a fundamental shift in how retailers connect with consumers By embracing these technologies, businesses are actively participating in retail innovation, setting new standards in customer experience, operationalefficiency,andtrust.
As the retail world continues to evolve, one thing is certain: innovation in payments is not just about keeping up with change it’saboutleadingit.Theretailersthatunderstandand embrace this shift will not only survive but thrive in the competitive,customer-drivenmarketplaceofthefuture