Critique

Pakistan is a developing nation and, previously its population, in a retail sense, was only apprehensive with the purchase
of basic needs, which led to a fragmented and underdeveloped retailing environment in the country. The last decade has,
however, seen extravagant growth in modern retail structures and 2009 witnessed another expansionary phase,
particularly in the urban areas of the country.

This report on modern retailing is an insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines
all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience
stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY
and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers.It reviews changes which occurred
over the last decade in the retail sector in urban Pakistan, in terms of a decrease in traditional ‘kiryana’ stores, an
increase in general stores, and the emergence of new formats such as superstores, malls, and retail chains. These trends
are discussed in the context of broader socio–economic changes, including growth in the urban middle class and
disposable incomes.

Also, new promotional techniques are being implemented at the point of sale (superstores, hypermarkets, departmental
stores). These involve the use of technology on a large scale. It has improved the consumer awareness and now the
shoppers in Pakistan can clearly define their preferences on the basis of quality and price.

The shopping habits of people are changing rapidly with changing life styles, changing ways of living, customer pattern
and buying behavior. All the things are changing.
These corporate sector-promoted activities and the glamour and pomp that surrounds in Pakistan is in sharp contrast to
the physical and social conditions in lower and lower-middle income settlements. Retailing in Pakistan is now dynamic !

Huma Saleem