Qatar Retail Industry Market Size

Qatar Retail Market Analysis

The Qatar retail industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of greater than 5% in the forecasted period. The e-commerce industry includes the digital channel-based sale of tangible commodities to individual end-users. This definition includes purchases made using mobile devices and desktop computers (including notebooks and laptops). Digitally distributed services, media downloads or streaming, items delivered digitally in B2B markets, and the digital purchase or resale of worn, damaged, or repaired goods are not included in the e-commerce market. All monetary amounts are expressed in the annual gross revenue, excluding shipping expenses.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the retail sector in Qatar, as overall consumer spending decreased. However, the e-commerce sector saw an incremental rise during the lockdowns and restrictions on movement imposed by the local governments.

Despite the worldwide slump, Qatar's retail sector performed well. Although stores had to close in the spring due to lockdown measures by governments worldwide to stop the spread of COVID-19, reopening started as early as that summer. Since then, several health regulations have been implemented at malls and retail establishments in Qatar to welcome customers. Even though median monthly rents decreased, a few new malls opened in the base year, and more are anticipated for the following year, thanks to pent-up demand for goods and socializing. Online delivery and minimal supply disruption during the pandemic helped grocery stores, mainly thanks to Qatar's pre-pandemic drive to increase food security and diversify trading.