MECSC's MENA Shopping Centre and Retail Awards 2014 announces record participation from retail industry

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres, the regional trade body representing the retail industry in the Middle East and North Africa, is pulling out all the stops in preparation for the MENA Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards 2014, set to be staged in a glittering gala this October. In its most popular edition yet, the Awards has received a record number of entries from the region’s key retail industry players.

Instituted and designed to recognize exceptional successes in the industry, the MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards will be held on 13th October 2014 during the RECon MENA Conference and Exhibition in Dubai. Entries from key players in the industry spanning over 17 countries were invited to the Awards, which recognize business distinction in six categories, including traditional marketing, new media, and design and development. The new categories “Retail Excellence” and “Retail Professionals” have also been very well received, with a number of entries submitted by major retail companies across the region.

Making the announcement, David Macadam, CEO of MECSC, said, “Since its inception in 2011, MENA Shopping Centre & Retailer Awards have seen an enormous rise in participation year after year. This year’s edition records almost double the entries that we received in 2013, and marks a 400% increase in participation compared to 2011.”

“Our esteemed jury, a group of leading industry stalwarts, has been conscientiously involved in reviewing entries and ensuring that we shine the spotlight on highest level of excellence in the industry. This year, the award function will make a toast to retail distinction and we look forward to declaring the shortlisted entries soon,” he added.

Some of the celebrated winners of the MENA Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards 2013 include Red Sea Mall and Arabian Centres from Saudi Arabia for Marketing. Billy Beez, Arabian Centres, Saudi Arabia and GOAL!, Dubai Mall, Dubai were also recognized for setting new benchmarks in new retail concepts while Fun City, Dubai took away a silver for PR and ‘All Eyes on you at Moda Mall’, Bahrain clinched a gold for Sales Promotion and Events.

Marking its 20 years of presence in the region, MECSC has also announced the launch of Retail People, a new quarterly glossy publication that highlights achievers in the sector. The title also establishes a platform for members of the MECSC and the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) to communicate and explore business opportunities.

Aimed to be the number one source of knowledge, information and enthusiasm for the retail industry where members can have an active voice in the activities of MECSC across the MENA territory, the new magazine will fill a vital gap and provide a channel of communication to and among its members. The official voice of the MECSC, Retail People has been designed to act as a catalyst in growing the Council’s membership by providing value in terms of showcasing new brands, developments and trends in the retail landscape, and pioneering business ideas to its readership.

Off the press from October 2014 in cooperation with Motivate Publishing, Retail People is all set to meet expand its members’ horizons with industry content that will further enhance opportunities for the MECSC. The title will be circulated across 45 countries through the MECSC network, including the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, India and Pakistan along with MENA.

Providing excellent exposure, networking and business development opportunities within its member network, MECSC is where your brand needs to be!