Canon ties up with Extra in Saudi Arabia

Canon Middle East has signed United Electronics Company, the company behind retailer Extra, as a strategic partner for Canon office personal products (OPP) in Saudi Arabia. Extra has a strong retail presence in the GCC focused primarily on Saudi Arabia. The company also has a strong e-commerce operation and offers an expansive portfolio spanning TV, audio systems, computers, mobile phones and IT communications, cameras, home appliances and personal care products. Read full story

Periscope upbeat on Black Friday potential in UK

It could be a huge Black Friday for 2017, as 44% of US, and 81% of UK shoppers plan to go bargain hunting online and in stores, according to research from Periscope By McKinsey. Almost half of US consumers confirmed they will be shopping this Black Friday – compared to just 26% in 2016 and 23% who were undecided. The jump is much higher in the UK with an impressive 81% of stating they intend to shop this Black Friday – compared to just 22% who anticipated getting involved last year and 30% who were on the fence. Read full story

Ring signs Al Jammaz as distributor in Saudi Arabia

Smart home security solutions vendor Ring has signed Al Jammaz Distribution as a channel partner in Saudi Arabia. Ring hopes that the distribution deal will help it expand its reach across the Saudi Arabian market, offering customers Ring’s innovative home security products and solutions. Mohammad Meraj Hoda, managing director at Ring, said: “Al Jammaz has been providing technology-driven business solutions in Saudi Arabia for almost a decade and in that time, has succeeded in reaching almost 90% of the Saudi Arabian channel and distribution market.” Read full story

iLife receives Microsoft award in Middle East

Mobile device brand iLife Digital technology has picked up an award from Microsoft in the Middle East. iLife was recognised as a ‘Compete Partner’ of the year for 2017 for its devices designed for the Middle East’s budget concscious consumers. The annual awards hosted by Microsoft Gulf celebrated and recognised partners that had made a significant contribution to the vendor’s business. Read full story

DISTREE Russia 2018 scheduled for May 30th to June 1st

The 15th annual DISTREE Russia will take place in Moscow on May 30th to June 1st, 2018. The country’s leading annual channel event will offer technology brands and distributors access to Russia leading retailers, e-tailers and resellers in one place at one time. DISTREE Russia 2018 will take place in the luxurious surroundings of the Areal Congress Hotel. Surrounded by green parklands, this conveniently located hotel is situated just 10 miles from Moscow’s ring road. Read full feature

DISTREE Middle East 2018 consumer tech channel event scheduled for April 22-24 in UAE

DISTREE Middle East 2018 will take place on April 22-24th in the UAE. The three-day channel event unites consumer technology brands and distributors with senior executives and buyers from the region’s leading retailers and e-tailers. Exhibitors pre-schedule one-on-one meetings with retailers and e-tailers attending the event, enabling them to target specific markets or channels for their product portfolio. Read full feature