Three key trends redefining the retail landscape in Southeast Asia

Retailers are urged to prioritise digitalisation, experiential initiatives, and sustainability to remain competitive.

New digital interfaces, experiential retail, and responsible retail are now the main drivers reshaping the future of retail in Southeast Asia. That’s according to Quan Yao Peh, senior analyst of channels practice at Euromonitor International.

At the Retail Asia forum held in Shangri-La, Bangkok, Quan Yao provided an overview of the current state of retail in Southeast Asia, emphasising the enduring impact of cost-of-living challenges on consumer sentiment.

“What is the current state of retail in the region? Here at Euromonitor, we believe that retail is now firmly in the post-pandemic era,” he said. “The cost of living challenges continue to remain top of mind for many consumers in this region.”

“This is really due to the impact of rising prices and the muted macroeconomic climate impacting consumers' spending decisions and their spending sentiment,” the expert added.