Pakistan Retail Growth: 53 Years of Naheed Driving an AI-Powered E-Commerce Shift
Pakistan’s retail sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by digital adoption, e-commerce expansion, and increasing foreign investment. At the center of this shift is Naheed, a long-established retailer that is redefining how traditional retail and digital commerce can coexist.
Founded in the 1970s as a small grocery store in Karachi, Naheed has evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading omnichannel retailers. Today, the company operates a 52,000-square-foot retail hub and has built a strong e-commerce presence offering more than 80,000 products to customers across the country.
From Traditional Retail to Omnichannel Leadership
Naheed’s growth reflects a broader trend in Pakistan, where legacy retailers are transitioning toward digital-first models. By combining its physical store experience with a robust online platform, the company has created a seamless omnichannel ecosystem.
This approach has helped Naheed build strong customer trust, leveraging decades of brand recognition while adapting to modern consumer expectations. As a result, it has become one of the largest standalone e-commerce players in Pakistan.
AI and Technology Shape the Future
Innovation is playing a central role in Pakistan’s retail evolution. Naheed is now focusing on integrating advanced technologies, including plans to develop an AI-driven data center to enhance operations, customer insights, and scalability.
This move highlights how Pakistani retailers are increasingly investing in data and automation to stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
UAE Partnerships Boost Pakistan Retail Growth
International collaboration is becoming a key driver of Pakistan’s retail transformation. Naheed is actively exploring partnerships with UAE investors, aiming to leverage their technological expertise and infrastructure capabilities.
According to company leadership, such collaborations could significantly accelerate innovation and unlock new growth opportunities for Pakistan’s retail ecosystem.
Expanding Product Ecosystems
To diversify its offering, Naheed has expanded beyond traditional grocery retail by launching new verticals such as Naheed Pharmacy, focusing on health, beauty, and wellness products.
This reflects a growing trend in Pakistan where retailers are evolving into multi-category platforms, similar to global marketplace models.
A Market with Strong Growth Potential
Pakistan presents a compelling opportunity for investors, supported by a young population, with around 65% aged between 18 and 35, and a rapidly growing middle class.
As digital infrastructure improves and consumer behavior shifts online, the country is emerging as a high-potential market for e-commerce and retail innovation.
Pakistan’s retail sector is entering a new phase where technology, partnerships, and omnichannel strategies are redefining the industry. Companies like Naheed are not only adapting to change but actively shaping the future of commerce in the region.
Source: Gulf News