Latest news with #omni-channel
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Raya Electronics and the AUC's Onsi Sawiris School of Business partner on research Project
Raya Electronics, a subsidiary of Raya Trade and Distribution, which is a portfolio company of Raya Holding, has concluded a four-month research collaboration with Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo. The initiative offered students a hands-on opportunity to observe and analyze the customer journey across both traditional and digital sales channels—from brand awareness and the purchasing experience to post-sale services. The study also focused on the company's implementation of its omni-channel retail strategy aimed at delivering a seamless and integrated shopping experience. This collaboration reflects Raya Electronics' ongoing commitment to supporting education by connecting academic theory with practical experience. The project was conducted as part of the students' graduation project under the supervision of Dr. Ayman Ismail, Abdul Latif Jameel Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at AUC, and Dr. Moataz Darwish, Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Management at AUC. The experience enabled students to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics, enhancing their understanding of the electronics retail sector in a rapidly evolving competitive landscape. The study also offered strategic insight into Raya Electronics' ambition to become the go-to destination for consumer electronics in Egypt. Bassem Megahed, CEO of Raya Trade, commented: 'We're pleased that this initiative gave students direct exposure to the retail sector and allowed them to engage with various sales channels. It helped bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world business practices. We believe such initiatives are essential for equipping future professionals with the skills needed to thrive in today's market. This study also marks a pivotal step toward evaluating how Raya Electronics can further strengthen its position as a leading destination for customers—across both physical and digital platforms—through integrated strategies that ensure a smooth and connected shopping journey.' The CEO added: 'This fruitful collaboration also offered Raya a meaningful opportunity to harness the momentum of fresh ideas introduced by emerging talent, enriched by cutting-edge academic perspectives. At Raya, we firmly believe that innovation is not limited to internal capabilities—it flourishes through embracing the vitality and modern outlook of the next generation. Such engagement enriches our strategic direction and enhances our adaptability as we prepare to meet the future with agility.' Dr. Ayman Ismail added: 'The customer journey is one of the most critical areas for businesses to understand, as it helps them comprehend how consumers make purchase decisions across different sales channels. This collaboration with Raya Electronics allowed our students to dissect each stage of the journey—from initial brand exposure and marketing engagement to purchase decisions and post-purchase evaluation.' Dr. Moataz Darwish also noted: 'What sets this study apart is how it enabled students to track customer interactions across both digital and physical touchpoints, and explore how these channels integrate within an omni-channel strategy. The project included an analysis of online and in-store sales processes, customer segmentation, and targeted marketing strategies based on purchasing behavior. This hands-on experience gave students a real-world understanding of market mechanisms and enhanced their ability to evaluate and apply modern marketing strategies—preparing them to meet the challenges of today's business environment.' About Raya Electronics Raya Electronics, a subsidiary of Raya Trade and Distribution, which is a portfolio company of Raya Holding, is one of Egypt's leading retailers and distributors of consumer electronics. Since its establishment, the company has built a strong market presence through a nationwide network of over 70 retail outlets, in addition to its comprehensive e-commerce platform, Rayashop. Raya Electronics adopts an omni-channel retail strategy to ensure a unified and consistent customer experience across both digital and physical sales points. The company offers a wide range of electronic and electrical products from top global and local brands—including mobile phones, home appliances, and cutting-edge electronics—supported by robust after-sales services to ensure a complete and satisfying customer journey. About The American University in Cairo (AUC) Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo is a premier English-language institution of higher education, accredited in both Egypt and the United States. AUC serves as a vibrant hub for cultural, social, and intellectual exchange in the Arab world. It fosters global dialogue and understanding, acting as a bridge between East and West and connecting Egypt and the region to the world through research, academic partnerships, and international education programs. AUC offers 40 undergraduate programs, 52 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs. Its liberal arts-based curriculum encourages critical and analytical thinking, empowering students to develop innovative solutions to regional and global challenges. AUC is an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian, and multicultural institution that provides equal opportunities for all students. All its academic programs are accredited by Egypt's Supreme Council of Universities and recognized by U.S. accrediting bodies.
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Target salaries revealed: How much the retailer pays software engineers and other tech workers
Target was an early player in omni-channel retail and is one of the more tech-forward brands. The company has built a large tech workforce, and data suggest its workers are paid well. For example, a principal engineer can make a base salary of as much as $353,000, per filings. Target is continuing to invest in its tech workforce as it tries to recapture the success it saw a few years ago. EVP and operating chief Michael Fiddelke told investors in May that harnessing tech and AI would be critical to his work in the company's newly formed office that aims to accelerate its growth plan. The Bullseye retailer has long brought a tech-savviness to its business that has set it apart from most other retailers: it first launched its e-commerce website in 1999, and its early engagement with mobile pickup and delivery services gave Target a massive lift during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the company employs a large tech team behind its increasingly complex business of physical stores, e-commerce business, retail media, and more. And it pays well, salary data suggests. Company filings with the US Department of Labor show Target sought to hire around 94 workers through the US H-1B visa program in the first half of this reporting year, largely in software development, information systems, and data science. That number is up substantially from about 49 for the same period the years before, but roughly in line with the 98 records from two years ago. By comparison, big-box rival Walmart has about four times as many US employees and requested visas for 1,750 workers. Companies are required to submit this work visa data, which includes salary information, to the US Department of Labor for all foreign hires. However, the compensation figures don't include equity or other benefits that employees can receive in addition to their base pay. The filings also include industry average pay rates for US workers. Business Insider analyzed how much money companies from Apple to Walmart are paying for tech jobs and other roles. Explore salary data from America's biggest employers. Target has about 440,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Its starting wage for US hourly workers is $15 to $24. A Target spokesperson told Business Insider the company also offers retirement fund matching and a range of other benefits such as employee discounts. The vast majority of the 10,777 jobs listed on Target's careers website at the time of this writing were for positions in the company's fleet of 1,978 stores. Within the 230 corporate openings, 139 were for the company's offices in India, and the rest were based in the US headquarters in Minnesota. The job listings included salary ranges. Here's a deeper look at some of the roles Target disclosed for tech workers: Software engineers can earn up to $353,000 Senior Engineer: $103,605 to $184,700 Lead Engineer: $136,926 to $240,200 Principal Engineer: $122,741 to $353,000 Data scientists can make more than $122,000 Senior Data Scientist: $122,637 to $184,700 Lead Data Analyst: $139,298 to $200,200 Lead Data Scientist: $128,000 to $273,500 Principal Data Scientist: $211,536 to $347,600 Director-level roles can bring in over $206,000 Director Engineering: $206,398 to $289,700 Director Tech: $206,398 to $289,700 Principal Technical Program Manager: $251,576 to $311,900 Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's going on with the Card Factory share price?
On several occasions, I've suggested that the Card Factory (LSE:CARD) share price was depressed or beaten down because the market didn't like its limited online presence. However, that's now changing with the acquisition of Funky Pigeon from WH Smith. The £24m purchase marks a major strategic shift, addressing long-standing concerns over its minimal online presence. Funky Pigeon will deliver a mature digital platform, experienced technology teams, and established direct-to-recipient gifting capabilities, enhancing Card Factory's digital proposition. The former WH Smith brand has been operating a successful business with average annual revenues around £32m and EBITDA of around £5m over the last two years. Cross-selling opportunities, operational efficiencies, and access to richer customer data should follow. Ultimately, this move positions Card Factory to become a top omni-channel player, uniting over 1,000 stores with a competitive online offer. Shares surge The share price surged after the acquisition was announced. Clearly, investors were happy to see the business make more progress in expanding its digital presence. However, the stock's valuation certainly isn't too demanding. The company's now trading at 6.1 times forward earnings and it's expected to have a net debt position of around £116m by the end of the year. This forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio's expected to fall to 5.4 times by 2027. In fact, earnings may even accelerate faster than this, given the Funky Pigeon takeover. Remember, analysts don't always update their forecasts immediately. The dividend yield remains sizeable despite the rise — share prices and dividend yields are inversely correlated. The forward yield currently sits at 6% and is expected to rise to around 7% by 2027. That's based on today's share price and the dividend forecast. It's also worth noting that dividend coverage is strong at almost three times. This suggests the payments are sustainable even if the business falls on hard times. The bottom line Card Factory, for now, remains a traditional retailer with a distinct brand and deep ties to celebrations and everyday moments. This is a quality that helps it weather shifts in consumer sentiment. The business has shown agility, adapting products and store formats to remain relevant on high streets across the UK. Seemingly, customer loyalty remains strong due to its value proposition and broad selection. While the acquisition of Funky Pigeon offers new digital potential, Card Factory's core challenge remains revitalising its high street presence and ensuring that physical stores complement, rather than compete with, its growing online channels. After all, it's not easy to get excited about a company that sells relatively-low-cost products from 1,000 expensive locations around the country. I say that noting the increasing cost of energy and hiring staff, especially under the current administration. However, with solid brand equity and strong valuation, Card Factory's one I'm watching closely. I believe it deserves attention from investors. The post What's going on with the Card Factory share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool James Fox has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended WH Smith. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
