Unlock more growth in UAE’s fitness billion-dollar market

Given the potential of this market, how can businesses win over shoppers not only with quality merchandise but also at customer experience?

Together, we'll explore the payment-related optimizations that can bring the most value in this competitive market:

1. Avoid a foul at checkout: by adding payment methods

2. Score big with loyalty: by using payment-linked loyalty

3. Keep the momentum going: by enhancing subscription’s flexibility

Putting ourselves in the shopper’s “sneakers”, imagine browsing for the perfect athleisure set or gym membership, only to find that your preferred payment method isn’t available. For many, this is where the shopping journey ends. In fact, our UAE Digital Report 2024 reveals that 91% of UAE shoppers would hesitate to complete a purchase if their preferred payment option wasn’t offered, and 38% would abandon their cart entirely.

Why this matters to the shopper

Having flexible payment options, from credit cards to digital wallets, makes purchasing easier and faster. This isn’t just about offering choices; it’s about providing the seamless, speed-driven experience shoppers now expect.

The good news is, with the right payment provider, adding more payment methods can be as easy as plug-and-play. Integrating new options should be simple and swift, giving shoppers the freedom to pay their way. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.

Loyalty programs offer a ripe opportunity for innovation. According to our UAE report, 42% of shoppers stay loyal to brands that provide tailored promotions and rewards. Today’s shoppers expect more than a simple transaction, they want a connection with their favorite brands.

Why this matters to the shopper

With the abundant amount of both established and emerging sports brands, it has never been this easy for shoppers to compare. Traditional loyalty programs that require a separate card or manual point collection are outdated, and may even deter shoppers. Meanwhile, brands offering payment-linked loyalty allow customers to earn points seamlessly, simply by paying. Whether they’re shopping online or in-store, shoppers can see all their points consolidated in one account, no extra steps required.

If you’re interested in enabling payment-linked loyalty, feel free to contact us.

Subscriptions are central to the fitness world. From gym memberships to virtual fitness classes, more than half (56%) of online shoppers in the UAE already have a subscription to some form of fitness service. But when it comes to renewals, customers don’t want to navigate complicated processes, they want to pay once and have everything taken care of.

Why this matters to the shopper

In many of the UAE’s top gyms, subscriptions don’t only begin online; they often start in person, with customers visiting to finalize their decision. At that point, they may be presented with a payment link or a terminal to complete the setup. Gym-goers expect this initial payment to be seamless, followed by hassle-free, recurring deductions thereafter.

Connecting all channels for a unified subscription experience allows for greater flexibility and convenience. If simplifying subscriptions is a challenge you face, our local team is here to assist.

The UAE fitness industry presents a significant growth opportunity, with rising demand not only for quality sportswear and fitness services but also for a frictionless shopping experience. In this billion-dollar arena, customer experience sits at the core, and optimizing every point of interaction, including seamless payments, will keep sports enthusiasts coming back.