Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the most dynamic and connected retail markets in the world, with nearly 34% of Saudi consumers embracing cross-channel shopping, according to a recent report released by Visa Acceptance Solutions.

The report, conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence, featured insights of 2,191 consumers and 240 merchants in Saudi Arabia, and examined how shoppers are blending physical and digital experiences, the rapid adoption of mobile‑enabled commerce, and the growing demand for secure and seamless checkout options, a recent press release revealed.

It showed that 72% of Saudi consumers believe that the availability of their preferred payment method influences their choice of merchant, surpassing the global average of 55%. Also, 66% of consumers used a mobile phone as part of their last retail purchase, well above the global average of 48%.

Additionally, nearly 32% of Saudi consumers who use in-store pickup say they always or often buy additional products during collection.

Commenting on this milestone, Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, said: “Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by a tech‑savvy population, strong digital infrastructure, and progressive regulations. We are proud to work alongside the Kingdom’s government partners, banks, and merchants to help deliver the secure, flexible payment experiences that consumers increasingly expect, whether they choose to shop online, in store, or across both channels.”

These findings will help retailers in Saudi Arabia meet evolving consumer expectations and support Vision 2030’s goals for an advanced digital economy. They are based on the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index, which surveyed 18,468 consumers and 3,464 merchants across eight countries: the US, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.