Adaptation skills

Over the past few years, it has become common to hear many Lebanese retailers share their woes on dwindling sales as customers bypass the city’s luxury brand stores in a rush to the best sales or promotions. While these retailers are not complaining without reason, it seems they have done well in adapting to the unstable situation, and have learned how to grow their businesses despite all the obstacles. No tourists, no worries In previous summers, tourists from the Gulf countries were seen strolling through the streets of Beirut with tens of shopping bags hanging from their arms. With their gradual decrease in number, starting from 2011, the retailers interviewed by Executive say they have gotten used to the loss of business caused by this, and are working to move past it. Mher Atamian, managing director of Atamian, explains that while previously 10 to 15 percent of their sales in