Mars Gulf and Choithrams have launched a UAE-wide initiative examining how Gen Z expectations around sustainability, digital interaction and store design could influence the grocery environment and the way FMCG products are presented at retail.
The “It’s MY Z-Store” competition invites UAE residents aged 18 to 24 to develop concepts covering store layout, digital experiences, sustainability and community-led design. The competition will run from September to December 2026, with elements of the winning concept set to be implemented at selected Choithrams stores in the UAE.
For packaging and FMCG businesses, the initiative provides an opportunity to understand how younger consumers expect to engage with brands and packaged products within physical stores.
“The future of retail will be shaped by a generation with very different expectations of how, where and why they shop,” said Ahmed Abdel Wahab, General Manager, Mars Gulf.
While the competition does not specifically involve redesigning product packaging, its focus on sustainability and the grocery experience is relevant to packaging, merchandising, product presentation and point-of-sale communication.
Finalist teams will receive mentoring from Mars Gulf and Choithrams before presenting their concepts to a judging panel. The winning team will also receive a trip to Mars’ London office and a factory visit.