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Dubai retailers look to continue brisk business [Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates)]
[July 27, 2014]

Dubai retailers look to continue brisk business [Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates)]


(Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Retailers are anticipating another year of enthusiastic buying and selling as all major malls in the emirate witness an increase footfall this summer.

After enjoying brisk business during the "Ramadan in Dubai" festival, Dubai-based retailers are ready to go the extra mile to woo expatriates and tourist shoppers.

The month-long festival, organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, or DFRE, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, paves the way for two eagerly-anticipated mega events occurring one after another — Eid in Dubai and Dubai Summer Surprises, or DSS — which will further boost retailers' sales in fashion, electronics and home appliances, among others.



Retailers are anticipating another year of enthusiastic buying and selling as all major malls in the emirate witness an increase footfall this summer.

Fashion apparel, home furnishings and electronics top the list of the most popular purchases during the holy month of Ramadan, as Dubai's allure as a leading shopping destination continues to grow. The same buying trend is expected to continue for Eid in Dubai and DSS, according to retailers.


It is a win-win situation for both buyers and retailers who are also benefiting from the mega summer promotions for Ramadan in Dubai, Eid in Dubai and DSS. Shoppers, who are spending Dh200 at a participating mall, get the opportunity to win prizes up to Dh4 million.

The second leg of the campaign commenced on July 15 and will run until the last day of Eid. Shoppers have the chance to win prizes of up to Dh1.5 million in cash and Dh500,000 in shopping vouchers. The final leg of the campaign between August 2 and September 5 will see lucky shoppers winning six BMW luxury cars and Dh500,000 in shopping vouchers.

Meanwhile, shoppers can also avail of attractive bargains and deals including discounts of up to 75 per cent offered at malls and retail outlets in Dubai.

Nadeem Khanzadah, head of retail at Jumbo Electronics, said Ramadan in Dubai is an exciting time for consumers, and the city's retail experience is unparalleled during this time of year. He said the holy month also presents retailers with lucrative opportunities, given that a large number of families are looking to engage in communal activities — including shopping and dining.

"The consumer electronics market in the UAE has been enjoying a great run this year, with research analyst GfK estimating the sector to be valued at Dh17 billion. Our revenue growth during the first half of 2014 has in fact jumped by 20 per cent compared to the same period last year, with sales rise across popular categories such as mobile phones increasing by 30 per cent, tablets by 25 per cent, and televisions by 10 per cent," Khanzadah said.

"The DFRE has continually supported the local retail industry with a full calendar of events during the year that attract a significant number of residents and visitors to the city. We expect to see these strong shopping trends continue as we approach DSS, which commences during just after the Eid Al Fitr holiday. Shoppers have much to look forward to in terms of great deals to buy gifts for close family and friends," he added.

Shoppers also expressed the similar views and said three major back-to-back festivals provide them a golden opportunity to buy the products on discounted rates. Shoppers, who are browsing clothes racks and shelves at supermarkets, furniture and electronics stores across the emirate, said it is good to spend time in the mall crawl during summer in Dubai and buy products in promotions.

Mohammed Al Hafiz from Sudan said: "I love to shop during the last 10 days of Ramadan — mostly due to the huge offers and discounts. I tend to buy apparel and accessories for my three daughters and wife. Besides the promotions on food products, we have great value deals on electronics, fashion, furniture and home accessories. We wait for such an opportunity all year." Salim Memlakar, an Indian national, said: "I have been living in Dubai for the past 15 years and I got quite used to shopping during Ramadan especially during the first half of the month with the ongoing sales and value-added offers. My wife and I are used to changing our wardrobes and home accessories, and we end up refurbishing our homes during Ramadan." Sukain B.B. from Sri Lanka said the sales make Ramadan a very fruitful month with shops and malls participating to enrich the shopping experiences for both residents and tourists. "My shopping list during Ramadan primarily comprises of flour, custard, rice and other household products. Meanwhile, I look out for the best deals which run during the last 10 days of Ramadan," she said.

(c) 2014 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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