Retail sales get boost during festival
Malls report strong performance in the summer as a result of efforts by DEPE
Dubai: Retail sales have achieved a remarkable increase in the first half of Dubai Summer Surprises 2011 and according to industry officials, the influx of GCC visitors is expected to further drive sales in the coming weeks.
Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Malls Group, said: "The ‘Summer in Dubai' initiative has energised the retail and tourism sector of Dubai with all participating malls of Emaar Malls Group recording robust visitor footfall.
"Having recorded an impressive 30 per cent growth in visitor footfall during DSS 2010, we expect the total visitor numbers to be even more significant this year."
Mercato, the shopping centre located in Jumeirah, has seen a sales increase of 10 per cent since the start of DSS compared to last year.
Encouraging results
Rana Jaser, PR and Communications Manager at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, said: "These results are very encouraging and were made possible by the efforts of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment [DEPE], the organisers of Dubai Summer Surprises.
The summer extravaganza provides events and attractions for everyone, tourists, residents, families, and individual travellers. With over three weeks left for DSS to conclude, we expect to see increased footfall and sales," she added.
According to Joe Abi Khalil, Marketing Director at Al Ghurair Centre. "DSS plays a vital role in the increase of sales.
"By combining DSS events, activities, shopping offers, and raffles, Al Ghurair Centre is expecting a sales increase of 25 per cent."
Bernice Boshoff, General Manager, Festival Centre Dubai Festival City, said: "We are delighted to announce that the total count of promotion coupons for the first half of DSS 2011 increased by more than 100 per cent compared to the same period last year.
"We are supporting the initiative of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment by expanding the shopping mall working hours to cater to the increased footfall and ensure the positioning of Dubai as a destination for distinctive festivals."
