DUBAI: Even when the focus is on smartphones, PCs, cameras and televisions, some heads are turning towards home appliance manufacturers displayed at the event for the first time.
“This is one forum where more than 210,000 visitors are expected to take part. This is the first time we have decided to enter in a big way,” said T.R. Ganesh, deputy general manager of Better Life, the home appliance division of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group.
He said that sales have been better than expected. Unlike other consumer products where customers carry with them after the purchase, the products need to be home-delivered. To make it simpler for consumers, “we deliver it free and offer additional one-year warranty at no extra cost only for the eight-day event,” he said.
Mahesh Chotrani, assistant vice-president at Jacky’s Electronics, said that home appliances have been in the discussion for the past few years to be included at Gitex Shopper as a category.
“So we initiated the move and feel there is scope for growth, even though it will not be great. We are optimistic that more vendors will join next year and may have a separate corner for the home appliances segment,” he said.
Ganesh expects sales at Gitex to be roughly around twice its two-month sales.
Moonway Group, makers of Mr. Plus and Mr. Light, took part in Gitex Shopper 2013 for the first time and expects around 40 per cent growth this year.
“Gitex Shopper is an ideal platform for getting visibility as visitors from different nationalities and different segments from cross the Gulf countries take part,” said Mohammad Iqbal, business development manager at Moonway Group.
Next year, Moonway plans to launch its new products at Gitex Shopper.
“It is also an ideal platform to raise brand awareness as people are coming to the market looking for innovative products,” Iqbal said.
