In Focus | Dubai Shopping Festival 2012
Deal or no deal? You decide
Things to remember while hunting for hot offers this season.
- By Maria Dowdall Stapleton, Feature Writer
- Published: 17:55 January 14, 2009
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Irish Jamili says during the sales, I love to shop for unusual accessories. I have bought this beautiful bracelet that I wear all the time. This year, I am hoping to buy some funky bangles.
After the excesses of the holiday season and the cooler winter temperatures, January was traditionally viewed as a bleak time of year. But with the emergence of sales and shopping festivals worldwide, the month's
arrival has become eagerly anticipated by bargain hunters.
So, how can you take full advantage of the sales and ensure you walk away with the best possible value for money?
If you are looking to update your wardrobe, Kelly Lundberg, personal stylist at Divine in Dubai, believes the key to making the most of the sales is to plan ahead. "
Think about what you might need for the following year. Ask yourself what forthcoming events you have, such as a ski holiday or a gala dinner. Items for these events are great sale purchases," she says. With many items on special offer, it can be difficult to decide what to buy — whether it should be wardrobe staples or more fashionable items.
"If you want to buy on-trend items, check in fashion magazines to see what are the must-have purchases this season," says Sophie Reisinger, manager of your-personal-shopper.com. "Then go to the stores one or two days before the sales to check where you can buy these items for the best price."
Although high-fashion items are popular, Reisinger says the most sensible purchases are classic, quality items. "Unlike fashion items, you can keep them for several seasons," she says. Lundberg agrees.
"Avoid high-fashion items," she says. "Things that have been highly advertised probably won't be in fashion next season. Items such as a good suit, an evening dress or good fitting pair of jeans are sound investments."
Lundberg believes the sales offer an opportunity to purchase expensive accessories at an affordable price.
"Accessories are always a great purchase as it is much harder for them to date as clothes do," she says.
Do your homework
For shoppers who want to invest in electrical appliances, Jimmy Patel, general manager of Jacky's Electronics, believes the internet can be a valuable tool.
"It is advisable to do as much research online as you can before coming in to buy," he says.
"This will give you valuable information into what is available and an idea of a fair price to pay." Patel also advises shoppers to benefit from the knowledge of sales advisors.
"Many of them can explain what the different technologies mean," he says. "They can also give you details of local warranties and extended warranties, as these can vary from country to country." Best time to buy
Many sales, such as The Dubai Shopping Festival, last a full month, and therefore give shoppers plenty of time to hunt for the best deals.
But, says Reisigner, prior to hitting the shops it is important to decide what type of bargain you are looking for. "If you are looking for a particular item, it is better to go to the store on the first day," she says. "For those who just want a bargain, it is better to wait until the final day."
"Shop early for the best selection and shop late for the best prices," says Lundberg.
"Early in the morning on the first day of a sale, you are most likely to have the best items to choose from and it will be easier to find items in the store. As the sales go on, items will become difficult to locate in the store and very often the sought-after merchandise will be gone. The advantage of the final days is increased discounts, as manufacturers want to get rid of last season's goods."
According to Patel, there are added advantages to shopping early.
"Many retailers hold daily or weekly raffles," he says. "Your chance of winning is higher if you shop early because your raffle tickets will be continuously rolled over into each draw."
With so many shops boasting huge discounts, it can be easy for shoppers to get carried away and buy more than they can afford.
Before hitting the sales, Reisinger says it is important to decide on a budget. "Decide how much you want to spend and be strict with yourself," she says.
"Always bring cash to sales," she says.
"It is quicker, easier and when it runs out, you have to stop spending," Lundberg says.
Comfortable footwear
Faced with the prospect of spending many hours trawling through malls, Lundberg insists comfort should be at the forefront of serious shoppers' minds.
"Sales shopping requires lots of energy and time on your feet," says Lundberg.
"You'll be happiest if you wear comfortable shoes."
With so many malls in the UAE, Patel says it is crucial to be well-organised.
