Enticing DSF promotions spur consumer spending

Dubai: Prizes offered during this year's edition of Dubai Shopping Festival are expected to reach Dh100 million as retailers across the city are witnessing an increase in consumer spending spurred by promotions and offers.

Ebrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of the DSF office said that the value of prizes offered during DSF - given the economic challenges - signified the fact that the retail industry was focused on providing consumers some of the best value-added deals in recent years.

"Raffle draws are an integral part of the core characteristics of DSF - shopping, winning, and entertainment - and they are integral to the retail sector in attracting a diverse and larger section of shoppers from around the world," said Saleh.

"DSF has succeeded in creating the right balance between shopping, winning and entertainment to the extent that the event as a whole has gained immense international stature," he added.

Since the first shopping festival edition in 1996, prizes worth Dh1.2 billion have been given away by the DSF office.

The Lexus Mega Raffle, one among the highlights of the draws this DSF, is giving away two Lexus cars, the RX350 and the ES350, in addition to Dh100,000 cash every day. Lucky winners stand a chance to win the Dh100,000 cash prize in various currencies including the dollar, euro, pound sterling, and others.

The Nissan Grand Raffle is also giving away a brand new Nissan SUV to one lucky winner every day.

Additionally, the draw will hand out 12 cars to 12 winners on the final day of the raffle on February 15. Shoppers at Mall of the Emirates can now enter a draw on a minimum purchase of Dh350 and win prizes worth Dh1 million.

Additionally, the Mashreq Millionaire draw will be handing out a prize of Dh4 million while the Enoc and Eppco promotion entitles one winner to a dream apartment.

Apart from the DSF raffles, retailers and malls across Dubai have put up incredible promotions with prizes worth millions of dirhams up for grabs.

BurJuman, also a key sponsor of DSF 2009, has put up a brand new BMW 635i and diamond jewellery to be won in a raffle on February 16. Similarly, Wafi has organised a 'Spend and Win' promotion for prizes worth Dh500,000.

Al Ghurair City is organising a special "Scratch and Win" deal for Taxi drivers to win around 150 mobile phones besides discounts on a number of international brands.

Jumbo Electronics has put up Dh200,000 to be won on a purchase of selected Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

The Toshiba Winter Millionaire raffle will choose one winner who will take home prizes worth Dh1 million. Toshiba enthusiasts can enter the draw through purchase of selected items.

Meanwhile, Al Habtoor Motors has launched a campaign titled "We Ignite, You Excite", where 20 winners stand the chance to win five times their salaries on purchases of Mitsubishi cars.

Reef Mall is giving away a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe to one lucky winner. Shoppers receive one coupon for every Dh100 spent at the mall. With every test drive of Ford Flex, Al Tayer Motors is giving away a two night stay in The Atlantis in a draw to be held on February 23.

The ARY Group has gone all out in offering its Triple Bonanza promotion. 25 lucky winners get a chance daily to win Dh2,000 to spend in ARY partner outlets.

Additionally, one-in-a-thousand card holder of Sahulat Pre Loaded will win an apartment in Dubai. Furthermore, a 20 per cent value payback is guaranteed on all purchases made at ARY or brand partner outlets.

Shoppers also have the chance to get their hands on 10 diamond watches when shopping at Hamarain Centre. A minimum purchase of Dh200 entitles shoppers to a raffle coupon.