Dubai: Sharjah’s second Consumer Electronics Fashion (CEF) The Big Shopper expo has beaten all expectations of the organisers and participating retailers.
Antoine Georges, managing director of Dome Exhibitions, organisers of the event, told Gulf News that the second Sharjah event was a big success, similar to the first one held in December last year.
“We targeted about 75,000 visitors but achieved more footfalls, but the final numbers will only be known two days later,” he said.
The curtains fell on the four-day event taking placing at Expo Centre Sharjah on Saturday.
Organisers were expecting a footfall of 75,000 and Dh40 million in sales value before the start of the event.
Jacob Varghese, organiser of the CEF, said that he expected both the footfall and sales figures to cross the target by the end of the event due to ample free parking at the venue and repeated purchases from customers.
He said that most of the participating retailers have agreed to take part in the third edition of the event, which is expected to be held from November 29 to December 2, and some retailers have agreed to double their spaces.
Initial expectations
The key retailers who took part this year are Sharaf DG, Jashanmal, Sun & Sand Sports, Grand Stores, Xpressions, Home Style, Smart Baby, Iconic, Hello Kitty, and brands such as Nine West, Levis, Nautica and New Balance.
“Our initial expectations were that an event is Sharjah will not attract such a big crowd and we were not prepared for such a big crowd. I was surprised from the first day itself. We shifted more stocks every day to the event from our warehouse to meet the demand,” Rajesh Panjabi, chief operating officer at Home Style.
He said that the event was well organised and buyers came from all parts of the Northern Emirates.
Panjabi said that they are keen to take part in the next edition of the show and is keen to double the space provided if the organisers allotted it.
CEF organiser Varghese said that the event was focused on the needs of consumers based in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates as the concept here is to integrate the buying pattern and trends that will work and benefit the consumer.
He said discounts of up to 75 per cent on select categories and bundle offers paid off well.
Mohammad Noufal, from Fujairah, said that he came back a second day after seeing the big discounts on top brands.
No parking issues
“CEF is a mix of electronics, fashion and lifestyle, which is good for the family. Me, my wife and my two kids bought what we wanted, so no issues in the family. There were ample spaces for car parking also which is a big issue if an event is held in Dubai,” he said.
Shiraj Moiddeen, an Ajman resident, said that he bought a 65-inch TV for one-third of the original price, trolley bags and some pair of shoes.
“He had been here last time also and saved a lot. As I am going on vacation for Ramadan, it is not only a good hunting ground but also saves money and time,” he added.
The organiser said that they will be adding health and fitness equipment in the third event to expand the categories.
