Cautious shoppers keep spending down

Dubai:  With the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) well under way, residents witness sales all over Dubai but are exercising caution when shopping.

As red banners promise a mighty reduction on products of every genre, Gulf News readers express their different views on the purchase of consumer electronics during this year's DSF.

Melanie Poblete, a Filipina expatriate, would love to shop during the DSF, but chooses not to due to the global economic crisis.

She said: "After the recession [in global economies], I have tried to stop spending in a lavish manner. I would rather send the money back home, which will mean a huge adjustment to my lifestyle."

When asked about the one item she would want to purchase, Poblete distractedly mentioned a laptop.

She said: "I would love to purchase a laptop, but at this point it is out of the question. I refuse to look at the sales as I am sure they would tempt me to purchase something."

Paul Sherlock, a British expatriate, agrees.

He said: "I saw some good offers on external hard drives for computers, but do not wish to buy anything major. Due to the recession, I am trying to keep my spending to a minimum."

Sanam Butani, an Indian expatriate, waits for events like DSF to purchase large electronic items.

She said: "I'll buy something like a television only when there is a sale, since that way I can save a lot. However, if it were something as small as an iron, I would purchase it when required."

Butani believes that the sales this year are much better than those in 2008.

She said: "I have noticed really good discounts on electronics this DSF and I personally think it is a great time to buy."

Almira C. Sison, a Filipina expatriate, is willing to take a look at the various sales, but admits being a little cautious.

She said: "I would like to buy a television or a mobile phone as one can save a lot with the offers. However, I will think twice before making any such purchase."