Sales at this year's DSS up 17%

Dubai: Aggregate sales during the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) this year increased by 17 per cent compared to last year, according to the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG).

Dubai's position as a strong retail hub attracted visitors from around the region, excited to take part in the 'Surprising Millions' campaign spread over 23 Dubai malls.

According to Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), business during the 'Surprising Millions' campaign for DSS was boosted by the city's newly-opened malls - Arabian Centre, Dubai Marina Mall, Oasis Centre and Dubai Mall. He added: "The campaign highlights the effectiveness of the economic growth initiatives of the Dubai Government and the complementary role played by the retail sector".

The role of the retail sector in attracting shoppers was not unnoticed.

"The retail market in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, has shown trends of positive growth in recent times with lots of tourists from neighbouring countries coming into Dubai," said V. Nandakumar, Manager of Corporate Communications, Lulu Hypermarket Group.

With Dh5 million worth of prizes, the 'Surprising Millions' campaign is the largest promotion by DSMG for DSS.

Its weekly draws and raffles required shoppers to spend a minimum of Dh200 at participating malls. Those who used MasterCard credit cards won an extra coupon each.

"MasterCard is delighted with the success of the DSMG promotion this year. As a key sponsor and the Official Payment Card of DSS 2009, MasterCard has further strengthened its ongoing and successful relationship with DSS and DSMG," said Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East and Levant, MasterCard Worldwide.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival Office, said: "These positive results are a direct outcome of the unbroken support that Dubai Shopping Malls Group has lent to DSS as key sponsor in the past 12 years.

"We hope the DSS and DSMG's innovative programmes continue to propel retail growth and help position Dubai as a leading shopping and entertainment destination with a large number of shopping malls offering world class facilities."

Going against the earlier slump in retail as predicted by experts, retail growth in the region is expected to continue its positive trend.

"Although there was a slump predicted, we have seen steady growth in the retail sector. With Ramadan, Eid, and back-to-school, we expect retail activity to go up further in the months to come," said Nandakumar.