Shopping Festival sends sales surging citywide

Shops across Dubai have seen a dramatic increase in sales since the start of Dubai Shopping Festival with, it is claimed, shoppers taking advantage of reduced prices, value-added offers and attractive promotions offering big prizes. Among the hottest items are electronic goods like DVDs, video cameras, home theatre systems, kitchen appliances, perfumes, ready-made garments and textiles.

Jacky's Electronics, which expects sales volumes to double during the festival, said initial movement of sales was up to their expectations. The company which is offering some of the items at cost price, is running a promotion that entitles one shopper every day to win back the amount he spends, up to a maximum of Dh50,000. Two shoppers will also win two smart cars at the end of the festival.

"We are right on target to fulfil our goal of a 100 per cent increase during the festival," said Soni Tolani, general manager, Jacky's Electronics. Al Ghandi Electronics too has seen a big increase in sales compared to the corresponding period last year, due to a more aggressive strategy, which has been topped by a promotion offering two Volkswagen Beetle cars: one on March 15, and the other on March 31. Customers spending Dh75 are eligible to enter the lucky draw.

"It has been a good start," said Joy Mathew, marketing manager, Al Ghandi Electronics. "All our products are doing well, especially DVD players and home theatre systems. There is a great demand for kitchen appliances, personal care products. We have lined up very good offers this time, and that is why customers are flocking to our showrooms."

Sales at Rivoli during the first ten days of the festival have been phenomenally high. Rivoli has introduced festival Value Packs offering a variety of products from international brands at incredible prices. There are four levels of Value Packs valued at Dh499, Dh999, Dh1499 and Dh1999, with items being sold at a minimum of 50 per cent discount. The Value Packs feature brands like Continental, Ellesse, Alfred Dunhill, Mont Blanc, Chloe, etc.

"The first ten days of the festival have been above our expectations," said Ramesh Prabhakar, director and CEO of Rivoli Group. "The Dubai Shopping Festival organising committee has done a fantastic job in promoting Dubai as an ideal destination not only throughout the region but on a global basis as well.

Aiwa products have registered an increase of between 12 and 15 per cent during the first few days of the festival, with the hottest products being DVDs and VCDs. The company is having several value-added offers, including cameras and cordless phones with selected products.
Jossy S. Kattur, Aiwa's product and marketing manager, said: "Our DVDs were out of stock in just two days, and we had to replenish the stocks. The initial sales have been very encouraging and we expect the tempo to continue."

Jumbo Electronics saw a sales increase of 62 per cent in the first six days of the festival, with some of its hot items getting sold out, including laptops, mobile phones, handycams, DVDs. Sony VAIO and Playstations. M. P. Sharma, director (commercial), attributed the dramatic surge in sales to the wide range of products, improved offers, the Eid holidays and extra staff to cater to the rush. "We at Jumbo had taken special steps handle the expected crowds at this time of the year," said Sharma.