Dubai: More retailers in Dubai are launching “VAT-free” offers as part of summer promotions to get prospective buyers to make those purchases now rather than take longer to decide.
It’s the first time that a VAT-focussed campaign has been initiated on this scale.
See more
- COVID-19 and oil slump: How Saudi Arabia is dealing with the new VAT hike
- Saudi Arabia: 1,685 VAT infringements in first week
- Saudi Arabian government to bear VAT on some of the services
- Saudi Arabia to charge 15% VAT on goods imported through e-commerce
- Saudi Arabia sees a 3b riyal rise in net foreign assets during May
Leading car dealerships have already introduced these plans along with the other incentives they have, such extended warranty, free insurance, and raising the limit on free servicing.
“Especially in high-value purchases such as a car, absorbing the VAT element of 5 per cent could be decisive,” said the general manager at a local dealer. “Rather than a ‘5% discount’, saying deals are VAT-free carries more significance. It removes a mental block many buyers may have, especially in deciding between ”
New car sales in the UAE are down more than 25 per cent year-to-date, based on industry sources. The special offers during the Ramadan phase did not generate the sales boost, and dealers are placing a lot of expectations on trying to make up during summer. They will need to before the next model year models start coming into showrooms.
‘VAT-free’
Dubai and its retailers are escalating the theme further - Club Apparel has a campaign running called ’24/7 VAT Free Week’. Running from August 7 to 13, the benefits are also available via retailers' online portals too.
The Apparel Group represents brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s, while its Club Apparel loyalty programme members can pick up points when they spend Dh200 in participating stores. The same points can be raised on its 6thStreet.com portal as well.
Getting through to the shopper
The 24/7 and ‘week-long’ theme should score a few points with shoppers. UAE retailers will be hoping that next few weeks, which should include ‘Back to School’ related shopping, will partially make up for a disastrous first six months.
And when direct discounts are mentioned, “Every saving helps consumers in these times - it can be a really effective benefit,” said a retailer at a leading luxury group.
“Such a campaign would work extremely well in Saudi Arabia, where the VAT has just been raised to 15 per cent. Many retailers are still telling shoppers the previous prices will remain - 15 per cent will really make it tough for Saudi retail.”
Can’t be used all the time
Dubai/UAE retailers will need to use the VAT card selectively. To do the same will need permission from the authorities, according to several retail sector sources. The thinking is that needing official approval will reduce the chances of this getting overused. (Plus, it is essentially the retailers absorbing the costs.)
Value for money
For now, retailers and the authorities are intent on only one common goal - get shoppers to do their bit. If going VAT-free helps, then it’s all for a good cause. At the end of the day, such promotions are just another way to encourage “value buying”.
“Value shopping is the keyword… and need of the hour in this new retail era,” said Baiju K.P., a retail consultant who works closely with Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.
“It strikes a chord with retail reality and the buyer psyche. We witnessed a tremendous benefit to the outlets and brands that took on this message and challenged themselves.
“Eid season saw an incredible surge in sales growth. It’s natural for the industry to continue to reinvigorate the business with creative offerings as retailers head into Back to School season and the last four months of the year.”
For gold, VAT-free would have worked
One category of retailers for whom VAT-free won’t matter this time are gold and jewellery retailers. With gold prices in record territory, buyers are staying well away from getting anywhere near to jewellery shops.
Gold has dipped from the $2,060 an ounce levels, but it’s still at a steep $2,035. The Dubai Gold Price today is at Dh231.5 a gram, which too will put off buyers (unless they are betting on gold reaching $2,300 plus in its current rush.) “VAT-free would have worked, but it came at the wrong time for gold,” said a jeweller, echoing industry-wide sentiments.