Before Expo 2020, the Burj Khalifa, indoor ski slope and The Palm, if you asked someone in the Nineties who had never visited to associate one word with Dubai, shopping would be one of the first. This was largely thanks to the tax-free deals and plentiful malls springing up across the emirate. Fast forward to 2018 and Dubai has burnished its shopper-friendly reputation. Retailers are offering consumers a broad swathe of deals and incentives across categories such as electronics, jewellery, gifts and groceries. Retail experts tell GN Focus more.
Full-on fiesta
Electronics is one particularly competitive category, with long-time brick-and-mortar retailers striving to woo customers in the face of discounted goods available online. “Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is one of the most popular annual summer celebrations, with a host of promotions across retail and entertainment venues in the city,” says Atul Joshi, Head of Distribution at Jumbo Group.
“To mark this occasion, Jumbo has launched a Mobile Fiesta @Jumbo, which offers a number of bundle deals and promotions on mobile devices. This is in addition to spectacular prizes such as the chance to win a Samsung Galaxy A6 smartphone daily and a trip of a lifetime for two to Monte Carlo. We encourage customers to take advantage of the fantastic offers on bestselling mobile brands including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Nokia, HTC, Lava and Sony.”
Thousands of deals
For Japanese value shopping chain Daiso, strength lies in variety. “Our success in the region relies on our highly satisfied customers,” says Manu Mulchandani, COO of Daiso Japan, GCC. “We continually ensure to offer unique novelties that fulfil our customer’s everyday needs and create unique shopping experiences. Besides Japanese products, Daiso also offers shoppers a range of 70,000 items, from summer and travel to DIY products, gardening accessories, gifts and novelties, as well as cosmetics, gifts, toys and stationery, among others.”
Long-term incentives
During summer, some brands release news designed to do more than simply register a boost in sales in the short term. Jewellery retailer Damas is one of these. Last month, the company introduced a lifetime warranty on all its products sold in the region. “The apex of this measure is our commitment to our products and our consumers that goes beyond our stores making it one of our trademarks,” says Anan Fakhreddin, CEO of Damas Jewellery.
It’s not all bling and gadgets where shoppers can save big, though. Even groceries are getting in on the deals dance to draw in customers.
Food for thought
“With rising mercury it becomes important for shoppers to stay hydrated,” says Sameer Sulaiman, Group CEO, Fathima Group.
“We see product categories such as water, juices, colas, dairy, fruits and vegetables show increased consumption. With summer holidays kicking in, it’s important that we respond to the needs of different shoppers to make shopping easier for busy parents. With parents looking to keep children entertained during the holidays, convenient packs and on-the-go food and drink solutions are increasingly relevant.” He adds that changing lifestyle habits have fuelled demand for healthier products at Fathima stores.
Whatever they’re looking for, shoppers across the emirate are certain to find a good deal this summer – and the pickings are richer than ever.
