DSF 2009 boosts consumer confidence

Dubai: While Dubai faces some challenges in certain sectors like real estate and banking, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has revived consumer confidence and the shopping lifestyle continues, according to a retailer official.

Malls across the city are decked out in banners declaring sales and promotions for most retailers while performances, shows and events hold visitors captive during their visit to shopping hubs.

BurJuman, one of the city's oldest malls, is offering sales from a combination of retailers that have not been seen in Dubai before.

"Designer brands are offering sales of up to 80 per cent," Sabina Khandwani, head of PR and marketing, told Gulf News.

Saks Fifth Avenue, a venue for the premium brands in fashion is offering discounts in combination with other retailers, which cannot be found anywhere in the world, Khandwani said.

"With the right offers, people will shop," she said, adding that even during this time of financial slowdown, people have not stopped shopping but are only cautious. "Life still continues, and especially in Dubai."

She said the key is to give the visitors what they are looking for, which is value shopping.

The mall has been a key DSF sponsor, and is a venue for some of the main events taking place.