Dubai: The UAE’s first Super Sale of the year went off to a positive start on Thursday, with retailers in Dubai reporting high footfall numbers.
More than 400 brands and 1,500 stores at retail bigwigs like Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City, Mirdif City Centre and Ibn Battuta Mall slashed their price tags from May 10 to 12 and bargain hunters were assured they can enjoy up to 90 per cent discount for full three days.
“The Super Sale has just begun. Nonetheless, we witnessed more than average footfall during the first few hours as compared to the regular weekend morning crowd,” Ajay Antal, CEO of Home Box, told Gulf News.
By Thursday evening, traffic snarls were reported near major malls in Dubai as thousands of residents made a beeline to their favourite stores.
Some residents said they had geared up for a shopping spree from Wednesday itself.
Wassan Riyan, an Iraqi expat living in Sharjah, said she and her two friends went to Dubai Festival City on Wednesday night to check the stuff they want to buy during the sale.
“We spent some four hours spotting clothes, shoes and bags which we want to buy. Now, we know where exactly we have to hunt for them. Otherwise we end up wasting a lot of time in the rush,” she said.
Joreli Roxas, a Filipina student, said the Super Sale is one of the many reasons she loves in Dubai.
“Like many girls, I absolutely love clothes shopping. But, as a student, I don’t have a lot of money to keep up with the latest fashion trends, especially when it comes to vintage clothes, which are in fashion at the moment. I can’t afford many things at most of the shops,” said the grade 12 student.
“This is just what I’ve been waiting for! Where you can finally afford the clothes and other stuffs you’ve been saving for,” Roxas said who chose to shop at Mirdif City Centre.
Albert Maquiling, a Filipino engineer, headed to Dubai Mall to shop a pair of shoes and a basketball.
“I checked online and found Sun and Sand Sports is offering a flat 30 per cent off on all products. So I thought of grabbing this opportunity. I chose Dubai Mall because they have bigger stock and more variety here.”
The Super Sale is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).
“The three-day Super Sale gives our retail partners the opportunity to sell end-of-season stock ahead of Ramadan, whilst affording residents and tourists the chance to pick up sought-after items at an incredible price,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, of DFRE told Gulf News.
“This year, we have a wealth of top retailers on board, with shoppers able to make huge savings on over 400 brands at 1,500 outlets across the city. Our aim with the retail calendar is to always support Dubai’s buoyant retail sector, which is why the [sale] is a key event offering shoppers the ultimate chance to purchase key pieces at up to 90 per cent off.”
During the sale shoppers also have the opportunity to win prizes, including a brand-new luxury car, movie tickets, gift cards and other in-house gifts
— With inputs from Cleofe Maceda, Senior Web Reporter
