Dubai: For many people in the UAE, this weekend is all about shopping.
Crowds of shoppers poured into malls across Dubai to enjoy the three-day Super Sale with stores offering as much as 90 per cent off, and ‘buy one get one free’ bargains.
The sale ends tonight, Saturday.
Large malls such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates expectedly saw heavy traffic heading into the car parks after around 3pm, while malls like Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Festival City were quick to full up with many shoppers coming from Sharjah.
To avoid the traffic, some residents strategically made the choice to travel to their shopping destinations by taxi.
Gulf News talked to Sheila Marie from the Philippines who took a taxi and then the Metro from her home in Sharjah to Dubai Mall before noon to beat the crowds of people expected in the evening.
“We’ve come to have lunch and enjoy all the sales. I am looking for shorts, bags and shoes today, but I am hoping to get my shopping done quickly and leave before the evening rush,” she said.
Just the same, George H. from Lebanon, said he arrived at Dubai Mall with his wife and two boys at 11am in order to avoid the parking hassle and enjoy the Super Sale before the crowds pour in.
“I think the sale this time is great — especially if you’re looking for sports goods, many of the big brands have around 50 per cent off. We are looking for specific items today, so our plan is to split up and meet in two hours for lunch,” he said.
George along with his family said they often avoid the sales due to the heavy crowds, however, the early morning plan has worked “perfectly so far.”
With the Super Sale being one of the largest sales events of the year, the shopping weekend gives retailers the opportunity to clear out excess inventory on everything from clothes, shoes bags and jewellery to electronic goods, furniture, homeware and toys.
Oh boy! @Lego store at @CityCtrMirdif and it's not even 10am! Everyone loves Lego! ❤️
— Syed Zohaib Z. (@syedz88) May 11, 2018
More people by the second 🤣#dubaisupersale pic.twitter.com/eWyG5tAczD
While some shoppers were happy to snatch up the good deals, others were slightly disappointed that their favourite stores did not offer a variety of items on sale.
“Overall I have found many good deals and I am happy with my purchases today,” said Lebanese native Laila Saad, who was shopping at Dubai Mall.
“I have to say some stores that are participating have one rack at the back of the store of old winter clothes. These stores are not really keeping up with the hype of the Super Sale,” she added.
More than 460 brands and 1,500 stores at malls including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City and Ibn Battuta Mall are slashing their price tags for this weekend’s Super Sale.
Among the popular brands and retailers to watch out for are Tory Burch, Coach, Guess, Levi’s, Naturalizer, Calvin Klein, Skechers, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Athlete’s Co, Michael Kors, Debenhams, Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette.