Arabian perfume sales rise 20-30pc

Sales of Arabian perfumes have gone up by 20 to 30 per cent during Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), according to industry officials and retailers.

Most manufacturers said their sales went up by 20 to 30 per cent, compared to other summer months, when sales take a nosedive.

"There has been a significant growth in our sales during DSS. The event is a good summer promotion and contributes to increased business activities in the emirate," said Nazir Ajmal, director of marketing, Ajmal's Perfume, one of the leading manufacturers of oriental perfumes in the GCC market with 56 outlets spread out in the Gulf.

"It is difficult to quantify the growth at this moment, but compared to neighbouring markets, the growth is in the region of 20 to 30 per cent during summer.

"Promotions like Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises are good initiatives that help the business community to grow. Like us, I am sure, other organisations are also reaping the benefits of these promotions," Ajmal added.

Mahtabur Rahman Nasir, managing director of Al Haramain Perfumes, said: "We have witnessed a 20 per cent growth in sales since the beginning of DSS. We have recently launched some new products including Fakr Alarab which is also doing well along with our other popular brands in the market."

Al Haramain Perfumes has 21 exclusive retail outlets in the Gulf market, of which 14 are located in the UAE. Headquartered in Ajman, it has manufacturing bases in Ajman, Bangkok, Laos and Cambodia.

"Our products, which offer fine blends of Arabian perfumes, are very popular among Arab nationals. We have enjoyed a strong brand loyalty in the market.

"The visitors from GCC countries during DSS take this opportunity to buy their favourite brands from our outlets in Dubai, while enjoying the entertainment activities in different shopping malls," added Nasir.

Jahangir Chavda, marketing manager of Jaywir Trading Co., said: "We cater to the mass market segment and offer products in the range between Dh5 to 25. Our products are generally doing good and we have witnessed a 25 per cent increase in our sales during the DSS."

Khaled Abbas, managing partner of Al Hunaidi Perfumes, commented:"There is a slight increase in our sales in our Deira City Centre outlet. The DSS, in some way or other, is definitely helping our sales."