Gifts sale posts 20pc growth during DSS

DUBAI — Sales of gifts have increased by 20 per cent since the beginning of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2006 as compared to the weeks before, and are likely to grow in the next few weeks, inform retail sources.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Sat 5 Aug 2006, 10:51 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:01 PM

Most businesses believe that increased sales have corresponded to the influx of tourists and visitors from various GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

Abdul Haq Al Ashhab, Director of Nine West, said, "We have noticed an influx of GCC visitors, especially from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Items they shopped for include suitcases, sunglasses and other personal accessories. There are many promotions and special offers with discounts ranging from 25 to 75 per cent that aim to attract a large number of shoppers."

Sharif Anthon, Retail Sales Director at Mohammad Sharif and Brothers Co., said: "The Shopping Escapade promotion organised by the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and the DSS Summer Deals promotion have contributed to improve sales during the summer. Sales have increased by 15 to 20 per cent. With the number of GCC visitors on the rise, the demand for gifts, perfumes, suitcases and crystal items has also shown a corresponding increase."

Mohammad Abu Al Fotouh of Costless Electronics said, "The arrival of a large number of GCC visitors to Dubai in summer have helped stimulate sales. Especially gifts, digital devices, cameras and DVDs as well as CDs dedicated to the learning of Holy Quran and teaching prayer and educational programmes. Sales have grown by 20 per cent because customers find all they need at low prices along with the additional benefit of wining prizes."

The DSS has largely contributed in attracting a large number of tourists, particularly after the football World Cup. Industry sources pointed to the turnout of GCC visitors eager to attend various in-mall activities and Modhesh Fun City. Such a good response has reflected positively on the sales movement. The large number of grand promotions and special offers, especially after the postponement of the Dubai Shopping Festival last year, and the participation of many shopping malls and outlets have helped sales as well.

The local Dubai market usually shows an active upwards movement in gift sales at the start of summer, when a large number of residents travel abroad to spend summer holidays in their home countries.

Gift sales are expected to continue to increase over the next few weeks, especially with the start of the new academic year. Sources said that customers will prefer buying mobile phones, digital cameras, video cameras, toys, shoes and clothes and CDs operator. Ibrahim Saleh, DSS COO, said, "Dubai markets are full of many products and items that meet all tastes and fit the financial budgets of customers. Competitive prices and grand raffle draws give shoppers the opportunity to win many prizes. Discounts sometimes reach 75 per cent making shopping a fun and unforgettable experience. Few can resist shopping in Dubai — where many incentives and attractions are available such as the quality and international brands, promotions and discounts as well as chances of winning."

The 10-week long DSS, which opened with Ice Surprises Week on June 21, celebrated the Arts Surprises Week, Food Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises and continues with the weekly themes of Nature Surprises, Knowledge Surprises, Flower Surprises, Heritage Surprises and will conclude with Back-to-School Surprises on September 1.