Steady growth in retail during DSS

Special promotions and unbeatable deals continue to attract shoppers to the city

Economic activity across various sectors in Dubai recorded steady levels of growth during the first half of the 19th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2016.
DSS 2016, which commenced on July 9, is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). Running until August 20, DSS offers visitors plenty of opportunities to discover why Dubai is such a great year-round family destination.
The popular family extravaganza continues to enhance Dubai's position as the summer destination of choice in the region, and has helped shopping malls and entertainment destinations like Modhesh World record sharp increases in footfall. With several special promotions and unbeatable deals being offered across the emirate, many hotels enjoyed high occupancy levels during the period.
"Once again, Dubai Summer Surprises proves to be an important catalyst for stimulating Dubai's economy during the summer months," said Laila Mohammad Suhail, CEO of DFRE. The feedback we have received from stakeholders at the halfway mark just goes to show that we are on the right path in terms of supporting the retail sector and enhancing the shopping experience. The positive indicators can also be attributed to the unique collaboration between the public and private sectors to launch innovative, tailor-made retail promotions that are aimed at both rewarding shoppers for shopping in Dubai, and encouraging more spending across sectors."
Modhesh World, one of the region's most popular family edutainment destinations in the summer, received 120, 000 visitors and registered an eight per cent increase in revenue since it opened its doors on June 27. This year, Modhesh World is celebrating its biggest ever edition, occupying an area of over 34,000sqm across eight halls of Dubai World Trade Centre.
Majid Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Shopping Malls Group, noted that the retail sector in Dubai plays a major role in the economy, and is witnessing a significant increase in sales due to the continuous promotions and increasing participation from malls in Dubai.
"The attractive promotions and offers that have been ongoing since Ramadan and through the summer by participating malls of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) has resulted in a sharp rise in footfall to the malls. With the current boom in the retail industry, we anticipate participating malls taking advantage of the upcoming Back-to-School season to drive shoppers to the malls. The DSMG secretariat estimates that the 'Back-to-School' season will aid the retail business to grow an additional four to five per cent," he said.
Dubai Duty Free also reported strong results, as visitors to the region increased during the summer months.
"The Dubai Summer Surprises, which is on its 19th year, continues to attract so many visitors to Dubai, and Dubai Duty Free has a number of initiatives in place to maximise the potentials and opportunities brought about by the impact of the consumers during the DSS period. We are pleased with the retail performance of Dubai Duty Free in the first half of Dubai Summer Surprises, which is a great indication that successful events such as the Dubai Summer Surprises, have a positive impact on the retail sector," said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of Dubai Duty Free.
Michel Ayat, CEO Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), flagship company of AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said that AAC had received positive feedback for the initial phase of the shopping season.
"Arabian Automobiles is proud to contribute to this annual fiesta, which makes shoppers happy and allows us to be closer to our customers. DSS gives us the opportunity to reward our loyal customers and thank them for their support throughout the year. DSS attracts millions to Dubai every year to enjoy the great bargains and promotions, as well as the world-class entertainment and spend quality time with their families and friends in summer," he said.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com