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Smarter Shoppers Hit the Streets
DUBAI - The 15th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has achieved what no other festival achieved last year in just four days – bring the recession-hit consumers out on the streets in droves. But whether they are opening their purse strings or not is a different question.
- PUBLISHED: Mon 1 Feb 2010, 9:51 PM UPDATED: Tue 20 Aug 2024, 11:56 AM
Though the footfall is surely showing an upward trend, business is not as remarkable as it used to be in the first weeks of the previous editions. That doesn't mean there aren't many good deals on offer, people have just got smarter with money.
Seema Anand from Blue Plate Fashion New York, who has put up a stall at Al Seef Walkway, seemed quite impressed with the response. “We have had a good response so far. Though we are a new brand here, people are willing to buy, except that they are looking for smart deals. I'll take it for a good start.”
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Shoppers indeed have got smarter. Mohammed Nazim, who works as a finance manager in Dubai, said he is willing to wait and watch. “It's just the beginning. Though there is all the pomp and glitter that is associated with DSF, many stalls are yet to open and I am not in a hurry to buy anything. The prices are good, but they might come down further,” said Nazim
Colin, who only gave his first name, was also of the same view. “It seems bigger than last year, but it's still too early to say anything, most of the stalls are yet to open. We basically came to just have a look. It's nice and pleasant, the atmosphere is good and my family is enjoying the time out here.”
Firas and Louise also seemed to be enjoying the pleasant evening at Al Seef. “It's very beautiful out here, there is a lot more variety this time. We saw Global Village, Festival City, Rigga Street and now we are here. It's wonderful, we are still checking out on prices and we have found some good bargains. We'll start shopping probably from next week,” said the jovial couple.
Though the stall owners at Al Seef seemed to have done pretty brisk business already, shopkeepers at Dubai's two main business districts – Bur Dubai and Deira – seemed far from impressed. “It's moving slightly slow, probably due to recession. Hopefully, it will pick up in a few days. I think the focus is on the malls, street business hasn't been promoted that well,” said Disha of Princess Fashion.
Mohan from Tip Top Trading and Ibrahim from United Star Trading Deira also echoed her views.
Business might be a bit dull in some quarters, but the streets have definitely gone brighter, what with all the fancy lights, decorations and, above all, people of myriad hues.
shafaat@khaleejtimes.com