DSS 2007 rakes in massive retail revenues for Dubai's shopping malls

The reports single out a significant growth in footfall and sales, estimated at 30 to 40 per cent increase over the past edition, attributing the considerable boom to the high tourist inflow and big turnout shown by residents and tourists.

The above growth figures are expected to rise by the time consolidated figures are obtained from the participating malls in the leading summer bonanza. Estimates released by the Mall of the Emirate reveal a total of AED one billion in sales, and a 7 per cent visitor increase over the past year.

Laila Suhail, executive project director, DSS said: "The initial figures that we have in our hands indicate that DSS 2007 is a great success story, it was the result of a perfect cooperation process between the private and public sectors. DSS organized the colorful and attractive events, and the Shopping malls hosted them, and the result was extraordinary sales revenues."

On his part, Eisa Adam Head of DSMG stated that the sales revenues during DSS 2007 are set to break all the previous records, he said: "We are very pleased with the overwhelming response from shoppers and visitors that we have witnessed during the past ten weeks. The "Shop and win millions" campaign has had a huge impact on our sales, as at the end of ninth week the campaign produced more than AED 633 million in sales with an increase of 133 per cent compared to the same period of DSS 2006."

"These figures are coherent with the financial expectations of the overall consumer expenditure during DSS 2007 which was projected at more than AED 3 billion," he added.

Shopping malls managers

"Mall of the Emirates has proved to be the ideal place to spend the summer of 2007. We have hosted a series of enthralling and exclusive events and a well-integrated package of programmes and shows that have render any visit to the Mall a memorable experience," said Fouad Sharaf, Mall of the Emirates General Manager.

The mall is poised to attract in excess of 25 million visitors by the end of 2007, with sales volume expected to surge to AED 5 billion by the period, he added, noting that the a 63 per cent increase in sales over 2006 was recorded till date.

"Consumer spending has increased by 45 per cent this year over 2006 due to the availability of global brands that cater to all needs and tastes," he said, explaining that the increasing tourist arrivals, especially those coming from GCC states known for their liberal spending, play a crucial role in augmenting the sales volume."

"We attract visitors from all over the world, with special focus being laid on GCC visitors and other Arab nationals. We also target tourists from emerging markets, including Russia and China," he elaborated.

Sharaf attributed the resounding success achieved by Mall of the Emirates to the enlivening DSS activities, saying that the successful partnership between Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls (MAF) and DSS reflected positively on all parties participating in the leading summer fiesta.

Deira City Centre has likewise recorded considerable growth rates, attracting up to 3.85 million visitors since the onset of DSS 2007, registering an 8 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Farid Abdul Rahman, Vice-President of Deira City Centre, noted that the number of visitors would hit a total of 4 million by the end of DSS 2007, with sales expected to increase by 18 per cent over the DSS 2006 edition. This surge, he said, was mainly due to the large-scale promotion and discounts offered by retail outlets in the mall this year.

Century Mall has likewise recorded significant growth rates during DSS 2007, surpassing the previously set target for visitor numbers and sales.

"The promotions introduced by the mall during the ten weeks of DSS 2007 have reflected positively on our sales volume, as indicated by store owners and tenants," said Firoz Majeed, Century Mall General Manager.

"The remarkable success attained by festivals and activities organized by Dubai, primarily DSS and DSF, have always motivated malls and shopping centres to do their best in promotion efforts with the objective of maximizing sales revenues," he added.

Ibn Battuta Mall has also secured a 15 per cent increase in footfall over the same period last year largely due to hosting a wide range of colorful DSS 2007 events, and to the completion of its residential and real estate projects that have helped woo more shoppers.

"Al Bustan Centre and Residence has likewise announced a remarkable increase in profit at 40 per cent over the same period last year. "We are pleased to announce a 40 per cent sales increase over the last year. In this regard we extend our deep thanks to all our partners and the DSS Supreme Committee which has spared no effort in rendering the grand event a huge success," said Moussa Al Hayek, Al Bustan Centre and Residence General Manger.

"We are planning to turn Al Bustan Centre and Residence into the ultimate family shopping and residential destination in the UAE. And we are very much satisfied with the results achieved during DSS 2007," he added.

Karol Grebe, Retail Sales Manager at The Market, expressed deep satisfaction with the results achieved by the mall during this year's DSS. "We have been quite keen to provide our clients with exciting promotions and at the same time to get children to make the most of their time during the 10 weeks of DSS," she said.