DSMG records aggregate 17% growth in sales over last DSS led by new member malls

The percentage figure is based on the combined total of sales recorded at all the malls that participated in DSMG's 'Surprising Millions' campaign for DSS. It underscores Dubai's strong position as a retail hub offering the best shopping mall experience.

'Surprising Millions' had the largest ever participation from DSMG members this year with 23 shopping malls taking part in the campaign. The success of the campaign was driven by the four newly opened malls,Arabian Centre, Dubai Marina Mall, Oasis Centre and The Dubai Mall. The retail sector with its discounts and amazing offers played a great role in attracting shoppers.

Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, said:

'Dubai's mall sector experienced positive growth in the last two months as a direct result of the 'Surprising Millions' campaign and the attractive offers by the retail sector. The campaign posted an impressive aggregate increase of 17% in sales, which highlights the effectiveness of the economic growth initiatives of the Dubai Government and the complementary role played by the retail sector.'

He added: 'This year we also had participation from the four new malls which played a great role in boosting business. Footfall in the malls, since the beginning of the 'Surprising Millions' campaign, has surpassed all expectations. This is a reflection of the success of DSS and reiterates the strong role that the retail sector plays in the economy of Dubai.'

With its Dhs5m worth of prizes, the 'Surprising Millions' campaign this year has been the largest ever promotion by DSMG for DSS. Its offer of exciting weekly raffle draws and instant winning opportunities gained the interest of shoppers who were eager to try their luck while also benefiting from value deals.

Commenting on 'Surprising Millions', Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival Office, said: 'These positive results are a direct outcome of the unbroken support that Dubai Shopping Malls Group has lent to DSS as key sponsor in the past twelve years and their contribution to the success of DSS is commendable. This goes to prove the apt strategy undertaken by DSF Office in 1998 to support and facilitate creating DSMG as an important entity for the overall retail sector in Dubai.'

'DSMG's campaigns have always added an element of surprise as shoppers eagerly await the results of the raffle draws that could make them richer by the second. We hope the DSS and DSMG's innovative programmes continue to propel retail growth and help position Dubai as a leading shopping and entertainment destination with a large number of shopping malls offering world class facilites.'

Twenty one out of the 90 winners of the weekly raffle draws were UAE nationals who dominated the raffles this year. As part of the campaign, 89 shoppers were refunded the total value of their purchases. To take part in the raffle draws, shoppers were required to spend a minimum amount at participating malls. Those who made purchases using their MasterCard credit cards won an extra coupon each.

'MasterCard is delighted with the success of the DSMG promotion this year. As a key sponsor and the Official Payment Card of DSS 2009, MasterCard has further strengthened its ongoing and successful relationship with DSS and DSMG. We are also very pleased that MasterCard cardholders enjoyed a wide array of exclusive privileges and benefits while shopping during the festival,' said Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East & Levant, MasterCard Worldwide.

'Going forward, MasterCard is committed to this market and will continue to play a role in making the UAE an international retail hub.'

The 23 Dubai-based malls that participated in the 'Surprising Millions' campaign include Al Bustan Centre, Al Ghurair City, Al Manal Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, Arabian Center, BurJuman, Century Mall, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Outlet Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Ibn Batutta Mall, Lamcy Plaza, Mazaya Center, Mercato Mall, Oasis Centre, Reef Mall, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Mall, Town Centre, Time Square Centre and WAFI Mall.