Electronic business records 25 per cent upsurge in sales this DSS

Sources at Dubai's electronics souks attributed this growth to several reasons; the most important being the flow of tourists and GCC visitors during Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

There has been a remarkable turnout by shoppers to buy TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, digital video cameras, mobile phones and other household items. Promotions and special offers organised by the Dubai Shopping Malls Group and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, as well as the grand promotions organised by outlets that offer shoppers a great chance to win valuable prizes, have also attracted a large number of shoppers.

Said Laila Suhail, DSS Executive Project Director,

'DSS has become one of the most important events in the region, stimulating retail and other economic sectors. It draws a large number of tourists and visitors from different nationalities during summer, which eventually increases the number of shoppers. Our retailers have a variety of products to meet all tastes and requirements, giving shoppers more options to choose what they need.'

'A wide range of products are available at competitive prices, encouraging shoppers to buy items that fit their budgets,' she added.

Mohammad Abu Al Fotouh, who works at Costless Electronics, 'Sales of home appliances and electronics have witnessed a noticeable upsurge during the DSS. A lot of people usually wait for the summer season when shops and malls announce their promotions and special offers, to make their purchases. The electronics market has always witnessed heated competition, driving down prices, especially in Dubai because it enjoys a high competitive edge. Sales have increased by 25 per cent during the DSS compared with normal days. This is a clear sign that the DSS contributes to activating different business sectors.'

Shopping centers and outlets also time their special offers and promotions to coincide with DSS, thus increasing sales, Abu Al Fotouh said. Daily and weekly raffle draws offering shoppers a chance to win cash prizes, cars and apartments have additional incentives for shopping at these outlets and malls.

Mudhar Faisal, purchases coordinator at Compio Me said, 'Sales during the first weeks of the DSS were better than expected. The increase was noticed in two periods -- during the first couple weeks, and the second period, right after the World Football Cup. Our location in the Mall of the Emirates, which hosts a lot of daily DSS events, has helped increase sales as well. The promotions and grand raffles have largely contributed to an increase in the number of purchasers, and increased the turnout of shoppers.'

It has been noticed that a large number of GCC families, especially from Kuwait, Qatar and other countries came to Dubai during the first weeks of summer. These families focused on buying electronic machines such as digital cameras and mobile phones.

The 10-week long DSS, which opened with Ice Surprises week on June 21, celebrated the Arts Surprises Week, International Food Surprises, Adventure Surprises and 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.