Dubai’s mega sales to replace clearances

Shoppers won't be able to rush to any more clearance sales in Dubai, except twice in a year - the National Day Sales in December or the three-day Super Sale from May 18 to 20, a senior Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) official has said.

During these periods, retailers can offer sales of up to 90 per cent.Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasil

director, retail and strategic alliances, DFRE, made the announcement while elaborating on the citywide three-day Super Sale from May 18, 2017, where shoppers can get discounts of 30-90 per cent from top brands across Dubai.

Home to some of the world's most impressive shopping malls and outlets, Dubai is pulling out all the stops for its new retail event, the three-day Super Sale.

Talking about the idea behind the three-day Super Sale, Al Falasi said: "We intend to make this three-day Super Sale a permanent calender event so that people wait for it. It is part of our robust strategy revolving around the retail calendar to further boost the emirate's retail sector with regular promotional periods that benefit both retailers and shoppers."

Al Falasi explained that this type of sale can be expected just twice a year - National Day in December and the three-day Super Sale. "This is the only time retailers can run an up to 90 per cent sale, in accordance with the new regulation launched this year. Previously, certain brands ran such high percentage sales (up to 90 per cent) for long periods, but now that has changed. From 2017, it is only these two periods when you can see up to 90 per cent sales."

The only exception to this twice-a-year rule is if a store or brand is either shutting down or closing the brand at that specific location. The DED has to cancel the shop's licence before it can put up a clearance sale.

During the upcoming Super Sale, shoppers will get an opportunity to pick up amazing deals across a range of merchandise at the over-500 participating outlets.

Why this time period?

"The Dubai retail industry relies heavily on tourism and we have seen a good influx of tourists for this year already. Another reason for picking this time period is, it coincides with the fashion cycle of the retailers. In fact, it was the retailers' idea that we have it during these three days, as it coincides with their fashion calender. The concept of the three-day sale began during the National Day sales last year and it was quite successful. So, we were encouraged to do it in the middle of the year as well," Al Falasi told Khaleej Times.

Retailer registrations are open till May 17 and over 500 brands are already on the participating list this year. "The timing is perfect for shoppers, coming early in the summer and just a few days before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, followed by the Eid holiday period. We expect to reenergise the retail sector at this event, as a large number of shoppers are bound to avail themselves of three days of huge savings," Al Falasi added.

The sale will cover diverse business segments ranging from apparel to electronics, jewellery to fashion accessories, homeware, toys, and much more.

There will be something for everyone among the sale items, so gear up for some smile-inducing retail therapy for all. You only have three days, so start your shopping spree early to grab those bargains, only as long as stocks last.

Retailers & brands at 3-day Super Sale:

Guess, G2000, Bossini, Carpisa, Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger, Kazar, Shoe Mart, Ecco, Roberto Cavalli, Giordano, Galeries La Fayette, Okaidi, Desigual, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Call It Spring, Nine West, Rivoli, Hour Choice, La Senza, Think Kitchen, Al Jaber Optical, Porsche Design, Paul & Shark, and hundreds more