Dubai retailers enjoy Eid sales surge, high footfall

With the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Fitr' celebrations in full swing, Dubai's retailers have been witnessing a boost in sales, with some of them anticipating a double-digit growth during the citywide festivities which ends on Wednesday.

Besides the opportunity to choose from a line-up of events, entertainment and attractions during Eid in Dubai, residents and visitors can also pick up offers and discounts across the fashion, cosmetics and furniture sectors.

The jump in retail sales during 'Eid in Dubai' comes at a time when malls and souqs across Dubai have launched special offers and promotions, including the Eidiyat Dubai promotion, offering shoppers spending Dh200 at participating malls a chance to win Dh1.5 million in prizes.

'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Fitr' is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). DFRE's Media Centre spoke to some fashion and lifestyle retailers to understand how they have been faring so far during the Eid season.

"The retail sector is expecting a huge increase in footfall, especially since families from the GCC countries are converging in the country to celebrate Eid. And we are expecting more than 10 per cent growth in sales during Eid," said Ismail Al Fahim, group commercial manager of Paris Gallery.

"Perfumes have always been the best performing segment during Eid as they are more suitable for gifting compared to cosmetics. However, the cosmetics segment also will do well during this time as brands roll out many offers for female customers who often make huge purchases during this time," Al Fahim added.

Pallavi Bhatia, business head of Label 24, said: "Since Ramadan falls in summer, most customers prefer shopping before the start of the holy month. We have people from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar coming to Dubai for shopping. There is an increase of 40 to 50 per cent sales during the period before Ramadan. As usual, the first few days of Ramadan were slow, but sales again picked up during the last 10 days before Eid as shoppers plan for the festivities ahead."
Source: Khaleej Times