Consumer spending doubles in August

With just a few more days left for Ramadan to come to a close, retailers are witnessing a shift in residents’ buying pattern as the faithful, after observing a month-long solemn period of penance and reflection, get ready to welcome Eid Al Fitr festivities. “Ramadan is that time of the year when a Muslim family’s spending more than doubles compared to other months. The consumerism during the period is fuelled by traditions that are popular among many families, such as having guests for Iftar throughout the month,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah. Retailers taking part in the ongoing Ramadan & Eid Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah said if it was household and food products, which were much in demand during Ramadan, they are now seeing a gradual shift in buying to clothes, jewellery, gift items and luxury products to celebrate Eid. The show, which got under way on July 26 and will run until Aug.19, is also receiving a steady stream of visitors, with weekends seeing larger crowds looking to make the most of best-in-the-town bargains and products that are most in demand during Ramadan and items that might not be found in usual malls. “With Ramadan drawing to a close, we are now focusing more on entertainment activities, where the entire family can take part and fully enjoy their time during or after shopping,” added Midfa He also said: “With hundreds of local, regional and international brands, great bargains and product variety, Ramadan & Eid Fair has lived up to its expectations. Now, with the added focus on entertainment activities, the show becomes an event every family should visit this season.” Moreover, the multitude of entertainment activities being held on the sidelines of the Ramadan & Eid Fair has also got more popular among visitors to the show, so much so that at times there are queues to activities like amusement rides, face painting, balloon twisting, game organising, magic shows and quiz contests. The Eid days will feature special attractions that will liven up the festivities. “We have ensured that our stall has something more than what a normal shopping outlet in a regular mall will offer shoppers. This itself has resulted in making shoppers spend more time at our stall. While choosing display items, we have also taken into account diversity of consumer preferences since the UAE is home to people from several nationalities,” said a representative of a leading retailer who is a regular exhibitor at the show. “We have come not just for shopping but also for enjoying the entire evening... We are checking out the products, and but at the same time we are not giving the miss to the heritage village, health checkup, cooking &makeup demos, food court make and other such stalls, while our children are enjoying the fun activities,” said Fatima, a visitor who was part of a group of women. Lucky shoppers have a few more days to win air tickets, large flat-screen LCD TVs and many more prizes. The show is open for visitors from 8.30pm to 1.30am during Ramadan and on weekends (Thursdays & Fridays) from 8.30pm to 2am. During Eid holidays the visiting hours are from 5pm to 11pm. The Ramadan & Eid Fair is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From gulftoday