Gitex Shopper to tap $3.4b UAE market

Power retailers and world class brands are planning the biggest ever sales extravaganza at Gitex Shopper 2011, as they look to tap the UAE’s estimated $3.4 billion consumer electronics market. With exclusive show offers, bundled deals, exciting competitions and launches of the latest technology products, the show will deliver an unrivalled shopping experience for all its visitors. Gitex Shopper, the largest consumer IT and electronics show in the Middle East, takes place from 8 - 15 October 2011 at the Airport Expo Dubai and is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The 2011 show will be the biggest and best yet, with increased exhibitor space to accommodate new Shopper brands and more than 25,000 of the latest cutting-edge products and gadgets on the market. “Technology facilitates a fast-paced modern lifestyle, enabling us to connect and communicate easily, work more efficiently and enjoy every convenience the latest innovations bring to our day-to-day lives. Connecting consumers with the world-class consumer IT and electronics brands for an eight day retail extravaganza, Gitex Shopper is the perfect one-stop shop destination to discover the latest products to improve your leisure time, home, workplace or school,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC. The world’s top consumer IT and electronics brands have confirmed their presence at the show, with 90% of floor space already booked. Global players with strong regional and international brand presence include Canon, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, HTC, Intel, JVC, Lenovo, Nakamichi, Panasonic, RIM-Blackberry, Samsung, SanDisk and Western Digital. Joining the line-up of world famous brands are Virgin Megastore and Bose, both of which are participating at Gitex Shopper for the first time. Tarek Moussawer, Regional Marketing Manager, Virgin Megastore Middle East said: “Virgin Megastore celebrates its 10th anniversary in the UAE this October, and part of the celebration will be our first stand-alone participation at Gitex Shopper. There is no doubt that this show offers the perfect platform for us to showcase the fast growing consumer electronics segment of our business, and enables us to celebrate our landmark anniversary with tens of thousands of our loyal customers in the region. Visitors to this year’s Virgin Megastore Gitex Shopper stand will not be disappointed.” Anjum Qadiri, Senior Marketing Manager for Lenovo Middle East and Africa said:  “We have participated at Gitex Shopper for the past three years and are delighted to be doing so once again. Lenovo is renowned for its DO culture and innovative products where we enable our customers to stop dreaming and start doing! With the success of the last three years at Gitex Shopper and our strong product profile, we are confident we will receive unprecedented interest at this year’s event.”        Top regional distributors and retailers, including CompuME, Du, E4U, E-City, EMAX, Etisalat, Geekay Games, iSTYLE, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Electronics, Plug-Ins, Sharaf DG, Touchmate and V.V. & Sons will also be present. Neelesh Bhatnagar, CEO of Emax said:  “This year marks our sixth year at the Gitex Shopper exhibition and we are delighted to be doing so once again. EMAX is renowned for the best range of electronics and the best value offers and we expect to receive strong interest at this year’s event.” Gitex Shopper 2011 is the largest gathering of the region’s leading ICT retailers and suppliers. This high-energy consumer show attracts a diverse audience that includes IT professionals, technology enthusiasts, students and consumers as well as regional traders. The event attracts visitors not just from the Middle East but also from North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. Gitex Shopper attracts the biggest names in the retail sector, with unique launches and special offers across the best technology, communication and entertainment products. Loyal buyers await this shopping bonanza year after year for exclusive deals and bundled offers which are not available anywhere else. Gitex Technology Week delivers the ultimate platform for the international ICT industry to meet and conduct business. The event is a definitive gateway not just to the Middle As the organiser of Gitex Shopper, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 32 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. From / Gulf Today