Abu Dhabi Electronics Shopper (Ades) is readying itself for a busy weekend.
The event at Abu Dhabi National Convention Centre (Adnec) has many of the country’s electronics traders bundling cars and holidays to entice eager shoppers.
“We strongly believe in the potential of the Abu Dhabi market,” said Nilesh Khalkho, the chief executive at Sharaf DG. “We have increased our space in Ades 2014 over the first edition, thus reflecting our commitment to this market.”
Apart from generic offers on laptops, mobiles and tablets, the electronics retailer has launched two bundle offers exclusively for the event. It is offering an LG 65-inch Ultra HD TV and a BMW Z4 for only Dh158,999. With Sharp, it is selling an 80-inch full HD TV with a BMW 520i for Dh194,999.
“We have extended the Ades offers to our stores in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to serve our regular customers who visit our stores,” Mr Khalkho said
Another tie-up available at Ades is with TouchMate. The brand is offering two-night stays in three-star hotels across Asia free with purchases of more than Dh499.
Plug-Ins also feels that this year’s event is building on the momentum generated in the capital’s malls.
“This is the second year of Ades and the popularity of the event is increasing compared to last year,” said Sean Connor, the general manager of Plug-Ins. “The organisers of Ades have been aggressive in their campaign to promote the event, which will eventually benefit all participating retailers. We expect 40 per cent growth at this year’s event.”
Grand Stores is exhibiting at the event with its Chinese TV supplier HiSense. The panel maker has gained 8 per cent market share in just two years of operation, targeting a 20 per cent share by the end of the year.
The electronics chain views Ades as an event that is maturing.
“Abu Dhabi needs an important electronics event and Ades goes some way towards that,” said Sanjay Dabur, the general manager of Grand Stores. “It creates a platform that customers can visit and compare prices and bundles of offers. The expectation from the suppliers and the retailers is there and this is a success from most points of view. This is the second event, with a higher profile, and therefore from a business point of view it is a success. It’s not Gitex but then few things are.”
ascott@thenational.ae
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