Last-minute rush for presents a Christmas boon to retailers

Shoppers have been out in their thousands at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and more are expected in the Christmas rush. Razan Alzayani / The National

DUBAI // Tills will be ringing late into the evening as tens of thousands of people buy last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve.

The number of shoppers is expected to be boosted as tourists from China, Russia and Europe escape freezing temperatures to enjoy a winter break in the UAE.

Shoppers have been buying everything from widescreen televisions to jewellery and other luxury goods, either as treats for themselves or others.

“The mall has been very busy over the last few days as we have had various events, including a children’s talent show that attracted thousands of people to the mall over the weekend,” said a spokeswoman for Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

There has been a huge increase in the number of visitors to the shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas, she said.

“We will also have a series of winter activities for families in the next few days and running into the new year. There have been many people coming to the mall and we expect tens of thousands of people to come in the run up to Christmas.

“We are getting tourists from all over the world, particularly from China, India, Russia as well as Europe.”

She said they were buying a variety of gifts, particularly jewellery, designer items and electronics.

“We think this will be a better trading period for Marina Mall compared to previous years as people feel more confident in the solid economic recovery.”

Consumers have also been attracted by a number of sales.

“I think pretty much most of the stores are running some kind of sale for the Christmas period and that has encouraged many people to come,” she said.

Fuad Sharaf, a director with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said there had been an increase in customer numbers at Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre compared with normal shopping days.

“During the festive season, our malls do witness an increase as tourism rises in particular from neighbouring GCC nations, China and Russia, as do sales resulting from the trend of gift-giving during this time,” he said.

To attract customers, the three malls are each giving away a Dh10,000 shopping spree weekly as part of the Hi-Fi Tuesday campaign in December.

“Consumer electronics are on the top gift list this season, as are speciality stores selling chocolates,” Mr Sharaf said.

“Watches and jewellery always perform well, as do our fashion stores.”

Wholesalers have also had an increase in trade as retailers stock up for Christmas and New Year.

“We are seeing many, many customers buying jewellery ornaments from us,” said Snehal Parmer, from Belgium Diamond Jewellery in Dubai. “It is proving to be extremely busy not just for Christmas but also New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival.

“Dubai is a real hub for tourists and business now and we expect trade to continue to be positive in the coming months as well.”

For Jamal Khan, from Dubai, shop sales have encouraged him to spend more on electronic goods.

“I don’t celebrate Christmas but there are a lot of good deals around at the moment so it’s a good time to go bargain hunting,” he said. “I got a good deal on a couple of 40-inch Sony TVs and have got some barbecue equipment.”

Kathy Rogers, from the UK, said it was going to be a last-minute rush to get all her presents in time.

“I’ve left it to the last minute like I usually do as I haven’t had the time to be more organised about getting the presents,” she said. “I promise myself that I will not leave it to Christmas Eve to get all my shopping done but it happens every year.

“Luckily I know what I’ll be having to buy as my family told me what they wanted a couple of weeks ago.”