Retailers are readying themselves for a bumper holiday of festive shopping as Eid approaches.
Some outlets were expecting a 30 per cent boost in sales across the weekend with the feel-good factor seeping across the retail landscape. Fashion outlets in The Dubai Mall have already noticed a jump in sales as people invest in new clothes for the holiday season.
“The madness seems to have started a little earlier than last year,” said Arvin, a sales assistant at the fashion boutique Express in Dubai Mall. “Last year we were busy with Saudi, Omani and Kuwaiti tourists but this year we have seen a lot of local customers buying before the holiday. At least this year I won’t be working through the night.”
While last Eid the mall had two all-night shopping extravaganzas, this Eid the longest shopping days will be confined to a scant 16 hours.
From Monday through Saturday, the mall’s shops and attractions will be open from 10am to 1am and its food outlets from 10am to 2am.
The gifting season means jewellers, electronics, fashion, chocolates and toy stores have restocked their inventories in readiness.
“We basically double the amount of stock we have for most times of the year,” said Vijay Nandakumar, the head of corporate communications for Lulu Hypermarket.
The Eid break is a one of the busiest times in the year for the nation’s retailers and an important one for big and small operators.
“We expect a 30 per cent plus jump in sales,” said Mr Nandakumar. “We have a lot of promotions and special offers for the Eid break, and as it is the travelling season we will see a lot of tourists here.
“You can feel the positive energy from our suppliers. It is a vibrant time to be in retail.”
Sales of white goods such as cookers and fridges tend to increase before Ramadan and flatten afterwards, but laptops, mobiles, cameras and televisions remain on top of people’s most-wanted lists.
“Our sales will be 10 per cent better than last year, and that is on a weekend where we see a 25 per cent jump in sales,” said Jehas Habison, a purchasing manager with Costless Electronics.
“The weekend will be big but I think the extended holiday will see a lot of people travelling, so I think the sales figures may see a slowdown. The Co-op supermarket has seen sales of food up by 5-10 per cent across Ramadan and it is hoping to hold onto those figures with tourist arrivals, which is possible.”
ascott@thenational.ae
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