Mall Expects To Do Well Amid Swelling Visitor Numbers This Dubai Shopping Festival, Underpinned By Robust Spending By Residents

Al Ghurair Centre witnesses increase in tourist numbers from 20% to 25% compared to last year

Al Ghurair Centre, Deira’s most prominent landmark, witnessed an increase of 25% in tourist numbers this DSF compared to the same period last year. Most of the tourists were from GCC, Levant and Asian countries that stood at 60% and the rest came from across the globe, said Irina Cooper, Marketing Manager Al Ghurair Centre.

For the centre, DSF is the peak seasons for sales for certain categories such as electronics, fashion, cosmetics and home furnishings and is a key campaign of the Al Ghurair Centre’s marketing calendar. As a result this DSF the mall has gained a huge boost in sales showing a surprising spike in confidence of shoppers in the market. Retail sales for the week ending January 10 were up 10 per cent from the same week last year and week-over-week, sales were up 7 per cent due to robust spending of residents and visitors.

Irina added: “DSF is one of the most important festivals in the country and year on year we expect higher expectations in terms of visitor footfall and retail sales. Al Ghurair Centre is a landmark in Deira and being located in the most dense residential area of the city, we continue to serve visitors in our trade area and beyond. The mall promotions we offer have an added value to shoppers as there are daily chances to win exciting prizes and this attracts visitors that we are witnessing through the raffle draw coupons provided to shoppers every day. Thus trade optimism is growing and retailers boosted by abundant festive sales.”

She maintained that during last DSF the centre rewarded 12 winners with shopping vouchers. This year winners will be rewarded with shopping and hospitality vouchers from the newly opened iconic property Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana every day that includes dining for two, weekend stays and luxury spa treatments. Thus with more shopping vouchers they would be able to shop more and experience luxurious hospitality at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana 5-Star Hotel.

Irina said: “Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana is targeted towards families especially from the Middle East and GCC region, in addition to India, Russia and China. With the addition of the hotel and serviced apartments to our property, we are looking at attracting families and creating a one-stop destination offering shopping, residential, commercial and hospitality components in one project. Given challenging regional dynamics that have pushed tourism significantly in the UAE this year, we expect higher visitor footfall and retail sales.”

She also informed that the centre plans to add new shops in the mall expansion, details of which will be provided shortly. According to Irina the mall expansion has been planned on the back of continued domestic demand for introducing newer brands.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Jan 22, 2013

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