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UAE: GITEX Shopper sales hit Dh193m mark; bigger venue set next year

By Abdul Basit DUBAI - GITEX Shopper 2011 has achieved its target as sales at the eight-day event increased by 10 per cent to hit Dh193 million, according to its organiser.

Khaleej Times had already reported that sales are expected to cross the Dh190 million mark.

"Last year, Shopper recorded Dh175 million sales and this year major retailers see a double-digit growth in sales compared to last year. It means the show will comfortably cross Dh190 million sales mark," according to Khaleej Times' conservative estimates after talking to some big retailers at the show, reported on October 16.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre , or DWTC , the sales extravaganza will return in October 2012. Plans are in place for an even bigger and better GITEX Shopper next year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Millions of dirhams worth of gadgets and electronics were sold over the eight-day shopping event, with laptops, tablets, digital cameras, smart phones, and LEDs/LCDs among the best performing categories.

"Power retailers and world-class brands participating in the show reported total sales in excess of Dh193 million. Visitor numbers also swelled to 169,018," according to a statement issued by the organiser last week.

The much anticipated GITEX Shopper saw tens of thousands of satisfied customers walk away with some of the latest gadgets at fantastic show prices, plus numerous giveaways from the bundled offers that the event is renowned for. With more than 160 retailers and brands and over 25,000 different products available, GITEX Shopper offered a world of choice for visitors in 2011.

"GITEX Shopper continues to grow year after year and the 21^st edition of the show was no exception. With record visitor and sales numbers in 2011, GITEX Shopper proved once again that it plays a significant role in boosting retail sales in the UAE. This is why year on year top power retailers increase their space at the show and why we continue to attract new brands every year," DWTC senior vice-president Trixee Loh said.

Top retailers at the event were also positive about GITEX Shopper 2011, with Avinash Shanbhogue, head of marketing of Jumbo Electronics' retail division, saying: "Jumbo Electronics witnessed record foot-fall and double digit growth at GITEX Shopper, outperforming last year's results. We saw a phenomenal response to our IT products such as laptops and tablets, which accounted for approximately 60 per cent of sales during the event.

"GITEX Shopper remains a staple event in our retail activity calendar. From a local marketing perspective, it is a must for every electronics retailer to participate and we have had positive results to date. This year has again proven to be successful, with all targets achieved," Emax chief executive officer Neelesh Bhatnagar said.

Sharaf DG CEO Nilesh Khalkho said: "GITEX Shopper has again provided a great platform for Sharaf DG to showcase our exclusive and incredible deals. We have received an overwhelming response to our "Shop All you can - 10 million assured Gifts" campaign and a well as the 12 month easy payment plan for all shoppers. All in all, it was a job well done and another successful year for us."

"GITEX Shopper has been very positive for Jacky's. Footfall is up and our results are strong -- we believe that we have improved our sales results over last year. GITEX Shopper has become even more important and more popular given the increasingly short life-cycle of products," Jacky's Electronics chief operating officer Ashish Panjabi said.

© Khaleej Times 2011