Why DSS is crucial
Dubai Summer Surprises serves as a catalyst for retail growth with its key partners reporting an upswing in business at the halfway mark of the region’s most popular retail event in the summer.
dubai — Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) has once again proven that it serves as a catalyst for retail growth with its key partners reporting an upswing in business at the halfway mark of the region’s most popular retail event in the summer.
The 20th edition of DSS (running from July 1 to August 12) has generated improved sales and footfall at shopping malls and thousands of participating retail outlets.
Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasi, executive director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, DFRE, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), and the organisers of DSS, said: “Having reached its milestone 20th edition, Dubai Summer Surprises, continues to further enhance Dubai’s position as the summer destination of choice. At its halfway mark, DSS 2017 has led to an upswing in business with Dubai’s retailers in particular reaping rich dividends following an influx of visitors during this period. The improved market performance during the first half of DSS is also the result of our close collaboration with various government and private sector entities, especially the continued support of our strategic partners.”
Malls have transformed into family entertainment destinations, creating a vibrant and fun ambience with a range of events and activities combined with an array of unbeatable deals offered by their retails outlets including discounts of up to 75 per cent on a wide range of merchandise, and retail promotions, giving shoppers the chance to win fabulous prizes.
DFRE’s Strategic Partners for 2017 are Emirates, AW Rostamani Group, Emaar Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Dubai Festival City, Mercato, Paris Gallery, ENOC, Nakheel, Dubai Duty Free, Meraas and etisalat.
Steven Cleaver, director of Shopping Malls, Dubai Festival City, said: “At Dubai Festival City we are already celebrating the most successful DSS to date with an increase of 16.6 per cent footfall year-on-year in the first week of DSS compared to the same period during DSS 2016.”
Diana Al Sakka, marketing and events Manager at Mercato & Town Centre Jumeirah, said: “Retail outlets in the mall have registered an increase of 15-20 per cent in sales and a 20 per cent increase in footfall during the first half of DSS 2017 compared to the same period of DSS 2016.” Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group of Companies, said: “DSS has attracted a good number of tourists into the country since the start. We’ve experienced increased footfall in our stores across the UAE which helped in increasing sales, especially during the weekends.”
Majid Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Shopping Malls Group, said: “The retail sector is heading in the right direction and is gaining momentum especially with the 6 weeks of DSS sales and promotions similar to our ‘Shop, Win & Drive’ promotion sparking interest among residents and tourist in Dubai. The Dubai Shopping Malls Group promotion has ensured an increase in footfall at the participating malls.”
Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer of Emaar Malls, said: “Emaar Malls continues to see strong footfall across our portfolio underlining the popularity of Dubai Summer Surprises among residents and tourists. In addition to robust sales at the retail outlets, visitors are also enjoying a range of DSS activities such as The Sales Exhibit at The Dubai Mall and the Giant Ball Pit at Dubai Marina Mall — which appeal to families and delight children and adults alike.”
— business@khaleejtimes.com