Gitex closing day sees rush for the best
dubai — As expected, there was a mad rush on the closing day of the five-day Gitex Shopper at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday. Shoppers scrambled for the best deals as prices of several items registered further cutbacks during flash sales.
Auctions of electronic goods and smartphones were fiercely fought over as buyers tried to outbid each other down to the last dirham, while retailers were all in a positive mood, anticipating higher sales at the final tally.
Many who came over the weekend were satisfied that their tactic of coming on the last day of the mega-sale, which began on Tuesday, paid off. Carrying a 55” smartLED TV and other freebies he hoarded, Indian expat Anshul exemplified the shoppers’ mood on Saturday. “I really waited for this day to get my hands on the TV I have long wished for. The price was a steal, plus I got more items that I will definitely not be able to buy from a mall on a regular day,” he told Khaleej Times.
Another Gitex shopper, Dubai resident Renjith Nair said he actually had a hard time choosing between the latest Samsung and Nokia smartphones but ended up buying the one from a store that gave him extra items.
Meanwhile, British expat Thomas Walls wasn’t actually planning to come on the last day but he was busy during the first four days of Gitex. “Fortunately I got some free time today (Saturday). I already bought some electronic goods and I am looking for one more item, a karaoke,” he said.
Many shoppers were also on the lookout for flash sales and instant auctions. An Indian shopper narrowly beat his compatriot for the latest Huawei P20 Pro by posting just Dh5 more in one of the afternoon auctions.
Mahnoor Tari from Emax said the mood on the last Gitex day was just as expected. “Shoppers always make a mad rush on the last day and many of them come home happy with their purchase.”
“We had more shoppers on Saturday than Friday,” Filipino salesperson Ana Marie Yap said. Although sales figures were not available yet as of press time, the numbers were estimated to register a slight growth as compared to 2017.
Last year, 200,000 visitors trooped to the exhibition, and since no Gitex was held last April, an upsurge in customer footfall is expected. Overall sales is expected to grow by approximately 1-2 per cent, reaching Dh245 million, as compared to last year’s edition when consumers bought electronic items worth Dh240 million.
I really waited for this day to get my hands on the TV I have long wished for. The price was a steal, plus I got more items that I will not be able to buy from malls.”
Anshul, expat