Deals and discounts mark the end of DSF
dubai — Say goodbye to giant discounts at fashion outlets, malls furniture shops and electronics — the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) month is over.
The last weekend of the DSF appeared to be a big hit, with many shops holding a ‘buy one get one free’ deal during the last two days. American retailer Bath and Bodyworks was selling most of their products for Dh15 each — nearly 90 per cent off the original prices.
Furniture outlet Home Box at Ibn Battuta had a surprise deal on Friday, where customers received a free item (of any price) along with one purchase. A crowed of at least 150 people lined up outside of the store and waited for the gates to open. Some had arrived as early 9am, one hour prior to when the shop is meant to open.
Carrefour held a 50 per cent off on electronic items, including a 55inch TCL television that was priced under Dh1,500.
With possibly millions of residents flocking to stores to purchase hugely discounted items from December 26 to January 27, what exactly does the shopping festival mean to them and what kind of impact can it have on their financial situation at home?
For Nigerian student in Dubai, Honour Rachdi, it meant that she could finally purchase a mobile phone she had been longing to own. She bought the Huawei Honor 9 phone, mainly because the name of the product matches with her name.
“I was so happy that I saved so much, I actually waited for the festival to make this purchase,” she said.
“I love my name and I’m proud of it. When I knew that a phone with my name (although not spelt the same way) existed I couldn’t help but want it. I wanted it since early last year. The time factor brought the price down and the festival made further reduction.
“I feel like the shopping festival is great, and even with the VAT, it still allows us to indulge our cravings at an affordable price. The festival for certain products sometimes includes a ‘two for one’ offer and, because of this, families can spend less and get more.”
For Pakistani mum, Hiba Qureshi, the DSF was a means to buy groceries in bulk, as well as clothing for her two young children.
Qureshi said she made two trips to a hypermarket during the DSF and bought nearly Dh3,000 worth of groceries at a price of Dh1,800.
“It’s the perfect time to buy the essentials for your home and other things, especially in the opening and closing weekend of the festival. Most items are at bargain. It is wiser to buy then and save,” she said.
Even though the DSF is over, Ramadan , Eid and the summer months often bring other sales to malls across the UAE, though mainly on food items and fashion products.
I feel like the shopping festival is great, and even with the VAT, it still allows us to indulge our cravings at an affordable price. The festival for certain products sometimes includes a ‘two for one’ offer and, because of this, families can spend less and get more.” Honour Rachdi, Nigerian student
It’s the perfect time to buy the essentials for your home and other things. Most items are at bargain prices. It is just wiser to buy and save the extra cash. I bought nearly Dh3,000 worth of groceries at a price of Dh1,800.” Hiba Qureshi, Pakistani mum