Bigger Gitex Shopper set to cash in on more bargains

A double digit growth in sales is on the cards for the highly anticipated Gitex Shopper, which kicks off on September 29 at the new Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) venue.

The eight-day extravaganza, which is arguably one of the region’s biggest IT consumer electronics retail exhibition, is slated to supersede its Dh200 million sales tally last year, say organisers, while a 25 per cent in retail space is geared to draw in over 175,000 avid shoppers from this weekend.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC said: “Today, we are seeing a new chapter in the transformation of the Gitex Shopper, which will be its own standalone event, separate from the Gitex Technology Week that used to run simultaneously.

“The eight-day event will feature over 30,000 gadgets with nearly 35,000 sqm or retail space ­– a notable 25 per cent increase from last year.

“With the new venue, we are expecting a draw of at least 175,000 visitors this year to take advantage of the many deals that will be on offer.”

Almarri confirmed a boost in sales is on the cards this year, declining to divulge in the revenue boost, but confirming sales are back on track post recession.

“Last year was a record year in visitors and this year will follow a similar trend,” he said. “Sales in 2011 were just shy of Dh200m and 2012 is expected to record a double digit increase on this.”

Dikran Tchablakian, CEO of retail giant CompuME, said: “The consumer electronics market has been at a standstill this past one month, in anticipation to the frenzy that will commence at the Shopper.

“Every retailer will put their best foot forward in providing the best deals; plus, and an added attraction is entertainment value to bring in the consumers. This year, we are teaming up with Alienware to set up a gaming extravaganza where the world’s top gamers will put on a show and compete live.”

Top gadgets expected to see shoppers throng to stalls are expected to be Apple’s newly released iPhone 5, along with Ultrabooks and new age Tablets.

Meanwhile, visitors are also expected to catch a peek at Sony unveiling the world’s largest LCD TV, the 4K, which sits at a massive 84-inches.

The whopping Dh99,999 TV will be on general sale from mid November.

But before you rush to move furniture around in your home to fit in the big boy, be prepared to rob a bank or two, because the TV has an equally humongous price tag — Dh99,999!

Running until October 3, closing timings on the final weekend of the Shopper will be extended by an hour to 11pm, with tickets priced at Dh30 for the general public and Dh10 for students.

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