Gitex Shopper Day 1: Smartphones, bundles on brands drive sales

Smartphones have emerged as the top driver for Gitex Day 1 sales, with most retailers saying they expect new launches and price-cuts on older models as key focus for buyers.

The Gitex Shopper Spring 2015, which was officially opened on April 1 by Sami Al Qemzi, Director General, Department of Economic Development, Dubai, is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, and runs until Saturday April 4.

The buying spree saw offers on the Apple iPhone 6, with Jignesh Bhatia, who snapped up the 64GB instrument saying: “I can’t believe I managed to buy the iPhone 6 for Dh2,699. Up until last month, I was being quoted a price Dh300 or so higher.”

Another smartphone creating the buzz is the HTC One M9, which One Mobile has bundled up to include a Bluetooth speaker, home speakers, a stereo headset and powerbank, a 16GB memory card, a selfie stick and a free entertainer booklet, all retailing for Dh2,749.

Meanwhile, away from smartphones, the new Shopper Smart Living has also welcomed thousands of visitors to the new co-located show.

Over the next three days, the shopper is expected to have many exciting moments including visitors having the chance to see the world’s first nine carat solid gold laptop and launching the Lenovo S60 smartphone.

Marco Vocale, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “We are excited to introduce our SUHD TV at the show – our new flagship TV completely redefines the viewing experience with nano-crystal technology. Shoppers will also have the chance to experience and pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, the most advanced smartphones on the markets, before they hit the stands. Of course, we’ll also have the most competitive promotions available.”

Mahesh Chotrani, Assistant Vice President, Jacky’s Electronics commented: “We are offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for shoppers to win a dream vacation to any destination, worth Dh25,000. Themed ‘Choose Your Dream Vacation’, five names will be selected from the e-raffle draw every two hours, and one of the five will receive the daily grand prize - adream vacation anywhere in the world.

“A total of four winners (one each day) will be selected, while the rest of the shortlisted names will receive vouchers from Dubai Aquarium, Reel Cinemas and Tim Horton.”

Visiting the show will also give visitors the chance to win a Mitsubishi Pajero Elite, solid bars of gold, and a range of Samsung products from smartphones and microwave ovens to printers and monitors.

Gitex Shopper Spring 2015 and Shopper Smart Living is open from 11am to 11pm every day.

Tickets are Dh20 per person and are available at the venue and select Emarat outlets. Entry is free for children under the age of five.