Impulsive buys: who spends more, man or woman?

If UAE is fast emreging as the tourist destination of the region, then Dubai has long been the shopping destination. With round-the year-promotions coupled with industry-specific exhibitions and festivals, shoppers - both tourists and residents alike - are spoilt for choice.

But who are more obssessive shoppers - men or women? Well, an 'Emirates24|7' poll reveals women are far ahead of men when it comes to shopping, but most UAE residents when contacted by this website said it was men who are more impulsive shoppers. However, almost all respondents agreed that most parents shopped for their children.

About 143 per cent of poll respondents said women are more impulsive shoppers compared to 32 per cent who believed men are better at it.

An interesting 54 per cent said shopping depends upon the itmes on sale, while 51 per cent said majority of parents shop for children irrespective of what's on sale.

Meanwhile, people we spoke to had a different take. Men are big spenders, they said in unison even giving statistics such as men spend approximately Dh500 per week on impulse buys, while women spend around Dh300 only.

But women take the tag of 'big spenders' just because men often disguise their shopping in the name of investing in functional items such as cars, electronics, memberships (Men’s Only Clubs) or even use hobbies as an euphemism. Most men, however, agree on their love of eating out.

Women are more ostentatious with designer clothes, exotic holidays and grooming sessions and for most even branded footwear!

In fact, women in general agree that shopping has the power to make them feel better. Some even said they would go on a spending spree to cheer themselves up.

For instance, 29-year-old Tracy from Abu Dhabi, proudly said she gets her nails done every week and has a fetish for shoes.

Similarly, Shrusty, a 31-year-old consultant based in Sharjah, said she splurges oh haircare products apart from buying magazines and dining out.

Vanessa from Abu Dhabi, a designer, doesn't mince her words. "I am a shopaholic." The 32-year-old said, "I earn a lot of money and so my number priority is myself."

But for majority of the men folk shopping is a mission. They know what  they need, they head straight to the location it is available, pick it up, make the payment and return. While women are more likely to look out for best deals or a sale and check out various outlets before deciding to take one home. Men are happy paying more just to be done with the task of shopping, unless, of course, it is eating out.

Dawoud, a 27-year-old businessman in Dubai, said: "I like to eat out and drink Frappuccino all day; love to watch movies, trim my beard and go clubbing on weekends."

Yamen, a 30-year-old IT professional, also said he doesn't mind spending on eating out. His other love is computers and games.

Dr Omar, a 42-year-old physician from Dubai, confesses to spending on his car (Nissan 370z) and constantly looking out for stuff to modify the vehicle. Not to miss the family men. Some confess to spending to keep wives happy while others want to see a smile on their kids' faces.

Gomez, 35, a Dubai-based manager, said,"I spend all my money on my wife to keep her happy." While, 39-year-old Babu from Sharjah who is a sales manager, said: "Everyday I buy something for my children as it makes them happy when I return home", and as an afterthought added, "I also buy something for my wife or I will not get dinner".

Some men respondents even justified the fact that they spend more than women because they do it for the latter. "We want to see women happy," they said and added, "of course, there is always a never-ending list from kids."