GITEX Shopper, the region's largest gathering of leading consumer IT and electronic retailers and suppliers, closed this month to impressive results. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE, the bi-annual show kicked off on 29th September and closed on the 6th of October.
The event attracted attendees from all over the Middle East, as well as North Africa and parts of the Indian Subcontinent. The attendees, more than 206,200, a 22% increase since last year, included public consumers and tech professionals alike, as well as regional buyers interested in stocking products for their facilities. Those in attendance were able to snap up deals and offers made especially for the event.
Exhibitors reported that amongst the most in-demand products were digital cameras, smart phones, laptops and tablets. Sales during the eight day event totalled AED 237 million, a 23% increase since last year.
“Year after year, GITEX Shopper has continued to provide unmatched opportunities for global technology brands and regional retailers, reaching new levels this year, thanks in part to the relocation of the show to its new central DWTC venue,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC. “With the latest technology products on display and excellent sales growth reported almost unanimously by our exhibitors, GITEX Shopper 2012 has delivered record results.”
The growth was apparent, as the majority of the regional retailers reported outstanding sales and noticeable exposure. Nilesh Khalkho, CEO of Sharaf DG, said, “This year’s edition of GITEX Shopper was the best ever for Sharaf DG. Not only did we achieve phenomenal sales both at the show and across all our stores in the UAE, it also gave us a chance to increase brand awareness for Sharaf DG. The show’s move to DWTC was positive for us.”
Vishesh Bhatia, CEO of Jumbo Electronics said, “We are excited to record double-digit growth in sales from last year. Tablets have been a significant contributor, with 100% growth over last year. Sales of smartphones also recorded growth of 80% over last year. We believe Jumbo was the largest retailer in this category as well.”
"Our sales during GITEX Shopper increased by 11% from last year. Not only did the exhibition attract returning customers but the new and more accessible venue helped to bring many new visitors to the show, which translated into more sales for us," said Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s.
EMAX reported 80% growth in sales due to this year's show according to Neleesh Bhatnagar, CEO of EMAX. “The 8-day shopping extravaganza contributed more than 8 percent of our annual budget and an impressive 30 percent of our Q3 forecast,” he said.
Sean Connor, General Manager of Plug-Ins, saw an 82% increase in sales compared to last year's show, adding that their best sellers were tablets and smart phones. Sanjay Dabur, General Manager of Grand Stores, also reported a 40% increase in sales revenue.
Global consumer electronic brands like Samsung and LG were also there to showcase their products, and garnered the same success as their smaller co-exhibitors. Firas Tayfour, Head of Retail, Corporate Marketing Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “This year has been an exceptionally good year for Samsung, with an unprecedented 100% increase in sales.”
The next edition of GITEX Shopper will take place from 3rd – 6th April 2013, followed by a year-end event in October 2013. Both shows will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
For more information on GITEX Shopper visit www.gitexshopperdubai.com
– Khaleejesque Staff
