Retail outlets in Dubai and Sharjah have recently launched extensive sales promotions on various food and consumer goods, with discounts ranging from 20% to 60%, to celebrate the UAE's 54th National Day. The offers, which extend until December 7th, include food items such as poultry, meat, fish, dairy products, cooking oils, and rice, as well as discounts on electronics like smartphones, screens, and laptops. The promotions also cover personal care products, travel bags, clothing, and perfumes. Consumers interviewed by 'Emirates Today' noted that the current sales are characterized by diversity across categories, increasing shopping opportunities, especially ahead of the upcoming school holiday season. They called for more retail outlets to participate in the promotions. Retail officials stated that this year's 'National Day' sales have seen an increase in the number of products included and a longer promotional period compared to previous years. Consumer Ibrahim Hamza highlighted that the National Day sales offer a positive opportunity to shop for many goods at reasonable prices, particularly as these discounts precede the December school holiday season and include various products suitable as gifts or for travel needs. Consumer Hassan Omar remarked that this year's National Day promotions were more diverse with higher discount rates compared to last year, though still limited in some shopping malls. He suggested that more retail outlets should join the promotions in the coming days. Similarly, consumer Mohammad Ali observed that the current sales show greater variety and wider discount ranges compared to previous years. He emphasized the importance of expanding the number of participating outlets and extending the sales period into the first half of December to meet family needs during the school holiday preparation. Consumer Ayman Badir agreed that the in-store sales campaigns are beneficial for families preparing to purchase gifts and travel essentials for the upcoming holiday month. On the other hand, Dilip Vishal, Sales Director of a retail chain, mentioned that the National Day sales feature significant diversity and a broader range of discounted products, with more supply companies participating to celebrate the occasion. He added that the promotions are not limited to food or cleaning products as in past years but also include travel bags, clothing, perfumes, mobile phones, various electronics, and footwear. He further explained that the sales were influenced by the extension of the school winter break to four weeks instead of three, providing more opportunity for travel and the purchase of related items. Mohammad Naser, Purchasing Manager of a retail outlet, stated that the National Day sales have adapted to changing consumer needs, including the long, unified school holiday, leading to a wider array of discounted goods, including travel bags, gifts, and related items. He confirmed that the extended sales period will provide families with multiple opportunities to shop at different times, benefiting both consumers and retailers through increased sales. Retail affairs expert Ibrahim Al-Bahr noted that the multitude of current sales promotions with varying discount rates indicates that many stores are aiming to boost their sales shares before the end of the year. He pointed out that the period until the end of December is a peak consumer season, marked by increased demand for gift purchases and travel-related goods.
