Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Adidas, Nike, Skechers, Puma and H&M - these were the top 5 sportswear and apparel brands UAE consumers looked out for at last year's Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This is according to data in a consumer report conducted by YouGov Surveys ahead of next month's DSF.
Other brands on the top 10 most popular sports gear list were Reebok, Under Amour, New Balance, American Eagle and Fila.
The 5 most popular electronics brands were Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, Sony and Huawei. Rounding off the Top 10 were LG, Panasonic, Lenovo, PlayStation and Philips.
The hottest 10 cosmetics and beauty brands were Dior Gucci, Chanel, MAC, Huda, Armani, YSL, Hermes, Lancome and L'Occitane - in that order.
The DSF Consumer Report 2024 suggests that this year's festival could top previous years' sales figures, with 33% of shoppers polled saying they're likely to spend more during the 38-day mega sale event than last year.
YouGov found that 33% of respondents indicated they would spend as much as last year.
YouGov general manager for India and MENA, Deepa Bathia, said: "The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the UAE, driving consumer spending and shaping retail trends year after year.
"This year, 61% of residents say they are likely or very likely to shop, highlighting the festival's strong appeal and its impact on the local economy."
The report, which polled 1,005 UAE respondents from around the country between July 12 and 30 this year, found residents were more likely to make a purchase during the DSF (61%) than on Black Friday (54%) or Amazon Prime Day (56%) sales days.
DSF consumer trends showed clothing to be the most sought-after products at 66%, followed by accessories (57%), gifts (46%) cosmetic and beauty products (45%), tech (44%), and appliances (38%) and furniture (32%).
Social media has played an increasingly influential role in driving awareness around the festival, with 69% of shoppers saying they are informed by social media.
52% of consumers said they sourced content from websites or online advertising.
This year the annual shopping extravaganza, which runs from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, is celebrating its 30th anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than previous editions.
A jam-packed calendar spanning 38 days is filled with daily entertainment, open-air markets, dining pop-ups and free-to-attend drone shows.
Other much-anticipated events include the 321 Festival on the opening weekend, DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall, DSF Auto Season, THE UNCOMMON x DSF, and DSF x Hatta.
