DUBAI // You can take home a BMW when you buy an 84-inch television, or buy a 46-inch TV and get a smaller one and a home theatre system thrown in for free.
Those were just some of the deals and offers for buyers on the third day of Gitex Shopper 2013 on Monday.
And retailers say the event is boosting sales for those displaying their products at the region’s largest technology, entertainment and electronics show.
“Compared to last year’s Gitex we are already seeing a 40 per cent growth in just the first two days at Gitex Shopper, and in our stores as well, because of the deals on offer,” said Nilesh Khalkho, chief executive of Sharaf DG.
The retailer was offering an 84-inch, ultra-high definition Hisense television at Dh129,999 – with a 2014 BMW 316i thrown in.
As many as 19 customers have so far snapped up the package.
“This is the biggest offer at Gitex and I don’t believe something such as this had been offered before,” Mr Khalko said. “Gitex is a well-established event and it’s known that the best deals happen here.”
Other top retailers said well-packaged bundles were a sure way to make up to two months of revenue in a short span.
“In our case, the eight days are equal to a month’s sale,” said Nadeem Khanzadah, the head of retail at Jumbo Electronics.
“We have very good sales from the weekend and as expected it is the smartphones, televisions and tablets that are doing well,” Mr Khanzadah said.
“Since premium smartphones come at a higher price this has done well for revenue, and the growth of tablets has been more than 100 per cent. We get to showcase new technology and each year the deals get more attractive.”
The company’s promotions on a Nikon digital camera selling at Dh3,299 include a standard lens, an additional telephoto lens and 40-inch television free.
Customers who bought a Samsung 46-inch television for Dh3,299 were given a Samsung 32-inch television and a home theatre system free.
For many it was an opportunity to shop for family.
“I can buy a television for myself and one for my family so I have big gifts to give when I visit home in December,” said Lorna Sarana, a marketing professional from the Philippines.
“Some offers are unbelievable. I have to pinch myself to believe this is true.”
Ashish Panjabi, chief operating officer of Jacky’s Electronics, said prices had dropped at the Gitex Shopper because of the level of competition.
“As brands watch each other they react on price points and customers get the advantage,” Mr Panjabi said. “Customers are going for bundle offers and we are seeing fairly healthy numbers.”
Quick-moving package deals include smartphones such as the latest Samsung Galaxy S4 priced Dh200 lower at Dh2,499, while the BlackBerry Z10 now available at Dh1,199 instead of the initial price of more than Dh2,500.
Shoppers said it was the best time to upgrade existing gadgets.
“I like the BlackBerry Z10 and the new iPhone so I will buy both,” said Ali Al Ateya, an Emirati from Sharjah who is a regular at Gitex and owns a healthcare business.
“When there is the latest device I like to buy it and all these prices at Gitex are very good.”
His friend Rashed Al Mazroui, who runs a cargo business, said he also looked for the newest gadgets.
“People know that Gitex has very good packages so I pick up a lot of the latest things here,” Mr Al Mazroui said. “If there is anything new I like then I can buy it here.”
More than 200,000 people are expected to visit Gitex at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with 120 exhibitors showing their products in the technology, communication and entertainment sectors.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
