(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Al Ghurair Centre expects an increased footfall at the mall during last quarter of 2012 due to its exciting event calendar and seasonal activities planned for Eid in Dubai and Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), its senior official said.
The centre, which is considered a gateway to Deira commercial area, has witnessed a large number of visitors at the mall following a strong recovery in tourism and hospitality sector of the emirate this year.
"During festive times such as Eid in Dubai and DSF, the mall experienced a further increase of 10 per cent in footfall and sales, thanks to a combination of entertainment activities and retail offers," Mukta Sabharwal, manager public relation and events at Al Ghurair Centre, told Khaleej Times on Friday.
To a question about the Al Ghurair Centre's association with Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment as a strategic partner for 2012, she said this association has proved to be very beneficial for the mall and has placed Al Ghurair Centre firmly at the top of the emirate's shopping radar during all government-organised campaigns such as DSF, DSS, Eid in Dubai, and UAE National Day Celebrations campaign. "We recognise the importance of Dubai government's relentless efforts to enhance the retail and tourism sectors."
In reply to a question, she said the impact of recession is reducing year on year because positive sentiment has returned to the market and consumers in the Middle East are upbeat about the region's future and its financial condition.
"This year has so far been great where retail sales have significantly increased in comparison to 2011. We are overwhelmed by the great response we received towards the promotions and contests during Dubai Summer Surprises, Ramadan, Back to School and Eid Al Fitr as sales went up by 10 per cent. As a result of this, Al Ghurair Centre has recorded increase in visitor numbers that had a positive impact on sales over the same period last year," she said.
The emirate's landmark shopping centre's expansion project is on track for scheduled opening in 2013. The mall's retail space will be almost double to 850,000 square feet and 350 shops comprising of fashion, accessories, electronics, home dcor and service stores.
The expansion project includes an addition of 150 new stores, a family entertainment centre, 14-anchor stores complementing the existing eight screen cinema and dining and cafes. It will also have an additional 60,000 square feet of office space, nearly 200 serviced apartments and a 428 key five-star hotel.
