Sharjah retail sector sees solid growth despite COVID-19 woes

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The Sharjah’s retail sector is flourishing despite the COVID-19 challenges. The global and local investors are keen to invest in the bourgeoning Sharjah market.

The 2nd edition of the Big Shopper Sale kicked off at the Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday amid the participation of all major global brands, homegrown labels as well as regional players who will be offering the best deals on lifestyle, beauty, and fashion products to woo shoppers.

The five-day mega sale event offers fantastic deals and exciting discounts of up to 70% on the latest home appliances, smartphones, fashion, handbags, evening dresses, elegant abaya, perfumes, and cosmetics. Major brands and retailers are taking part in this event, including Aldo, Al Mandoos, Aldo Accessory, Call it Springs, LC Waikiki, Hush Puppies, Toms, Brand Bazaar, Gant, Lasenza, Lacoste, Fila, Belissimmo Perfumes, Crayola, VTECH, and more.

“The Big Shopper Sale aims to support the retail sector in the Emirate of Sharjah and create a positive social and economic vibes,” said  Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, pointing to the resounding success of the 1st Big Shopper Sale which was visited by more than 9000 visitors, something that reflects this event’s ability to provide an important opportunity for bringing exhibiting companies closer to their existing customers, attracting new ones, and revitalizing sales.

Al Midfa also affirmed that the Global Exhibitions Day is an important occasion to highlight the important role played by the conference and exhibition industry in the economic life of many countries, where it helps increase national income and contribute to achieving sustainable economic development.

Al Midfa said that the centre’s celebration of this global occasion comes in line with its ongoing efforts to support and revive this sector. “Since last year, we have adopted a work strategy that keeps pace with the developments of the current circumstances, in addition to participating and organizing a large number of meetings and gatherings with decision-makers at the local and global level to come up with initiatives that would bring life back to the exhibition industry” he noted.

“This why Expo Centre Sharjah is a forerunner in organizing and hosting many exhibitions over the past year while placing the health and safety of everyone at the top of its priorities by taking the maximum preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of exhibitors، employees and visitors,” Al Midfa added.

“Over the past years and thanks to the wise directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the centre has emerged as a leader in the exhibition industry at the regional and global levels and successfully attracted investors and businessmen working in various sectors,”.

He concluded his remarks saying: “We, at the centre, are keen on redoubling our efforts to provide the exhibition industry with innovative ideas and enhance its competitiveness and advancement to maintain Sharjah’s position as one of the most important cities that lead this industry in the region.”

Jacob Varghese, General Manager, Liz Exhibition, said this year’s edition is bringing together under a single roof leading regional retailers and major global brands that offer a wide variety of high-quality and finest products.

Organized by Liz Exhibitions and hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah, the five-day Big Shopper Sale will be open from 11 am to 11 pm.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Exports Development Center (SEDC), an initiative of Sharjah Chamber of commerce and Industry (SCCI), has announced plans to send a trade mission to Russia next September.

A delegation of businessmen and investors from the chamber will be visiting the transcontinental country to strengthen economic ties, develop industries, improve trade exchanges, and forge new and promising investment partnerships with Russian counterparts.

The center will also be taking part in the world’s leading food fair “Anuga”, to be held in Germany on October 9, 2021 to support and promote national food exports and market them in one of the largest food exhibitions in Europe and the world.

The SEDC will also participate in “SIAL Middle East “, the leading food, beverage, and hospitality event that will be held from September 7 to 9 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, SCCI’s Director-General, stressed that the center’s agendas will certainly serve the business community in the emirate, and support the SCCI’s plans to strengthen cooperation ties with all countries and enhance the emirate’s exports to the world. “This also reflects the chamber’s strategy of highlighting the capabilities of the business sector in Sharjah and the UAE, which is unique for its economic and commercial openness and exceptional business environment conducive to investments, capital and companies,” Al Awadi said.