With analysts expecting the UAE’s consumer electronics market expected to reach a record US$3.8 billion this year, and an ever-growing demand for exhibition space at GITEX Shopper, organisers of the region’s largest consumer IT and electronics show have announced the relocation of the show this year to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
In addition, organisers have announced that GITEX Shopper will be held at DWTC from the 29th of September through till the 6th of October 2012, and will adapt opening hours based on visitor demand.
The show will be the biggest and best yet, with 25% increased exhibitor space to accommodate surge in industry demand and more than 25,000 of the latest cutting-edge products and gadgets on the market, it was reported. 95% of the floor space is already booked by some of the world’s top consumer IT and electronics brands, including industry giants Bose, Dell, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, HTC, Intel, Nintendo, Samsung, Sanford and Seagate, DWTC representatives said.
“GITEX Shopper has enjoyed extraordinary success from the show’s very first edition, and with its historic move to the Dubai World Trade Centre, anticipation is at an all-time high. Our exhibitors have almost without exception required increased exhibition space, and this move enables us to deliver that,” said Trixee Loh, senior VP, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of GITEX Shopper. “We have also increased the number of hours that the show is open, in a bid to meet the growing needs of the visitors, many of whom travel hours to attend GITEX Shopper. We are always looking for ways to increase value for all.”
Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, is expected to offer the biggest ever sales extravaganza, with exclusive show offers, bundled deals, exciting competitions and launches of the latest technology products.
D.Y. Kim, president of LG Electronics, Gulf FZE said, “GITEX Shopper has, over the years, become one of the best platforms to showcase the latest in consumer electronics and technology. The event attracts people from not only the region, but also across the world turning many visitors into serious shoppers. LG’s new smart projector range is among our line-up of products that we would be showcasing this year. The widely talked-about range includes the world’s slimmest and brightest smart LED projectors, apart from offering many innovative and state-of-the-art functions and features.”
Firas Tayfour, head of retail, Samsung Electronics said: “Our debut participation at GITEX Shopper last year proved to be a great platform for Samsung to interact and engage directly with consumers and create awareness of our latest products and technologies. Samsung is a consumer-centric company and such opportunities are key to our continued success”.
Top regional distributors and retailers, including Al Falak, Al Sayegh, CompuME, E-City, EMAX, Etisalat, Geekay Games, iSTYLE, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Electronics, Plug-Ins, Sharaf DG, Tarsam, Touchmate and V.V. & Sons will also be present, representatives said.
Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Middle East said, “This is the eleventh consecutive year Jacky’s Electronics is participating at GITEX Shopper. The show is undoubtedly the best platform to showcase the latest gadgets to shoppers in the UAE and Jacky’s will have a larger presence this year. With the show being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre which is a more accessible venue, we not only expect to see an increase in the number of customers but also new visitors to the show.”
“Our experience in earlier years at GITEX Shopper has given us the confidence to increase our presence in terms of stand size this year. This expanded space will enable us to provide superior customer service in terms of range of products, store like experience in terms of touch and feel, faster billing and smooth checkouts. Customers will obviously have the best of offers from Sharaf DG, the largest electronics destination,” said Nilesh Khalkho, CEO of Sharaf DG.
