Year-end promotions boost Qatar’s retail sector

Qatar’s retail sector received a further boost with year-end promotions and sales, on account of the various deals offered by numerous businesses across the country.The shopping spree began on ‘White Friday’, marking the last Friday of November (24th) with promotions by different retail shops at malls and shopping centres. These offerings are continuing throughout December, with retail outlets enticing customers with substantial discounts and special prices.A staff of a popular shoe chain said that such occasions benefit both the business and the customers, saying: "Our sales go up during this period while a lot of shoppers get good deals for the items they want”.Instead of one pair, he said several customers opt to buy two or more pairs of shoes (for example) and spend the money they saved for other items such as clothes and presents for their families.Like in previous promotions and offers, it is learnt that many businesses invest heavily in online campaigns, which proved to play a significant role in attracting a large number of customers, especially on the launch date.The latest White Friday mega-sale saw many shoppers flocking to retail outlets to take advantage of the offers. From apparel, shoes, and accessories to electronic devices, entertainment and musical equipment, eyewear, perfumes and other products, discounts ranged from 20% up to 75%.In a strategic move, it is learnt that some popular brands opted to delay their promotions, creating an extended sales period for eager shoppers to capitalise on. A staff of a famous apparel brand noted that this approach has proven successful in maintaining momentum and sustaining high levels of customer interest.The savings have not been limited to non-food items as several restaurants, eateries, and coffee shops unveiled new menus to entice customers just before the colder months in the country. Families looking to dine out have embraced the opportunity to explore exciting culinary options.Luxury items have seen a surge in demand as well, with high-end watches, jewellery, and designer bags getting off the shelves. Outlets and distributors of various brands have reported a significant uptick in sales, even for less popular models.A staff member at a prominent watch shop expressed optimism, stating that many of their stocks were nearly sold out, and the trend is expected to continue well into the first quarter of the upcoming year."We hope to see more customers visiting our shops, not only Qataris and expatriates, but also customers from neighbouring GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, who often buy in bulk,” he added.