- Jumbo expects overall sales at GITEX Shopper 2015 to rise by 5 - 10%
- Smartphones expected to retain position as top-sellers, with wearables, phablets and smart TVs also poised to emerge as highly preferred product categories
Dubai, UAE – 01 October 2015: Reflecting the current global appeal for ‘smart’ products, visitors at GITEX Shopper, the region’s largest consumer technology exhibition, are expected to seek out the latest and best gadgets in categories including smartphones and wearables, according to Jumbo Electronics, the leading OmniChannel retailer in the UAE.
“New technology and smarter ways to get connected are the biggest factors impacting the latest trends in consumer technology. People want faster, better and easier ways to carry out everyday tasks, which is why our focus at GITEX Shopper this year will be centered on innovative, entertaining and functional products, including smartwatches and electric scooters that make a difference and add value to the tech-savvy, on-the-go lifestyle in this market,” says Nadeem Khanzadah, Head – OmniChannel Retail, Jumbo Group.
“Jumbo has been a part of GITEX Shopper since its inception, and we are pleased to be back as they celebrate 25 years of success as the best event of its kind in the region. As the consumer mood looks upbeat, we expect to see another incredible season of happy customers at this edition. Overall, we expect to see sales rise by between 5-10 per cent compared to the GITEX in 2014.”
Besides the latest smartphones and wearables from top global brands, Jumbo’s much-anticipated showcase for Gitex Shopper 2015 will also include an exciting range of deals and bundled offers on phablets, smart televisions, and cameras.
“In the run up to the event, we have seen smartphone sales multiply by more than 35 percent and this has been a trend over the last 4 quarters. According to IDC, smartphone penetration in oil-rich GCC countries is expected to reach the 80% mark by the end of 2015, which adds to the positive expectations around the category ahead of GITEX this year.”
Jumbo expects wearables to be another hot category at GITEX this year as fashion technology takes centre-stage in the region. “Cisco predicts that the number of wearables in the Middle East market will grow to 8 million by 2018, up from 700,000 in 2013, which is a phenomenal jump even by global standards. The varied use of wearables, for fashion or fitness, will help capture a wider range of trendspotting shoppers,” adds Khanzadah.
In addition, Jumbo has also been witnessing increasing demand for smart TVs, owing to widespread availability of high speed Internet in the UAE and the rest of the GCC region. The latest 4K TV and HD technology are currently the best sellers in the market with a steady upward sales trend.