As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, shoppers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are gearing up to take advantage of the special offers and discounts that retailers offer during this time. According to a recent report, a significant number of consumers in the UAE tend to delay their purchases to avail these deals during Ramadan and Eid.
The report, which was conducted by Dubai-based data insights company, YouGov, reveals that 75% of UAE shoppers postpone their purchases to avail of special offers and discounts during Ramadan and Eid. The study surveyed over 1,000 UAE residents, aged 18 years and above, who are involved in shopping decisions for their households.
Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and community. During this time, Muslims around the world observe a month-long fast from dawn to dusk, with the focus being on charity, family, and community. It is also a time for increased shopping activity, as consumers purchase new clothes, gifts, and food items for their families and friends.
The YouGov report found that the most commonly delayed purchases during Ramadan and Eid are electronics (49%), clothes and accessories (42%), and home appliances (39%). The study also revealed that over 70% of respondents plan to purchase food and groceries during Ramadan, with more than half of them intending to buy Ramadan-specific food items.
The report highlights the importance of promotions and discounts during this time, with 83% of respondents indicating that they are likely to be influenced by such deals when making purchasing decisions. The most effective promotions, according to the study, are buy-one-get-one-free offers (40%), discounts of 25% or more (37%), and loyalty rewards (35%).
The trend of shoppers delaying their purchases to take advantage of special offers and discounts during Ramadan and Eid is not new in the UAE. Retailers in the country have long recognized the importance of these holidays for sales, and offer attractive promotions to attract shoppers during this time. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the significance of online shopping, with many consumers opting for e-commerce platforms to purchase goods.
The report also highlighted the impact of the pandemic on shopping habits, with 42% of respondents indicating that they have reduced their spending on non-essential items due to financial constraints caused by the pandemic. However, the report notes that despite the economic challenges, Ramadan and Eid continue to be important periods for shopping in the UAE, with consumers remaining keen to take advantage of deals and promotions.
The study also revealed that 60% of respondents plan to shop in physical stores during Ramadan and Eid, while 49% plan to shop online. The most popular shopping destinations during this time are hypermarkets and supermarkets, followed by department stores and online marketplaces.
The report indicates that retailers in the UAE need to be creative and innovative in their marketing strategies to attract consumers during Ramadan and Eid, particularly as the country continues to face economic challenges. Retailers that offer attractive deals, promotions, and loyalty rewards are likely to be successful in attracting shoppers, both online and in physical stores.
In conclusion, the YouGov report highlights the importance of Ramadan and Eid for shopping activity in the UAE, with consumers keen to take advantage of promotions and discounts during this time. The study underscores the need for retailers to be innovative and creative in their marketing strategies to attract shoppers, particularly as the country continues to face economic challenges. With Ramadan fast approaching, retailers in the UAE are gearing up to offer attractive deals and promotions to capture the attention of shoppers.
