There are very small numbers of things that could be heartening and disheartening at once. Middle East’s internet shopping or specifically Dubai shopping stats are one of such things that attract mix feelings. A survey by a Dubai research company Real Opinions found only six per cent of internet users made online shopping regularly in the Middle East.
Comparing the stats with the online population density that accounts for 33 per cent (approx. 71 million) of ME’s total population of 216 million, the number is undeniably negligible indicating a vast untapped market that will prove profitable for businesses and buyers alike.
For discount promotion sites that normally land in the daily deal space by setting off Dubai deals, this market could be of great advantage.
“Every retailer needs to think about online,” The National reported Nisreen Shocair, the president of Virgin Middle East and North Africa. “I do not think it is an option, it is a matter of when.”
The apt daily deal sites are strategizing to tap this market. In this relation, they are supported by different industrial players. Cobone, the leading group buying website in gulf region, has recently teamed up with Etisalat to increase coverage of its deals and sale volume. The UAE-based daily deal site has more than one million subscribers.
Under the partnership, Etisalat’s More Rewards website encourages its customers to purchase deals of various kinds and receive loyalty points on each purchase.
The points are redeemable for other exiting bargains of 3,000 products from 400 brands.
Together with the telecommunication network connecting 140 million customers, Cobone Dubai has become an agile source and guide of best deals for emirates.
Dubai shopping is voluminous in comparison to other emirates. Both in terms of online and offline modes of shopping the cosmopolitan city stands out.
A retailer puts strategy under the litmus test here in this part of Arab peninsula to determine an all pervasive marketing campaign.
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