The seasonal exodus of residents and expatriates going on summer vacation in their respective countries or in other tourist destinations worldwide has helped drive higher consumer spending in Qatar, it is learnt.
According to major hypermarkets and malls across the country, they have been witnessing brisk business this summer season, mostly from holidaymakers buying gifts and other giveaways for their families back home.
A store manager stated that many consumers had benefited from the wide variety of special offers launched by most hypermarkets and from the promotional sales of major malls in Qatar, especially those participating in the ‘Summer in Qatar’ (SiQ) initiative of the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC).
Hypermarkets are the prime destinations for shoppers making the most of the special offers and promos for popular supermarket items and food stuffs, such as assorted nuts, rice, fresh meats, cooking oil, and eggs, among many other consumer goods, the manager said.
Holiday-bound expatriates also helped drive demand for gift items, such as children’s toys, jewellery and watches, men’s and women’s apparel, perfumes, and electronic items and gadgets, including luggage.
Malls, on the other hand, recorded an uptick in both sales and footfall, particularly for establishments participating in the SiQ programme of the QNTC. A minimum spend of QR200 qualifies for one raffle ticket in any participating mall for a chance to win prizes up to QR2mn.
The recently-observed Eid al-Fitr also ushered in a series of sales and markdowns among major brands, attracting many shoppers and other bargain hunters to malls across the country.
But while people are leaving the country for the summer holidays, major activities are being launched for the enjoyment of many ‘staycationers’ in Qatar. The QNTC on Monday released its SiQ Week 8 schedule, which promises a diverse range of activities for people of all ages.
The QNTC said commercial establishments participating in the SiQ sales and raffle draws include Mall of Qatar, Mirqab Mall, Hyatt Plaza Mall, Doha Festival City, Landmark Mall, Tawar Mall, Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, The Mall, and Gulf Mall.
Some of these malls will be holding ‘meet and greet’ opportunities for fans of the fantasy/adventure animated film ‘Wonder Park’, roaming acts for Angry Birds and Hello Kitty, and live shows from Baraem TV, among other activities included in SiQ Week 8 schedule.
Other activities in the schedule also features events like the Doha Workers Cricket Cup at the Mesaieed Stadium, ‘The World of the Goldsmith with Fatima al-Nuami’ at the National Museum of Qatar, Al Shaqab Summer Camp, Mall of Qatar Kids Summer Camp, and Marshmello at the Qatar National Convention Centre, among other events.
Monday, QNTC announced the launch of the Local Dates Festival, which is part of a wider initiative to promote homegrown products and to provide local producers a platform to market their goods and expand customer base.
QNTC said in a statement that the Local Dates Festival, which is also included in its SiQ initiative, is part of a wider strategy to diversify offerings for both residents and visitors in Qatar, showcasing local businesses and providing authentic experiences and traditional products.
For more details, visit the SiQ website http://summerinqatar.qa/