Who doesn't like discounts? So when Jeddah hosted the one-month long Hayya Jeddah festival that came to a close recently, Jeddawis in large numbers flocked the many malls and shops in the city, most of which were offering discounts.
The festival achieved its goals of enhancing tourism and stimulating the Jeddah economy in the city’s campaign to become the Number One shopping destination in the Gulf countries. Big discounts and prize drawings drew over a million and a half visitors and shoppers to Jeddah’s malls, where stores reported high sales volume.
From a run-of-the-mill 10 percent discount to an incredible 70-80 percent off, it was boom time for Jeddah's shoppers. However, some shoppers complained that the products on display at shops were not new and probably belonged to the last season's collections.
Ebtesam Alali and Wael Muhammad said they benefitted from the festival as most big stores had discounts. “Discounted prices were very good, but many outlets’ new goods were not included,” said Alali.
“It is sad the festival ended. It would be great to have discounts all year.”
Retail salesman Abdulhamid Sultan said his shop discounted items as much as 70 percent. “We did not showcase all our new goods,” he said. “We will wait for the festival next year.”
Ranim Khaled and Nuha Abdul Kareem of La Senza, the lingerie retailer, said they experienced massive demand during the festival.
“Customers came day and night. Most of the products were on sale.”
