Retailers prepare for year’s busiest shopping season

Muscat, dec 26 - For many Asian, European and American residents in Oman, the festive season is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The festive period also attracts an influx of holidaymakers eager to reap the benefits of a warmer climate. In December 2017 alone, Oman witnessed an 82.3 per cent increase in the number of cruise tourists to the Sultanate compared to the previous month. Tourism in Oman grew by almost 5 per cent in 2017, according to recent figures published by the Ministry of Tourism, and the Sultanate intends to boost annual international arrival numbers to 5 million by 2040. Furthermore, Muscat International Airport has the capacity to welcome 20 million visitors per year, with expansion plans to accommodate up to 48 million.

This is great news for Oman’s burgeoning retail sector, which is expected to perform well during the festive holiday season. In anticipation of increased demand, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum have teamed up with retailers and partners to offer a memorable shopping and leisure experience as well as attractive holiday promotions. “The festive season is a time for families to come together and enjoy entertainment, shopping and dining, so it is an ideal opportunity for retailers to be innovative and create unique and memorable experiences,” said Husam al Mandhari — Senior Mall Manager, Oman for Majid al Futtaim — Properties.

“During the festive period, visitors want to be taken on an immersive journey filled with surprises and special moments that evoke emotion and amazement. At City Centre Muscat, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience from the moment they arrive in the parking lot all the way to the time our visitors are back in their car. We added priority parking bays exclusively for parents with babies, toddlers or young children and expectant mothers as well as designated parking for electric vehicles.” he added.

Watfa al Harthy, Senior Mall Manager at City Centre Qurum, said: “The retail landscape has transformed, and consumer behaviour and expectations have evolved. All consumers across generations are looking for convenience and a seamless shopping experience. At City Centre Qurum, we create enticing experiences to inspire and connect with our shoppers. We continuously host events that bring families together in meaningful and engaging ways to create great moment for everyone every day.”