Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sahara Centre Ramadan Eid records 35% increase in sales
- Unique Ramadan Charity Auction reaches out to the needy
- Mall announces winners of Ramadan promotions
Sharjah, 14th October, 2008: Sahara Centre, the leading family shopping and entertainment destination in the UAE and one of Sharjah’s prominent landmarks, today announced that the mall registered a 35% increase in sales during Eid. This year’s Ramadan campaign was called the “Spread the Light of Happiness”. In addition, the mall conducted an Auction for Charity and a special Hummer H2 raffle draw.
The ”Spread the Light of Happiness” campaign revolved around identifying 30 to 40 wishes from needy children. On picking up an envelope and fulfilling the wish, a customer mounted a lit lantern on a crescent shaped board in the mall. With each progressing night, a new lit lantern brightened up the mall, spreading the light of happiness.
The unique Charity Auction, where three cars were auctioned, received overwhelming response from bidders and visitors. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the Sharjah Charity International. The three cars on auction were Optra, Aveo and Epica. The Optra was won by a Pakistani national Bilal Mohammad Saleem, the Aveo by Sultan Suleiman Ibrahim from Jordan and the Epica by Osam Abbas Bakhtiyar, an Iraqi national.
The Hummer H2 raffle was also well received by the visitors. Every shopper spending Dh200 at any outlet in Sahara Centre was entitled to enter the raffle. Omran Rashed Khalfan Rashed Al Shamsi, a UAE national, was announced as the winner for raffle draw.
Commenting on the splendid success of the Ramadan campaign, Jean Pierre Nammour, Managing Director of Sahara Centre, said: “As every year, we at Sahara Centre believe in introducing initiatives that contribute in strengthening our positioning in the retail space. This year also, we introduced innovative concepts that was in sync with the festive mood and created an ideal place for the visitors to shop, relax and win.”
Jean added: “The success of our special promotion is evident from the spurt in sales and footfalls. More importantly, we are happy to play such a stellar role in upholding the spirit of Ramadan and encouraging and instilling the concept of giving among all our customers.”
Thrilled with his bid, Mr Osam Abbas Bakhtyar, the winner of the Epica car from the Sahara Centre Ramadan Charity Auction, said: “I am over the moon through this auction win. This car is very special to me because the proceeds from the auction are being used for a noble cause. I am happy that I could make my small contribution to this huge task. I was just passing by during the auction. It has been made extra special as I am here to celebrate my younger daughter’s birthday. I am thankful to Sahara Centre and appreciate their efforts for the unprivileged during this Holy Month.”
On winning the Hummer H2 raffle, Omran Rashed Khalfan Rashed Al Shamsi said: “My wife’s Dhs 1000 shopping spree at Sahara Centre brought me luck. I never imagined that I would win this Hummer as I was always unlucky with raffles. I live in Dubai and I love shopping at Sahara Centre as it has top-quality stores and offers a unique ambience to unwind and enjoy shopping.”
Commenting on the success of the auction, Rima Chammas, Marketing Manager of Sahara Centre, said: “This year’s auction was a resounding success and I am proud and honored by the tremendous display of generosity by our customers to support our worthy charities. By creating an event that is so unique, entertaining and significant, we have lived up to observing the true meaning of Ramadan.”
During the month, Sahara Centre also offered a number of unbelievable bargains at various outlets. Sahara Centre’s distinctive architectural design showcased a unique Ramadan ambience.
