Jun 11, 2015
Jun 11, 2015
According to international spend experts Global Blue, retailers in the UK can expect a "significant uplift" in Middle Eastern spend next week in the run-up to Ramadan.
In 2014, Arabic shoppers spent 43% more than usual on pre-Ramadan shopping. This year, spend is expected to be lead by Saudi and Qatari shoppers, with Qataris spending an average of £1,432 per transaction on luxury fashion last year. Saudi shoppers are expected to lead the surge, with spend up 28% year-on-year so far.
As Ramadan approaches, Middle Eastern consumers "flock to escape the steaming temperatures at home," Global Blue says. After China, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are four of the top five spending nations in the UK.
Gordon Clark, UK Country Manager of Global Blue, comments: “Last year, spend by Arabic shoppers was up 43% for the period, and as retailers and hotels improve their services to accommodate them, by bringing in Arabic speaking staff and learning their culture’s customs, the UK is becoming an increasingly appealing shopping destination for them and we expect spend growth to remain strong.
As Ramadan is earlier than ever this year (18th June – 17th July), retailers and hotels are likely to benefit from a double hit as Middle Eastern shoppers return for a post-Ramadan shopping splurge around mid-July once their month long fast has ended, so it is vital that they are prepared to welcome them.”
The top purchase category for Middle Eastern shoppers is fashion and clothing, and they spend an average £931 per transaction.
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