October 1, 2018; Dubai, UAE:   Smartphones were the most bought electronic item last year and it continues to remain the most favorite this year as well, with more than 50% respondents planning to buy a new smartphone at the upcoming Gitex Shopper 2018 exhibition starting tomorrow.

 

This was revealed in the latest study conducted by Kantar, one of the world’s largest research agencies, with the aim to gauge the outlook, perception and behaviour of UAE consumers towards the fest.

 

As per the findings of the study, this year consumers are interested in purchasing electronic items of personal use, such as laptops, tablets and smartwatches etc., besides smartphones. Moreover, a majority of respondents are willing to invest in two products on average, a pattern similar to last year. 

 

In all, 87 percent respondents are serious buyers with the intention to purchase a product at the exhibition. The study further revealed that three-fourth of the respondents who had visited the exhibition in 2017 plan to return this year, reflecting a high number of repeat visitors.

 

Commenting on the research, Mr Amol Ghate, MD Kantar Insights UAE, said: “Over the years Gitex has become a strong brand in its own right. Like past years, even this year consumers are looking forward to Gitex and despite having a more cautious spending outlook otherwise, are still looking forward to spending similar amounts of money during the fest as they did last year. This shows that a great product mix and the excitement of catching a good bargain will always continue to excite consumers”.

 

Kantar is home to some of the world's leading research, data and insights brands offering the most complete view of consumers – the way they live, shop, vote, watch and tweet – in over a hundred countries worldwide.