The other Westfield
So who’s all geared up for Thursday’s big retail unveiling? Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Gucci and Armani are all set to open stores at this year’s credit-crunch defying mall launch. But wait! It’s not Westfield London but another big retail splash that opens on October 30th. Alas, it’s on the other side of the world. Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall opens its doors to 70 signature stores and we’re talking a whole raft of upper-end designer labels, not just a token Tiffany or LV. According to the Global Luxury Brands survey conducted by market researches Nielsen, 59% of of United Arab Emirates customers surveyed said they wear designer brands to project social status and 43% think luxury brands provide significantly higher quality than other products. In addition, 31% said they currently buy designer brands, and they are the world’s biggest fans of Christian Dior, Givenchy and Fendi. Whether you agree with status-shopping or not, let’s hope their lavish spending can help haul the world’s sinking economy out of the doldrums.
28 October, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
Oh my! Sheer opulance and it’ll survive. Luxury brands will be fien until Q4 next year, then we’ll see.
28 October, 2008 @ 6:28 pm
My dad is an architect and has been getting tons of work over at the UAE … he says Dubai is quite a sight. They’ve certainly got the buxx, so maybe you’re right: A boost from that stream of wealth might help revive the global economy. Might. Maybe.
29 October, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
I’ve always known that part of the world as a bit OTT (I had family living there), but yeah, if there’s one place likely to defy the credit crunch/financial markets collapse, that’s it.
30 October, 2008 @ 4:29 am
I sure hope it helps. Either way, it would be quite a sight!
30 October, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Holey moley, Dubai makes me dizzy. I was actually thinking of visiting Westfield today. Thankfully I grabbed hold of my senses and resisted. xxx
31 October, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
Did you go to the opening?
Dear god, we were in the area in the evening but got mobbed just trying to walk past!
I’m sure it’s gorgeous but I’m not willing to queue outside for half an hour to find out! Maybe next time I’m in that neck of the woods I’ll actually get inside!
2 November, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
I’m not into the whole Westfield thing…seems like a bit of a trek just to go to the exact same stores I can find in Central London…. but I think Dubai is a place where mall culture is more prevalent…