UAE-based online retail store Awok.com reports that over 70% of all traffic to their e-commerce site comes from male users. This does not come as a surprise as the ratio of male to female in the UAE is 2:1 respectfully. It has been well publicised in the Middle East region that the number of males purchasing online is increasing and this statistic sits in line with the global trend of male spending compared to their female counterparts. Opposing stereotypes of women shoppers, Awok.com reports that 24% of all traffic to their website comes from women.
Whilst some would believe that online shopping would appeal most to female shoppers in the region, this is not the case. As has been demonstrated with the high number of shopping malls and the sheer quantity of stores in the UAE; the Dubai Mall alone occupies over 5,400,000 sq ft.; it is evident that visiting the shops and mall is still a preferred method of shopping for some.
The fact that a quarter of shoppers visiting Awok.com therefore supports the fact that shopping remains a major outlet and source of entertainment for females who prefer not to shop online. Women may enjoy looking online at retail sites to get ideas about their purchases, but will then go out to malls to find similar items.
“Globally, men are more likely to shop online than women, a trend which has been recognised in the UAE. On Awok.com, the majority of traffic comes from men, who are also bigger spenders than women. Part of our strategy is to make sure that our female shoppers are catered to by adding categories that will be of interest to women,” said Ulugbek Yuldashev, Managing Director of AWOK.com.
Awok.com, the local retail site prides itself on its low prices, ease of use and wide range of products. Users can score some great deals on the site; recently a Toyota Corolla was listed on sale for 5,999DHS. The best-selling brands on the site are all electronic brands, ranging from Apple, Nokia, Samsung and Sony.