Homegrown Brands Taking Centre Stage at Community Retail Mall, Times Square Center

DUBAI/ GULF TIME

In the first three quarters of the year (2023), Times Square Center has evolved from a quiet space into a bustling community hub with its footfall increasing by 10.6%. With the mall’s recent community-driven events like Busy Little Hands and Halloween, the footfall was increased by 7.8% proving the significant impact of organising these occasions. The mall anticipates a further increase in traffic in the upcoming months, driven by key seasons such as UAE National Day, Sustainable Coupe, and the Festive period.
Times Square Center has now become Dubai’s perfect venue for both local and international brands, as well as an integral space for the community with its events and non-retail offerings. What was once a deserted mall, Times Square Center has redefined its concept, diverting from purely commerce to creating a more experiential community destination for its guests. The space has become a proud advocate for female-owned businesses, local businesses, and a community space where families can spend valuable time with their kids during many educational and fun experiences.
“In an age of social connectivity, at Times Square Center we believe that community engagement is paramount. The mall fosters a sense of belonging by hosting events, supporting local initiatives, taking care of the planet, and providing spaces for gatherings. We want to be the ones who acknowledges that a mall is not just a place to shop but also a hub for community interactions,” said Nancy Ozbek, General Manager of Times Square Center.

65% of Store Owners are Female:
Times Square Center stands as a remarkable exemplar of the evolving retail landscape, and one particularly remarkable aspect of Times Square Center is the significant representation of women-led and women-owned businesses. Approximately 65% of the mall’s stores are proudly led or owned by female entrepreneurs. This not only showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and empowerment of women in their community but also brings a distinct and varied perspective to the mall’s offerings.

Times Square Center’s Support of Local Businesses:
Times Square Center commits to fostering entrepreneurship and providing a platform for businesses to grow and flourish. The mall prides itself on supporting local brands and talent with 47% of its stores being locally owned. Sharaf DG, ChillOut, Adevnture HQ, Picasso Artists, The Confidence Lab, We Buy Cars are amongst a few of the local brands found inside the mall. Times Square Center takes pride in being a part of these success stories and look forward to continuing their support for aspiring entrepreneurs within the community mall.

Times Square Center’s Efforts in Sustainability:
The mall has also adopted sustainability measures, which resonates with the rising environmental consciousness of shoppers. From its eco-friendly Picnic Square, hosting eco-friendly activations and partnering with eco-friendly vendors, to promoting sustainability products at the malls weekend markets, including the ARTE, RIPE and Baby Bazaar, providing its own recycling machine for the mall and the tenants’ use, and having its own composting machine, it positions itself as a mall that cares about the planet. This approach not only attracts eco-conscious consumers but also sets an example for the industry.