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* Dubai Duty Free Posts Record Sales

43PC increase in first half; airport retailer on track for $500m in annual sales

First half sales at Dubai Free (DDF) rose to $236 million, a 43 per cent increase over the same period last year-placing the airport retailer, which ranks No. 3 in the world, well on track for annual sales of $500 million, according to a press release issued on behalf of DDF.

The new figures reflect a consistent sales pattern that began with record annual turnover of $380 million last year and continued this year with a 45 per cent increase in first quarter sales.

“The sales figures are a clear indication of how successful the retail operation is and underlines its position as No. 3 in the world in terms of turnover,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group.

A breakdown of the first half sales shows dramatic increases in all the top categories: perfumes, which rose 50 per cent; gold, up 47 per cent; and electronics, up 36 per cent.

“It has been a fantastic year to date and in addition to increases in the individuals sales categories, there has also been an increase in the penetration level, which has risen to 45 per cent, and in sales per passenger, which is at an all-time high of $43,” said Corm McLoughlin, DDF managing director.

Many recent renovations

The past year has seen the opening of a new gold shop, a new watch shop and, more recently, a new Gifts from Dubai shop at the Dubai Duty Free in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal.

He said the dramatic increase in sales can be attributed in large part to the recent renovations of the Sheikh Rashid Terminal in the past year. They resulted in the opening of a new gold shop, a new watch shop and, more recently, a new Gift from Dubai shop, which was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed last month.
(Source: Gulf News)