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“Increased penetration and conversion has seen the average transaction value at Abu Dhabi International Airport become one of the highest in the region“ |
Mohammed Al Bulooki Chief Commercial Officer Abu Dhabi Airports Company |
UAE. Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) today announced record-breaking first-quarter revenue for Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF). Sales reached just under AED200 million (US$54.5 million), a rise of +32.2%, easily outstripping passenger growth of +21%.
ADAC Chief Commercial officer, Mohammed Al Bulooki said: “The dynamic growth of the first quarter is due to a combination of factors. The completion of Terminal 1 refurbishment in the fourth quarter of 2011 has significantly increased the width and breadth of the range in Terminal 1, which is now at parity with the quality of the retail offer in Terminal 3.
“Moreover, ADDF continuously focuses on providing value for money across its business, as well as a comprehensive range to meet all consumers’ expectations. ADDF’s partnership with [the airport’s lead duty free retailer] DFS, is delivering an increasing number of exclusive launches within perfume and cosmetics that are really paying dividends in terms of the revenue growth.
“Increased penetration and conversion has seen the average transaction value at Abu Dhabi International Airport become one of the highest in the region.”
The +32.2% growth represents sales from the whole duty free and tax business, ranging from specialist categories gold [run by Pure Gold] and electronics [Sharaf], to traditional sectors like food and confectionery, as well as luxury brands such as Hermès and Jimmy Choo, all run by DFS.
“ADDF’s commitment to providing its customers with the most luxurious brand line-up within an airport in the Middle East, whilst continuing to drive the core traditional categories, is reflected in this excellent start to 2012,” added Al Bulooki.
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DFS’s upscale watches boutique at Abu Dhabi International Airport has been one of the many retail successes |
“The company will continue to focus on service, value, width and breadth of range, luxury offering, exclusive brands and launches to drive Abu Dhabi Duty Free to even higher levels of success.”
This announcement follows Abu Dhabi Duty Free’s all-time high year in 2011. Then, despite the impact of the Terminal 1 refurbishment programme, the retail sales rose by +12.4% increase year-on-year to over AED 650 million (US$177 million).
