UAE. Buoyed by a strong performance in November, Dubai Duty Free recorded sales of US$1.94 billion in the first 11 months of 2024. The leading travel retailer said it is on course to exceed US$2 billion in turnover for the year. As reported, the company posted US$2.16 billion in sales in 2023.
Dubai Duty Free turned in US$205.67 million in November sales, making this the fifth-best monthly performance ever. Traditionally sales peak in December when the company marks its anniversary (20 December) with a major campaign and discounts. In December 2023, sales reached a high of US$221 million.
30 November saw a daily sales record for this year at US$8.46 million, while 29 November was the third highest sales day at US$8.24 million.
Perfumes, liquor, tobacco, gold and electronics were the top five categories by sales value in the first 11 months. Perfume sales reached US$362 million, representing a +10% increase over 2023. Sales of wines & spirits reached US$258.37 million while tobacco increased by +8% with sales amounting to US$200.52 million.
Gold sales increased by +2% over the same period last year with sales hitting US$194.57 million, while electronics in fifth place had sales of US$134 million.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi said, “I am very happy with the sales performance in November, which was against tough trading conditions including the sales in boutiques for the major fashion brands being lower than last year and refurbishment projects in the arrivals shops in all three terminals.
“We have had a major focus on driving sales in recent months and I am pleased with the huge effort made to reduce the gap between the budgeted spend per passenger and actual spend.
“Thanks to the continuous effort of our entire team, I look forward to another great month in December as we head into a busy holiday season and expect to close the year with excellent results.”
20 December will see Dubai Duty Free mark its 41st anniversary, with the retailer marking the occasion with -25% off a wide range of products in-store and online. ✈
