UAE. Dubai Duty Free shattered all previous daily sales records yesterday on the occasion of its 21st anniversary.
The retailer generated AED11.3 million (US$3.1 million), racing past the previous high of AED7.3 million (US$2 million) achieved on 17 December.
The stunning performance has made the company’s ambitious year-end target of US$500 million a certainty, Managing Director Colm McLoughlin told The Moodie Report just after the day’s trading had been completed.
A big element in the success was a special 21st anniversary promotion which saw a -21% discount offered on a wide range of products.
Commenting on the record figures, McLoughlin said: “We are delighted with the new daily sales record and the record number of sales transactions which totaled over 45,000. This is a great way to mark the closing of an incredible year which will see the operation reach sales of AED1.8 billion (US$500 million).
“The offer of a -21% discount was a way of saying thank you to our customers and we are delighted that the offer was so well received. I would like to take this opportunity to thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, for his ongoing support and to thank all of our staff of Dubai Duty Free who work so hard to ensure the operation’s continued success.”
The highest-grossing category on the anniversary day was Watches and Clocks with sales reaching AED2.5 million (US$700,000) which was +37% up on the same day last year. In second place was fragrances which reached AED1.8 million (US$500,000), +54% above last year.
The 21st anniversary celebrations included the official opening of Dubai Duty Free’s new fashion area in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal which was officially inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The new area, which features branded retail areas by Hermès, Paul Smith, Lanvin, Givenchy, Hugo Boss and Christian Dior jewellery recorded brisk business on the anniversary day. Sales in the men’s fashion category rose by +37% over last year and were up by +62% in the women’s fashion category.
MORE STORIES ON DUBAI DUTY FREE
Dubai Duty Free celebrates 21st birthday today – 20/12/04
Crystalix presents special memento to Dubai Duty Free Managing Director – 18/12/04
Guerlain donates a day’s takings to Dubai Duty Free Charity Foundation – 15/12/04
New fashion area generates “˜amazing’ sales increases at Dubai Duty Free – first pictures – 08/12/04
Dubai Duty Free to race past US$500 million this year – 01/12/04
Zarouni wins Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup – 29/11/04
Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup gets off to great start in spectacular setting – 25/11/04
Dubai Duty Free adopts a fashionable look and springs new surprises in-store – 16/11/04
