UAE. Fragrances and fashion enjoyed stand-out performances last year at Dubai Duty Free, helping drive the retailer’s remarkable US$500 million in sales – a +32% increase over the previous record.
Dubai Duty Free sold over 41 million products in 2004 and recorded close to 11 million sales transactions. In the month of December alone, the number of sales transactions crossed the 1 million mark for the first time.
The retailer said it posted significant growth across all categories with top sectors such as Gold increasing by +34% while perfumes climbed to the number two spot with a +38% increase in sales. Sales of electronics rose by +24%, while cameras and accessories rose by +47%.
An ongoing programme of refurbishment at Dubai Duty Free also contributed to big sales increases. The new “˜Gifts from Dubai’ shop, which opened in June, drove a +100% increase in sales in 2004. The opening of the new fashion area in November boosted sales sharply with women’s fashion rising by +60% and men’s fashion by +39%.
Dubai Duty Free opened for business on 20 December 1983. First year sales reached US$20 million (AED70 million).
Commenting on the annual sales, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai said: “The past twelve months have seen exceptional growth with sales consistently running in excess of +30%. Crossing the half billion dollar mark is a significant milestone for Dubai Duty Free and I would like to congratulate the operation on its achievement.”
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “The record sales are a fitting end to what has been a fantastic year at Dubai Duty Free. At this time, it is appropriate to acknowledge the tremendous team effort that goes into running an operation of this size and I would like to extend my thanks to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his ongoing support. Thanks and praise also goes to the staff at Dubai Duty Free who ensure the smooth running of the operation 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.”
Capping an historic year, Dubai Duty Free was named Frontier Airport Retailer of the Year in October for the fourth time.
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MORE STORIES ON DUBAI DUTY FREE
It’s official – Dubai Duty Free cracks the US$500 million sales barrier – 31/12/04
Dubai Duty Free celebrates 21st birthday as business enters a new cycle – 27/12/04
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
