UAE. Dubai Duty Free has announced record sales of US$1.917 billion (AED6.99 billion) for 2014, representing a +7.36% leap over the previous year.
The operation had 26,995,367 sales transactions in 2014, which is an average of 73,960 sales transactions per day across both Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, Dubai World Central.
Dubai Duty Free delivered another record year in 2014, with an average of 73,960 sales transactions per day across its locationsWith sales of US$314 million, fragrances – which now contributes 17% of Dubai Duty Free’s total sales – retained its position as the best-selling category. Liquor and gold followed, with sales of US$286 million and US$163.6 million respectively. Tobacco came in fourth place with sales of US$160 million followed by confectionery with US$147.7 million.
Other major increases came in cosmetics, which rose by +19% to US$146.5 million and accounted for almost 8% of annual sales. Watches sales rose by +9% to US$137 million.
Sales in Dubai Duty Free Departures (88% of total sales) increased by +6%, while Arrivals sales showed a +9% increase over last year. Terminal 2, which completed a major renovation in 2014, recorded a +10% increase in sales, while Terminal 3, which currently accounts for 63% of total sales, increased by +7% over last year.
Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman Colm McLoughlin said: “We are thrilled to announce such a positive year during which the operation went from strength to strength. I thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free for his ongoing support and I join His Highness in thanking our great team of staff, our suppliers and of course our customers, who are fundamental to our continued growth.”
Sales in Departures increased by +6%, while Arrivals sales climbed by +9%The annual figure was boosted by a new monthly sales high in December of US$205.24 million (+7% year-on-year). This in turn was aided by Dubai Duty Free’s 31st anniversary celebrations – when the operation offered a 25% discount across a wide range of merchandise from 18-20 December – which resulted in sales of US$51.74 million during the 72-hour period. Over the anniversary weekend, the company recorded a total of 405,407 sales transactions with 205,485 sales transactions on the anniversary day itself, 20 December.
Dubai Duty Free senior management and staff celebrate the retailer’s 31st anniversary on 20 December; a major campaign over three days delivered US$51.74 million in salesThe operation received some 37 awards in 2014, including the Frontier Award for Airport Retailer of the Year in a Single Location. On a personal level, Colm McLoughlin received several awards including the CEO Middle East award for Outstanding Contribution to Business. Significantly, McLoughlin was also a recipient of the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award, making him the first Irish person living in the UAE to be recognised by the Irish government for an outstanding contribution to Irish business and communities abroad.
In 2015, Dubai Duty Free said it will continue to enhance its retail operation with the ongoing refurbishment of Concourse C and the opening of a 7,000sq m retail space in Concourse D while maintaining a busy events and promotional calendar. This includes the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which will be staged at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium from 15-28 February.
