OMAN. Muscat Duty Free has recognised some of its top-performing sales floor and back office staff at a special ceremony, as the company increases its emphasis on incentives and rewards for its front line teams.
It comes just days before the official inauguration of the new Muscat Airport terminal (on Sunday) and of Muscat Duty Free’s expanded operations. The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt is in Muscat to attend the opening and events around it, and will bring you coverage over coming days.
The staff awards rewarded the best-performing sales teams across six zones within the retailer’s 6,200sq m Muscat Airport footprint, based on how well they hit certain targets. Eight members of the winning sales team (from Zone 2) were drawn by Muscat Duty Free Chairman Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shueili, and receive gift vouchers, fragrances and technology. Dr Khalfan also presented the awards to staff. Crucially, as an ongoing incentive, the rewards scheme will take place every two weeks.
In addition, Muscat Duty Free named its latest Employee of the Month at the ceremony, with the winner receiving a voucher for OMR100 (US$260).
A highlight of the programme was the naming of the company’s Star Employee Awards winners for quarters one, two and three. They were Raja Govindan (Q1), Zahra Al Busaidi (Q2) and Abbas Sherwala (Q3).
The Star Awards is an ARI scheme that recognises exceptional performance from front line staff across the company’s 12 markets. The winners from each region are invited to Dublin for a special ceremony and event each year, where a global winner is named.
Commenting on the staff awards, Dr. Khalfan said: “These recognise outstanding performance, for people who go beyond their duty. This makes for a healthy company. Muscat Duty Free has shown the strong synergies within our teams, the level of performance is very high and is much appreciated. We hope you can all take inspiration. It is important that we evolve and improve, and that as the company grows, you grow with it.”
Dr. Khalfan and General Manager Martin Mullen also made a presentation to Muscat Duty Free Operations Manager Pat O’Connor, who is leaving for a new role as ARI’s Head of Retail at Cork Airport in Ireland. They hailed his contribution to the company over the past six years. O’Connor was a key figure in the delivery of the new stores earlier this year. He said the project had proved challenging but noted that his time in Muscat had been “a great journey”.
*Watch out for more coverage on Muscat Duty Free and Muscat International Airport in coming days. As reported, Muscat Duty Free revealed a high-class shopping complex at the new terminal, which opened in late March. The shopping area represents a spectacular upgrade from the previous shops, combining Oman-inspired design features and new store concepts. Further details to follow.
