UAE. Pure Gold Jewellers has reported a record +32% year-on-year increase in gold jewellery sales at Abu Dhabi Duty Free in the first half of the year, attributing the growth to a drop in gold prices and surging traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The jewellery retailer, which has 125 stores in 10 countries, also experienced a +9% upswing in overall sales at the airport, including diamond, pearl, and silver jewellery.
Pure Gold Jewellers CEO and Managing Director Karim Merchant said: “Year on year, our sales at Abu Dhabi International airport have recorded strong performance and this year is no exception. In addition to the continued growth in passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the drop in gold prices was a major factor in the increase in gold jewellery sales.
“We expect to close this year with an overall increase in sales of up to +10-12%. Considering the strong performance of gold, which has outperformed diamond jewellery so far this year, we expect gold sales to close around +32% to +40% more compared to last year.”
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Pure Gold Jewellers has been the exclusive retail partner for gold and diamond jewellery in all terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport since April 2008.
The hub itself posted passenger traffic growth of +12.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2013, with 7.9 million people flying through it.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company Vice President Commercial Gavin McKechnie said: “It is Abu Dhabi Duty Free’s aim to provide the continuously growing passenger base in Abu Dhabi International Airport with one of the most exclusive airport retail and entertainment environments in the region.
“This is achieved by partnering with leading brands and retailers such as Pure Gold Jewellers, whereby a unique platform for high-end and innovative products is created.”
