Dubai Duty Free 2013 sales up 11.4%

The New Year began on a high note for Dubai Duty Free (DDF) with the operation announcing record-breaking sales for 2013 of Dh6.65 billion ($1.8 billion), representing an 11.4 per cent increase over the previous year.

The signs that a remarkable year was coming to a close was evident in December when a new monthly sales record of Dh700 million ($192 million) was set.

The operation’s 30th Anniversary Day on December 20th, when customers were offered a 30 per cent discount on a range of products, resulted in a massive surge in sales and a new daily record. On the anniversary day, DDF recorded 215,000 transactions while sales reached an incredible Dh111.88 million ($30.65 million) in the 24-hour period, which was 40 per cent higher than the former anniversary day in 2012.

Reflecting on another memorable year at Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman, said: “We are thrilled to announce such a positive year in 2013, which marked our 30th anniversary. The operation went from strength to strength with the opening of Concourse A in Terminal 3 in January and Al Maktoum International in October, with overall sales soaring to a new high. I thank our Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum 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.”

The operation recorded a staggering 25,973,819 sales transactions in 2013, which average at 71,161 sales transactions per day.

From a category point of view, Perfumes retained its position as the best-selling category with an increase of 16 per cent year-on-year. Sales of Perfumes reached Dh1.06 billion ($289 million), an increase of over Dh148 million ($41 million) over the previous year. Perfumes now contribute 16 per cent towards total sales at Dubai Duty Free sales.

Liquor and Gold categories followed with Gold recording sales figures of Dh613 million ($168 million) representing an increase of 5 per cent year-on-year.

Confectionery jumped to the fifth position which increased by 12 per cent to Dh520 million ($142 million) for the year.

Other steep increases were seen in Watches which rose by 16 per cent to Dh459 million ($126 million), Cosmetics rose by 20 per cent to Dh446 million ($122 million) and Delicatessen sales rose by 13 per cent to Dh298 million ($82 million). Gifts from Dubai and Handbags & Leather Goods categories have seen an impressive increase of 22 per cent and 46 per cent increase in 2013 respectively.

Moreover, sales in DDF Departures rose by 11 per cent while Arrivals sales have shown a 13 per cent increase over last year. Terminal 2, which completed its renovation in December, recorded a 22 per cent increase in sales. 

In addition to a remarkable turnover, 2013 provided Dubai Duty Free with major milestones in terms of growth and expansion including the opening of Concourse A, dedicated to Emirates airline fleet of A380s, and the opening of the passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, collectively providing Dubai Duty Free with over 28,000 square metres of retail space.

Looking ahead, Dubai Duty Free will continue to enhance its retail operation in 2014 while maintaining a busy events and promotional calendar, which includes the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, commencing on February 17th to March 1st, 2014 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

 

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