Over Dhs100 million a month - new retail benchmark at Dubai Duty Free

The new monthly record surpasses that set in March of this year (Dhs90.7 million or US$25 million) and represents a 59% increase in sales over October 2001. The new daily record edged past that set on February 21st and sets the tone for sales expectations in November.

2002 is proving to be an exceptional year for Dubai Duty Free, with the operation well on track to achieve its Dhs1 billion (US$280 million) annual sales target. Year-to-date figures have reached Dhs876 million (US$240), representing a 19% increase in sales over the same period last year.

Commenting on the impressive year-to-date retail statistics, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "In the month of October, the shopfloor sales surpassed those for the entire first year of operations (1984) when the annual turnover was Dhs72.8 million (US$20 million). This is a notable milestone and can be attributed to the hard work and commitment of the Dubai Duty Free staff who are entirely focused on providing travellers with a first class shopping experience."

The highest selling categories in the month of October included Perfumes, which notched up monthly sales of Dhs12.6 million (US$3.5 million) closely followed by Electronics which reached monthly sales of Dhs12 million (US$3.3 million).

"All the categories are growing well and in many cases exceeding their targets. In terms of worldwide sales, by the end of this year Dubai Duty Free should move into the top five in terms of airport duty free turnover worldwide," added Mr. McLoughlin.

With sales figures very much on track and a series of industry events lined up for the remainder of the year, including the 10th staging of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup, 2002 is destined to be another memorable year for the operation.

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