Record-breaking Aniversary sales at Dubai Duty Free

This record-breaking figure equals the operation's first full year of sales in 1984.

A special 25% discount offer to mark the operation's 25th Anniversary resulted in a massive spending spree at Dubai International Airport that began at midnight on 19th December and continued throughout the day until midnight on the 20th. The daily sales, which were made up from over 130,000 transactions, represent a massive 582% increase above the average daily sales for the year.

Commenting on the record sales day, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said:

"This 25th anniversary is obviously very special and we are delighted with the sales results and the fact that the turnover on the anniversary day has equaled the annual turnover in our first full year of operations. This indicates how far we have come and I thank everyone for helping us achieve such incredible sales. A special thanks for his ongoing support over the past quarter century goes to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, and thanks to all of our staff who worked so hard on the anniversary day."

The 25th Anniversary sales figure of Dhs71m is 54% higher than the former record day set last December 20th when Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 24th Anniversary with a 24% discount offer.

"We began introducing a discount offer on our 20th Anniversary in 2003 and it has become a popular day with travelers, some of whom book their flights in order to shop on that day," added Mr. McLoughlin.

The statistics for the day highlight the huge volume of sales that passed through the cash points within the 24 hour period. From a category point of view, Watches and Clocks was the highest selling category with sales of Dhs22m and representing 31% of the total daily sales. Perfumes was the second most popular category on the anniversary day with sales of Dhs17.5m. Cosmetics came in at third place, category wise, with sales of Dhs5.3m.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations saw Mr. Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, George Horan, Deputy Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free along with other senior officials conduct the Millennium Millionaire draw in Series 91 won by Mr. Christos Vouzounerakis, a Greek national.

Mr. Christos Vouzounerakis, holder of ticket no. 3978 in Series 91 purchased his winning ticket from the internet on 20th October. A presentation of one million dollars was also made to the Millennium Millionaire in Series 90, Mr. Diederick J. Opperman followed by the announcement of three new winners in the Finest Surprise Promotion draw.

Dubai Duty Free's employees enjoyed the Anniversary celebrations with a special Staff Finest Surprise draw which resulted in a total of Dhs130,000 being won by staff. Dubai Duty Free currently employs almost 3,700 staff and of the original 100 staff, 59 remain in active service.