October tipped as top month as new daily record set by Dubai Duty Free

The new daily record surpasses that set on December 20th last year when sales reached Dhs4.74 (US$1.3 million) and, with average daily sales for October running at Dhs3.95 (US$1.1 million), the final figure for the month is expected to surpass the previous monthly record of Dhs114 million (US$31.8 million) set in July this year.

Commenting on the new sales records, Mr. Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director said: "The entire team of staff is excited about achieving new sales records. We are expecting to finish the year, which is our 20th anniversary year, with sales in excess of Dhs1.25 billion (US$350 million)."

The sales target is certainly on track with third quarter figures reaching Dhs929 million (US$259 million), representing a 20% increase over the same period last year. The month of September itself provided some more retailing highs with sales in Sheikh Rashid Terminal up 27% over last year, while Terminal 2 sales were 25% above and Arrival sales were 36% above 2002 figures.

On December 20th this year, Dubai Duty Free marks 20 years of business. In that time, the operation has grown to become the 5th largest airport retailer in the world in terms of turnover after London Heathrow, Singapore, Amsterdam and Paris.

With sales continuing to achieve new highs in 2003, it is likely that Dubai Duty Free will rise further up the global ranking.