Dubai Duty Free ends 20th anniversary celebrations with record sales

The new figure represents a 24% increase in sales over the previous year and is likely to push Dubai Duty Free further up the global airport retail ranking, where it is currently holds fifth position.

Commenting on the annual sales, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai said: "Throughout the year, Dubai Duty Free has shown considerable sales growth and has consistently set new retail milestones. It is a great achievement to record a 24% increase in sales, and I would like to congratulate the operation for finishing the year on such a high note."

The month of December, during which Dubai Duty Free celebrated 20 years of operation, was a record month with sales reaching a staggering Dhs149.5 million (US$40 million), representing a 38% increase over the same month last year.

Commenting on the success of the operation over the past 20 years, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "Our turnover for the first year was Dhs70 million (US$20 million) and its is incredible to think that in the month of December alone, our sales figures are more than double that figure.

"The success of Dubai Duty Free over the past two decades is due to a number of factors, and I would like to thank the Government of Dubai for its ongoing support and in particular H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. I also extend my thanks to each and every member of staff at Dubai Duty Free, all of whom work so hard to ensure the operation's ongoing success."

December sales were boosted significantly by the 20th anniversary offer of 20% discount on the anniversary day itself (20th December). On that day, sales soared to Dhs7.1 million (US$1.9 million), way above the previous daily record of Dhs5.8 million (US$1.6 million) set on 24th October. The discount offer, which was available on a huge range of merchandise, resulted in some impressive category increases. Perfume sales on the day reached Dhs1.2 million (US$326,000) compared to average daily sales of Dhs450,000 (US$122,000), while Cosmetics sales rose to Dhs395,000 (US$107,000) above the daily average of Dhs80,000 (US$21,000).

The annual sales statistics are equally impressive with most categories showing a strong increase over 2002. Electronics move into second position after Liquor, with sales of Dhs153 million (US$41.6 million), representing an increase of 26% over last year. Perfumes take up the third position with sales just under Dhs153 million (US$41.4 million) and showing an increase of 27% , while Gold holds the fourth position with sales of Dhs146 million (US$39.8 million), a 17% increase over last year.

Dramatic increases were also witnessed in the Sunglasses category, with sales rising by 52% while Book sales rose by 77%.

"Throughout 2003, we constantly reviewed the retail operation and made a number of major changes, including the relocation and redesign of our Gold Shop. We also opened a new Sunglass Shop and restructured our Book shop area and all of these changes have resulted in increased sales," said Mr. McLoughlin." We have further plans in place for 2004 and we are looking forward to building on the success of the past year."