Dubai Duty Free posts 43% rise in first half

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The retailer attributed its success in part to recent refurbishments in Dubai's Sheikh Rashid terminal and the addition of new duty-free areas

First half sales at Dubai Duty Free have risen to $236m, representing a 43% increase over the same period last year and placing the airport retailer well on track for its forecast sales of $500m in 2004. The rise follows a 45% increase in sales in the first quarter.

Commenting on the half year results, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Department of Civil Aviation said: ?The sales figures are a clear indication of how successful the retail operation is and underline its position as number three in the world in terms of turnover.?

A breakdown of the first half sales shows dramatic increases in the top categories. Fragrances rose by 50%, gold sales are up by 47% and electronics sales up by 36%.

Dubai Duty Free managing director Colm McLoughlin said: ?It has been a fantastic year-to-date. In addition to increases in the individual sales categories, there has also been an increase in the penetration level, which has risen to 45% and in sales per passenger, which is at an all time high of $43.?

McLoughlin said that the increase in sales can be attributed in part to the recent refurbishments in Sheikh Rashid terminal in the past year which has resulted in the opening of a new gold shop, a new watch shop and more recently a new Gifts from Dubai shop, which was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in June.

?The Gifts from Dubai shop reflects the destination, which is something that is increasingly popular with international travellers,? added McLoughlin.

Since the opening of Gifts from Dubai, sales in souvenirs and destination merchandise have risen by 101% over the same period last year.