Dubai Duty Free sales hit $780m

Bill Lumley

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Operator on track for record $1bn to coincide with 25th anniversary

Retailer Dubai Duty Free recorded sales over $780m to the end of September 2008 at Dubai International airport, a 27% increase over the corresponding period last year. Managing director Colm McLoughlin said the company is on track to achieve sales well in excess of $1bn by December, when the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Fragrance sales in the first nine months of the year accounted for US$110m, which represents a 32% increase on the same period in 2007. Gold yielded US$92m in sales, representing a 35% jump on 2007. Other areas to increase markedly include electronics (19%), confectionery (36%) and cosmetics (37%).

McLoughlin said: “We have had a fantastic year so far and are looking ahead to the last few months as we prepare to open the new operation in Emirates’ terminal three. Dubai Duty Free has over 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft) of retail space coming on line in the coming weeks and we are very excited about the retail opportunities that the new terminal provides.”