Dubai Duty Free sets new annual sales record

Gavin Lipsith

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Another year of record sales helps the retailer retain its position as the world's third-largest airport retailer by turnover

Dubai Duty Free has posted annual sales of Dh2.1bn ($572m) for 2005, an increase of 19% over the previous year and a new sales record for the retailer. The company also achieved record monthly sales in December, at Dh219m ($60m) and—reported previously on RavenFox.com—record daily sales on its 22nd anniversary on December 20.

The company recorded almost 13m sales transactions, representing an average of 35,600 daily sales. Among the best performing categories were liquor, which grew by 25%, fragrances up 29%, men's fashion sales up by 85% and Gifts from Dubai up 52%. Arrivals sales grew by 20% in 2005 and now represent 7% of total sales.

Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation president Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum congratulated the retailer on its achievements. "It has been another remarkable year for Dubai Duty Free," he said, "which has retained its position as the third-largest airport retailer in the world in terms of turnover. The operation is continually reviewing and revising the retail offer and I congratulate the team on its achievements."