Dubai posts 19.5% sales rise in May

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Dubai Duty Free remains on track to set a new annual sales record in 2005 and could break the $600m mark

Dubai Duty Free (DDF) posted a 19.5% increase in sales during May, maintaining the retailer's strong start to the year. Sales for the year to date are up by about 19% on 2004, making a new annual sales record almost inevitable and prompting hope that the operator could break the $600m barrier in 2005.

DDF managing director Colm McLoughlin told RavenFox.com: "We're about 3-4% ahead of budget for 2005 so far, which we're very happy with. We hope the year continues in that vein." He added that sales of electronics and technological items continued to grow strongly and were helping drive the retailer's overall performance.

The completion of Dubai's new arrivals outlet in the Sheikh Rashid terminal, meanwhile, has been delayed while builders amend the roof design and air conditioning system. McLoughlin said he expected the 600sq m (6,456sq ft) store to be complete by the end of July. "We had planned to open the store sooner but we are confident it will be a big success. We'll have a better area dedicated to wines, and we'll be able to introduce categories that we couldn't offer satisfactorily before owing to a lack of space, including watches and local gifts."