Dubai posts 45% first-quarter sales increase

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The Middle Eastern operator has made a good start in its bid to post sales of $420m in 2004

Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has enjoyed a spectacular start to 2004, posting sales of $118m, a 45% improvement on the previous year's total. The operator said the performance has put it on track to reach its annual target of Dh1.45bn ($420m).

Sales of sunglasses almost doubled in the first quarter compared with 2003, thanks mostly to DDF's new dedicated store in the Sheikh Rashid terminal. Cameras and accessories enjoyed a similar boost, and the key beauty category also performed strongly, with sales of fragrances up by 52% and cosmetics up by 83%.

DDF managing director Colm McLoughlin said: "We closed last year with record sales of Dh1.37bn ($380m) and are delighted to see this upward sales trend continue. The operation is continuing to review and enhance the retail area and some months ago opened the new Gold Shop, which is now showing a 43% increase in sales this quarter."