Sales up 13% at Dubai Duty Free

Bill Lumley

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The world’s largest airport retailer is looking to beat 2010 sales results by 10%

Dubai Duty Free has announced first quarter sales of Dhs1.25bn ($343m) up by 13% over the same period last year. 

Liquor, perfumes and gold were the top three categories in the opening months of the year. Perfume sales reached Dhs174m ($48m), representing a 16% increase in sales over the first quarter in 2010 while gold sales grew by 13% to Dhs138.5m ($38m) in the first quarter, respectively.

Confectionery sales continued to grow in the early part of 2011 as sales rose by 8% to Dhs94m ($26m) while sale of electronic goods made a significant return to form with the category growing by 13% to reach Dhs90m ($25m). Other high-selling categories included the watches and clocks segment which rose 39% compared to the previous year, cosmetics (20%), luggage and accessories (18%) and ladies fashion (12%). 

Managing director Colm McLoughlin said: “We are pleased to announce a 13% increase in sales over the same period last year. 2010 was an excellent year with sales of $1.27 bn and we are looking at topping that by at least 10% this year. 

“During the first quarter, we have seen substantial increases in our top categories in addition to growth in other categories, all of which is extremely encouraging and we are optimistic that this year will be another record year for Dubai Duty Free.”