Dubai Duty Free sales rocket

Commenting on the sales trend so far in 2011, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free 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 US$1.27 billion, 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.”

Liquor, Perfumes and Gold took the top three spots category-wise in the opening months of the year. Perfume sales reached Dhs174 million (US$48 million), representing a 16% increase in sales over the first quarter in 2010 while Gold sales increased by 13% to Dhs138.5 million (US$38 million) in the first quarter, respectively.

Sales of Confectionery continued to grow in the early part of 2011 as sales rose by 8% to Dhs94 million (US$26 million) while sale of Electronic goods made a significant return to form with the category growing by 13% to reach Dhs90 million (US$25 million). Other high selling categories included the Watches and Clocks

category which rose by 39 %, Cosmetics rose by 20%, Luggage and travel accessories by 18% and Ladies Fashion by 12%.

Recruitment at Dubai Duty Free continued apace in the first quarter of 2011 with 136 new sales assistants appointed, bringing total staffing levels close to 4,000. A recent exhibitor at the UAE Careers Fair, Dubai Duty Free has an ongoing policy of recruiting UAE Nationals and will continue with its recruitment plans for the remainder of the year.