Airport retailer Dubai Duty Free reported a marginal increase in overall sales in 2019, helped by the opening of new space at both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The retailer witnessed 0.7 per cent year-on-year growth in sales to Dh7.406 billion ($2.029bn), nearly Dh50 million more than in 2018.
Sales growth in 2019 was largely driven by perfumes, followed by liquor, cosmetics, tobacco and electronics, Dubai Duty Free said. All five categories contributed nearly Dh4.458bn, or more than 60 per cent of total sales.
“Overall, it has been a fantastic year for the operation,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free in a statement on Thursday.
Last year, Dubai Duty Free sold over 64.578 million units of products, while recording over 24.284 million sales transactions — approximately 66,500 transactions per day.
Sales in departures areas reached Dh6.6bn and represented almost 90 per cent of total annual sales, the organisation said.
“We have continued to develop our retail offer in all the terminals and that included the opening of a Chanel boutique, a Maison Christian Dior shop and a Gucci boutique,” said Mr McLoughlin.
A new 1,100 square metre retail space will be opened in Terminal 3 arrivals this month that will contribute significantly to sales, Mr McLoughlin said, adding that the new arrivals shop will be much more visible to passengers in the baggage area.
“We will continue the second phase of the refurbishment of the two FoodPlus shops in Concourse B … Dubai Duty Free will continue to enhance its retail offer within the fashion category in the second half of the year,” he added.
Dubai Duty Free is owned by sovereign fund the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
