First Quarter Sales up 21% at Dubai Duty Free
       
 
Thursday, April 01, 2010

For Dubai Duty Free, the first quarter of 2010 signals the return of consumer confidence with the retail operation announcing sales of over Dhs1.1 billion (US$307 million), which represents a 21% increase over the same period last year.

Commenting on the sales trend so far in 2010, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free said: “Our year end sales in 2009 showed an increase of 3.76%, which we were pleased with. However, 2009 was a difficult year for all retailers and for many it was a time to take stock.

“From the second half of last year and the first quarter of 2010, we have definitely seen an increase in consumer spending across all categories, including the high-end products, and we are optimistic that this year will be a record year for Dubai Duty Free.”

Perfumes and Gold continued to be amongst the top selling categories at Dubai Duty Free in the first quarter. Perfume sales reached over Dhs150 million (US$41.7 million) representing an increase of 23% while Gold sales increased by 22% to Dhs123 million (US$34 million) in the first quarter.

Sales of Confectionary continued to grow in the early part of 2010 as sales rose by 20% to Dhs87 million (US$24 million) while sale of Electronic goods made a significant return to form with this category growing by 15% to reach Dhs80 million (US$22 million). Other high sellers included the Watches and Clocks category which rose by 41%.

Recruitment at Dubai Duty Free continued apace in the first quarter of 2010 with 229 new sales assistants appointed. A recent exhibitor at the UAE Careers Fair, Dubai Duty Free has an ongoing policy of recruiting UAE Nationals and will continue with its rigorous recruitment plans for the remainder of the year.

Ends