Mauritius Duty Free Paradise (MDFP) is to refurbish and extend its duty free arrivals shop at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by 30% and create a new high-end jewellery shop within its its departure outlet,

according to Ceo Shakeel Mohinder Dyall.

He says that the retailer has also established an improved presence in the VIP lounge with two dedicated display units and it is also creating a new commercial space in the private jet terminal at the airport. In addition, the company is considering opening a new outlet at the cruise terminal and has approached Mauritius Ports Authority in this regard.

Only last December the retailer opened a brand new Ralph Lauren shop which now takes up one third of its fashion store and Mohinder Dyall says that the results have been 'astonishing'.

He told TREND: ‘We have noted a progressive sales increase each year. Despite the challenges that the travel retail industry is facing, our sales for the last year ending 30 June 2008 increased by 12.74%, which is the result of our hard work and the introduction of new business and marketing strategies which have proved to be beneficial to our company. The last financial year ended the 30th June 2008 – we managed to close the year slightly above E.40m ($54.7m).

‘These progressive boosts in our sales have been possible with a consistent strategy of offering better value to the customer through our improved product ranging, through better promotions and more visibility on the market,’ he said.

Together with its supplier partner Gebr. Heinemann, Mauritius Duty Free Paradise has benefited from the complete renovation of its departure shop in August 2005 and Mohinder Dyall says that the shop area has now been developed into a world class retail environment 'having nothing to envy from other high-profile operators'. He says subsequent improved product ranging has improved the operation even further, along with a revamp of the jewellery area and more improvements to customer circulation. Jewellery sales have benefited in particular, he says.

Currently, Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd (MDFP) operates three shops at SSR International Airport, including a departure shop (825sq m), an arrivals outlet (325sq m) and the Fashion Shop (180sq m). In addition, the company's Rodrigues Duty Free Paradise (RDFP) subsidiary company based at Plaine Corail, Rodrigues, operates one departures shop (105sq m) and one arrivals outlet (circa 40sq m).

Last year Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport handled 2,452,807 international passengers.