Dubai Duty Free (DDF) reported today that it achieved first quarter sales of Dhms.1.25bn ($343m) in the first quarter of 2011, equal to a rise of 13% over the same period last year and following on from the remarkable sales year in 2010 where it generated sales of $1.27bn – just ahead of Incheon Airport’s $1.26bn.

Commenting on the 2011 sales trend so far, DDF 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 $1.27bn, 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 Dhms.174m ($48m), representing a 16% increase in sales over the first quarter in 2010, while Gold sales rose by 13% to Dhms.138.5m ($38m) over the same period.

CONFECTIONERY AND ELECTRONICS GROWTH
DDF added that sales of Confectionery continued to grow in the early part of 2011, as sales rose by 8% to Dhms.94m ($26m), while sales of Electronic goods made ‘a significant return to form’ with the category growing by 13% to reach Dhms.90m ($25m). Other high-selling categories included the Watches and Clocks category which rose by 39%, Cosmetics by 20%, Luggage and travel accessories by 18% and Ladies Fashion by 12%.

Meanwhile, recruitment has continued at pace 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, DDF has an ongoing policy of recruiting UAE Nationals and will continue with its recruitment plans for the remainder of the year.