As Dubai Airports begins the phased opening of its new Concourse A, Dubai Duty Free simultaneously begin its retail operations and anticipates more ‘exciting growth plans’ . As previously reported, the operation announced year-end sales figures of a record US$1.6 billion, representing a 10% increase over 2011.

 

Reflecting on another memorable year at Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman said: “We are thrilled to announce such a positive year in 2012. The entire team at Dubai Duty Free has worked hard to continue to drive sales, while focusing on the expansion of our business in Concourse A.

 

“We have recruited a total of 1,600 new staff in 2012, bringing our staffing levels up to 5,200, all in preparation for our growth plans which are very exciting.

 

“My thanks as always for the support and encouragement of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and I join His Highness in thanking our staff, our suppliers and our customers for ensuring such a great year.”

 

[Above: Perfumes and Cosmetics – Terminal 3, Concourse B]

 

A TOTAL OF 26,000SQ M

With the phased opening of Concourse A, which is dedicated to the Emirates A380 fleet, Dubai Duty Free now operates 26,000sq m of retail space at Dubai International Airport.

 

The operation recorded 23.5 million sales transactions in 2012, which average out at 64,200 sales transactions per day.

 

Perfumes retained its position as the top selling category with sales reaching US$249 million, an increase of 13%, or US$28 million over the previous year. The Perfumes category now contributes 15% towards total sales at Dubai Duty Free.

 

The second highest category was Liquor which showed an increase of 17% to US$239 million, while Gold retained the No. 3 position with sales of US$159 million. Tobacco sales reached USS$130 million, a 10% increase year-on-year. Confectionery sales jumped to the fifth position and recorded sales of US$127 million, representing an 18% increase over last year.

 

Other steep increases were seen in Electronics, which rose by 13% to US$126 million, Watches rose by 11% to US$108 million while Cosmetics sales rose by 14% to US$102 million.

 

Sales increases were seen across all Dubai Duty Free retail areas in all three Terminals: Terminal 1 recorded a 7% increase on overall sales, Terminal 2 sales increased by 15% and Terminal 3, which currently accounts for 60% of total sales, increased by 11%.  Sales in the Arrivals retail areas increased overall by 13%.