It has been another record-breaking year for Dubai Duty Free (DDF) in 2013, with annual sales just revealed by the operator of $1.8bn, a rise of +11.4% over the previous year.

 

The strong double-digit increase – arising from 26m sales transactions (equal to 71,161 transactions per day) – reflects what DDF calls “a remarkable year”, not least thanks to a new monthly sales record of $192m set in December, the month that marked the operation’s 30th Anniversary.

 

On the actual anniversary day of 20 December, customers were offered a 30% discount on a range of products resulting in a surge in sales (215,000 transactions) and a new daily record of $30.65m in a 24-hour period. This was +40% higher than the former anniversary day in 2012.

 

Colm McLoughlin (left), DDF’s Executive Vice Chairman, says: “We are thrilled to announce such a positive year in 2013, which marked our 30th anniversary. The operation went from strength to strength with the opening of Concourse A in Terminal 3 in January and Al Maktoum International in October, with overall sales soaring to a new high. I thank our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his ongoing support and I join His Highness in thanking our great team of staff, our suppliers and of course our customers, who are fundamental to our continued growth.”

 

CATEGORY BREAKDOWN

From a category point of view, perfume retained its position as the best-selling segment with an increase of +16% year-on-year. Perfumes reached over $289m, an increase of $41m and they now make up 16% of total sales.

 

Liquor and gold followed with the latter recording sales of $168m representing a gain of +5%. Confectionery jumped to fifth position thanks to an increase of +12% to $142m for the year.

 

Other steep rises were seen in watches which rose by +16% to $126m; cosmetics up +20% to $122m and delicatessen sales which increased by +13% to $82m. Gifts from Dubai and handbags / leather goods also saw big gains of +22% and +46% respectively.

 

In terms of arrivals and departures sales, DDF saw +11% growth for departures and +13% for arrivals compared with 2012. Terminal 2, whose renovation was completed in December, recorded a +22% increase.

 

In 2013 Dubai Duty Free benefited from airport expansion including the opening of Concourse A dedicated to Emirates’ fleet of A380s, and the opening of the passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. These collectively provided DDF with over 28,000sq m of retail space.