Dubai Duty Free sales hit $2b mark again

DUBAI: Sales at Dubai Duty Free crossed the Dh7.3 billion ($2 billion) mark in 2019, almost the same as last year's Dh7.356 billion figure.

"2019 has been a good year for Dubai Duty Free. We have invested in a number of major refurbishments across the retail operation, and it is fantastic to have achieved the $2 billion figure well before the end of the year," executive vice-chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlins said.

Generally, the most popular purchases are perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, watches and confectionary, among others.

It is a big achievement for Dubai Duty Free that it sustained the last year's sales mark despite challenges due to a slowdown in the global economy, USthe -China trade war and the introduction of value added tax and excise duty last year.

"We have sustained sales revenue in 2019 despite all odds," a senior official said.

Dubai Duty Free crossed the $2 billion sales mark on December 26 when Indian nationals Mr and Mrs Neeraj Sati purchased items worth Dh348. The couple was travelling back to Mumbai with their family after they celebrated Christmas in Dubai with their relatives. They stayed in the city for a total of eight days and will celebrate the New Year in their hometown in Odiza, India.

The Indian family was presented with a gift cards worth $2,000 by Dubai Duty Free officials including operations manager Shafique Ansari, duty managers Sanjay Lama, Melanie Tacuban, Hazel Punongbayan and Norie Ann Jose, and duty officer Edwin Papa.

"Thank you Dubai Duty Free, this is such a pleasant surprise. I will spend this well and buy some gifts for my family back home", said Sati.

Last week, Dubai Duty Free marked its 36th anniversary with a 25 per cent discount offer on a wide range of merchandise over three days with total during three days reaching $57.39 million. In March, it signed a cooperation agreement with Tencent Holdings which aims to leverage Tencent's expertise and digital platforms in China.

Dubai Dutry Free currently employs 6,100 staff and of the original 100 staff who joined in December 1983, 25 remain in active service.