Increase in duty-free sales

Commenting on the first half sales figures, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “We were pleased that 2010 began well for Dubai Duty Free as we have seen an increase in consumer spending across all categories. Currently the average spend per departing passenger is at AED 172.57 (US$ 47).”

Perfumes, which account for 14 percent of sales at Dubai Duty Free, held on to the top spot with Dh301 million in the first half of the year, an 18 percent increase over the same period last year. Gold retained its third position with an increase of 11 percent to Dh234 million.

Sales of confectionery were up by 16 percent to Dh175 million, while electronics rose by seven percent to Dh160 million, accounting for six percent of revenue. Other notable increases in sales were seen in cosmetics, which rose by 26 percent, watches which rose by 33 percent, delicatessen sales which increased by 15 percent, and household goods which increased by 14 percent over the same period last year.