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Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 20th anniversary on 20th December
2003. The milestone anniversary gave the operation a chance to
reflect on two decades of retailing excellence.
On December 20th 1983, Dubai Duty Free opened for business and sales
reached US$44,000. A year later, the operation’s annual sales
reached US$20 million, with the average passenger spend reaching
US$5.
Twenty years later, with sales of US$380 million in 2003, a 2,000%
increase, and with average passenger spend at US$35, the retailing
success of Dubai Duty Free continues to go from strength to
strength.
Commenting on the growth of the operation since 1983, H.H. Sheikh
Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil
Aviation, Dubai and Chairman of Emirates Group, said, “From the
beginning, Dubai Duty Free set out to provide travellers with a
first class service. The countless awards and record sales figures
are witness to its success, while the operation has also contributed
significantly towards the promotion of Dubai internationally.”
The anniversary year had its share of industry highs, which began
with record sales for 2002 and ended with an unprecedented charity
drive that saw the operation donating its anniversary day sales to a
number of local charities.
Commenting on the past year, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of
Dubai Duty Free said, “We knew that our anniversary year would be
special, and going by sales alone, it exceeded expectations. The
anniversary also gave the staff, particular those who have been with
the operation for some time, a chance to reflect on the huge
milestones over the past two decades.
“I take great pleasure in extending my thanks to the Government of
Dubai, and particularly H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for
his ongoing support of the operation. I also thank the entire team
of staff at Dubai Duty Free who work so hard to ensure the success
of the operation over the past twenty years.”
On 20 December, Dubai Duty Free celebrated 20 years of operation. On
the day, the operation offered travellers 20% discount on a huge
range of products and sales soared to a phenomenal Dhs7.1 million
(US$1.9 million). A number of local charities benefited from the
high-spending day, which saw a total of 35,733 sales transactions.
Also, on the anniversary day, Dubai Duty Free honoured its long
serving staff. Of the original 100 staff, 64 remain in full time
service. The operation currently employs over 1,200 staff made up of
29 different nationalities who speak a total of 36 different
languages.
Another phenomenal year came to a record-breaking conclusion with
year-end sales reaching US$380 million, which will likely result in
the operation moving further up the global ranking.
In what was considered to be a tough year for the industry, Dubai
Duty Free’s retailing success was recognised by the trade press when
the online “Moodie Report” named Colm McLoughlin in its “Men of the
Year” category.
The Year Ahead
2004 began on a high note with January sales of Dhs146 million
(US$40 million), representing a 34% increase over the same period
last year.
Commenting on the buoyant start to the year, Colm McLoughlin said,
“January sales have been tremendous and are a good indicator for the
year ahead.”
So, if the past twenty years are anything to go by, watch this
space!
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