DDF’s 11-month sales in 2024 hit $1.94 billion

The Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has recorded sales of $1.94 billion up to the end of November and expects to surpass $2 billion for the full year 2024.

The airport retailer finished the month of November with sales of $205.67 million, making it the fifth-best month ever with previous records set during the operation’s anniversary month of December when sales are traditionally high. November 30 set a daily sales record for the year at $8.46 million, while November 29 was the third highest of the year with sales of $8.24 million.

Commenting on the strong performance, Dubai Duty Free, Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi said, “I am very happy with the sales performance in November, which was against tough trading conditions including the sales in boutiques for the major fashion brands being lower than last year and refurbishment projects in the Arrivals shops in all three terminals. We have had a major focus on driving sales in recent months and I am pleased with the huge effort made to reduce the gap between the budgeted spend per passenger and actual spend.”

“Thanks to the continuous effort of our entire team, I look forward to another great month in December as we head into a busy holiday season and expect to close the year with excellent results,” he added.

Perfumes, liquor, tobacco, gold and electronics were the top five spots category-wise in the first 11 months of the year. Perfume sales reached $362 million, representing a 10% increase over 2023. Sales of liquor reached $258.37 million, while tobacco increased by 8% with sales amounting to $200.52 million. Gold sales increased by 2% over the same period last year with sales amounting to $194.57 million and electronics came in fifth place with sales of $134 million.