Abu Dhabi Duty Free reports robust sales

Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free has reported a robust year-on-year sales growth of over 10.5% in 2014 touching $275 million-mark. “This significant milestone confirms that we are providing passengers with the diverse services and offerings they expect at a major international airport, also reflecting rise in passenger numbers largely driven by the success of the national airline, Etihad Airways,” observes Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Abu Dhabi Airports chairman.

Beauty & fragrance emerged as the biggest selling product categories in 2014 with a combined 31% share of duty free turnover and over 9.7% rise compared to 2013. Other high growth categories were Rolex (36.6%), watches (15.5%), cigars (13.2%) and food & confectionary (8.4%).

A number of new stores were also opened in 2014, including two multi-category duty free shops; a 2,723-sqft DFS fragrance boutique in Terminal 3; refurbished core duty free stores on the Terminal 1 Upper Level; and several other initiatives including a new Wellness Spa and Minimart outlet. Abu Dhabi Airports also rolled out a variety of new food & beverage concepts, including a Montreux Jazz Café and CNN Café.

Passenger spending increased during the year, with Indian, Chinese and Emirati passengers together accounting for 36% of sales. “To achieve an increase in average spend per head amid refurbishment works and new store installations is always challenging. However, we continue to align our range of products more closely to the passenger demographic,” adds Al Mansoori.