OREANDA-NEWS. Abu Dhabi Airports announced today that Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free exceeded sales of AED 1 billion in 2014, closing the year at AED 1.009 billion, representing a rise of 10.5% versus 2013 (AED 912.9 million).

Abu Dhabi Airports' Chairman H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori said: "This significant milestone confirms that we are providing passengers with the diverse services and offerings they expect at a major international airport and reflects the incredible growth in passengers which is largely driven by the success of the national airline, Etihad Airways".

A number of new retail stores opened in 2014, including 2 new multi category Duty Free stores, a new 253m2 award-winning Fragrance Boutique in Terminal 3, refurbished core duty free stores on the Terminal 1 Upper Level, and several initiatives including a new Wellness Spa and Minimart outlet.

Beauty & Fragrance emerged as the biggest selling product categories in 2014 with a 31% share of Duty Free turnover increasing sales by 9.7% over 2013.  Indian, Chinese and Emirati passengers continued to account for the highest share of sales at the airport (36%). In addition, passengers spending registered an increase throughout the year.

H.E. Al Mansoori added: "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. This has played a big part in driving sales beyond the AED 1 billion mark."

The growth was across all categories with the following performing strongly:
• Perfume and Cosmetics + 9.7%
• Rolex + 36.6%
• Watches + 15.5%
• Cigars + 13.2%
• Food and Confectionery +8.4%

In 2014 Abu Dhabi Duty free sold over:
• 40,000 Litres of fragrance
• 200 tonnes of powdered milk:  
• 188 tonnes of Chocolate including 25 million Single M&M candy sweets

In parallel, Abu Dhabi Airports has rolled out a variety of new food and beverage concepts to ensure its passengers arrive and depart feeling happy and refreshed including a Montreux Jazz Cafe in addition to the world's first airport cafe from CNN.  

Many of the world's leading brands and retailers are expected to submit bids for the Midfield Terminal Building, which is making rapid progress and will have an annual capacity of 30 million when it opens in 2017.  Abu Dhabi Duty Free vision is to create the world's best commercial offer at an airport within the Midfield Terminal and provide customers with a sensational experience and exclusive innovative offers, supported by high levels of service and traditional Emirati hospitality.

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori concluded: "Abu Dhabi Duty Free will continue to focus on improving our customer experience with phase 2 of our retail and food & beverage refurbishment programme that will enable us to offer the widest choice to our passengers, exclusive offers and product launches, innovative promotional campaigns, great value and excellent customer service, which will all contribute to the further growth of Abu Dhabi."