Dubai Duty Free started off the New Year on a high note posting record sales of $1.91 billion during 2014, a 7.36 percent increase over the previous year. The increase was helped by a new monthly sales record of $205.24 million in December 2014, representing a 7 percent increase over last year’s sales of $192 million. Perfume was the best-selling category, with sales of $314 million, followed by liquor and gold, with sales of $286 million and $163.6 million respectively. Cigarettes and tobacco, selling $160 million, and confectionary, with $147.7 million, rounded out the top 5.

“We are thrilled to announce such a positive year during which the operation went from strength to strength,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman, Dubai Duty Free. “I thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free for his ongoing support and I join His Highness in thanking our great team of staff, our suppliers and of course our customers, who are fundamental to our continued growth.”

Dubai Duty Free’s plans for the future include continuing its refurbishment of Concourse C and opening a new retail space in Concourse D while maintaining a busy promotional calendar full of events, including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships taking place Feb. 15–28 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.