Dubai Duty Free is looking to achieve double digit sales growth for the year as sales up to the end of October reached an impressive Dhs4.71 billion ($1.29 billion), representing an 11 per cent increase over the same period last year. The latest sales figures put the operation on track for year-end sales of an estimated Dhs6 billion ($1.6 billion). The perfumes category, which accounts for 15 per cent of total sales at Dubai Duty Free, retained the No. 1 spot as sales rose to Dhs727 million ($199 million) in the ten-month period. Impressive sales figures have been recorded across all three Terminals for both departing and arriving passengers: Terminal 1 has recorded a 9 per cent increase, while Terminal 2 has shown an impressive 16 per cent increase. Terminal 3, which is dedicated to Emirates Airline, has seen sales grow by 12 per cent while Arrival sales across all Terminals is up by 15 per cent. Commenting on year to date sales, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said: “2012 is shaping up to be a fantastic year and I am pleased that our sale per head, which is around $49, and our penetration level of close to 50 per cent, continues to be so strong. We are looking forward to a busy few weeks ahead and closing the year with record sales.” Notable increases were seen in confectionery, which rose by 18 per cent to Dhs377 million ($103 million) while electronics showed an 11 per cent increase to Dhs367 million ($100 million). The watch category was up by 11 per cent and cosmetics rose by 17 per cent with sales of Dhs299 million ($82 million). Subcontinent passengers make up the biggest group of spenders, accounting for 24 per cent of total sales at Dubai Duty Free, followed by Far Eastern passengers, primarily Chinese, who account for 19 per cent of sales. Despite the economic gloom in Europe, European passengers come in third place as the highest spenders, accounting for 16.4 per cent of sales, with Middle Eastern passengers following closely behind accounting for 16 per cent of sales. African-bound passengers make up 12 per cent of sales, with Russian travelers accounting for 7 per cent of sales. Dubai Duty Free, which first opened for business on Dec.20, 1983, celebrates its 29th anniversary this year and the operation has plans in place to make this a memorable day. From Gulf Today