April 2- Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has said that its sales have gone up by 21 per cent, or Dh1.1 billion, in the first quarter of 2010. DDF has outlets in the three terminals of Dubai International Airport. This is mainly because airport traffic has increased in the first quarter.

Perfumes and gold were the top-selling items at DDF – up by 23 per cent and 22 per cent respectively. Confectionary sales stood third at 20 per cent and electronics 15 per cent. “Our year-end sales in 2009 showed an increase of 3.76 per cent. However, 2009 was a difficult year for all retailers and for many it was a time to take stock,” said DDF Managing Director Colm McLoughlin. “From the second half of last year and the first quarter of 2010, we have definitely seen an increase in consumer spending across all categories, including the high-end products, and we are optimistic that this year will be a record year for Dubai Duty Free,” he said.