Duty Free Retailing MarketSize and Trends

The global Duty Free Retailing Market size will be valued at US$ 38.95 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow from US$ 42.3 Billion in 2023 to US$ 75.37 Billion in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period (2023-2030).

The number of inbound and outgoing travelers is increasing significantly owing to the rise in the number of airports visitors globally. An increase in domestic as well as international business travels and, sports travel is a significant factor propelling the duty-free retailing market size. Summer Olympic Games, UEFA Euro, UEFA Champions League, and Premier Leagues are some of the major events that attract huge numbers of travelers across the globe. Every year, sport events are organized in various countries throughout the world, increasing the number of international tourists and visitors, which stimulates retail sales of luxury and branded items, notably through duty-free establishments. All the major European countries, as well as the Asia Pacific countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, attract a large number of visitors across the globe, thereby driving the duty-free retailing market sales.

Duty Free Retailing Market: By segmentation

Figure 2. Global Duty Free Retailing Market (%), By Product Type

The Fragrance & cosmetics sub-segment has accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022 and it is estimated to show the fastest growth in the upcoming years. This is majorly owing to the growing demand for personal care products such as skincare, fragrances, and cosmetics. The duty-free retail stores at main airports contain a range of collections and brands under one roof, making it easy for shoppers to buy the items. Due to their strong customer-centric strategies, branded cosmetics and perfume enterprises attract a large client base. Retailers also provide huge discounts and special offers on branded perfume brands namely Estée Lauder, MAC, Chanel, and others. These factors are projected to boost the perfume and cosmetics sub-segment growth during the analysis timeframe.

The wine & spirits sub-segment is expected to grow at a significant pace during the analysis timeframe. Duty-free shops have become a popular destination for visitors who enjoy shopping wines & spirits. This is majorly owing to the cost-effectiveness offered by duty-free retail stores for purchasing wine & spirits. This is due to the elimination of import tax by government bodies. Duty-free retailing stores have some of the finest collections of liquors namely Glenlivet, Pepe Lopez, Smirnoff, Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker, and others. Also, at some airports namely Mumbai Dutyfree, customers can pre-order duty-free products from a wide range of international and premium wine & spirits brands.

The number of inbound and outgoing travelers is increasing significantly owing to the rise in the number of airports visitors globally. An increase in domestic as well as international business travels and, sports travel is a significant factor propelling the duty-free retailing market size. Summer Olympic Games, UEFA Euro, UEFA Champions League, and Premier Leagues are some of the major events that attract huge numbers of travelers across the globe. Every year, sport events are organized in various countries throughout the world, increasing the number of international tourists and visitors, which stimulates retail sales of luxury and branded items, notably through duty-free establishments. All the major European countries, as well as the Asia Pacific countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, attract a large number of visitors across the globe, thereby driving the duty-free retailing market sales.

Figure 1. Global Duty Free Retailing Market (%), By Region

Free retail in all regions was below expectations from pre-pandemic levels. According to our analysis, the global market in 2020 decreased by 42.38% compared to 2019.

Rapid Expansion of the Tourism Industry to Encourage Market Expansion

Rapid Expansion of the Tourism Industry is Estimated to Boost the Market Expansion
An Increase in Number of Duty-Free Retailing Stores with Technology Integration is Estimated to Boost the Market Growth

An Increase in Number of Duty-Free Retailing Stores with Technology Integration to Boost Market Growth

There has been a rapid shift in consumer shopping behavior from offline to online stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to the same, major vendors in the global duty-free retailing business, such as Dufry AG, Delhi Duty-Free, and Dubai Duty-Free, have built websites to give their clients a hassle-free shopping experience with various promotional codes and discounts that will help in attracting a large number of users. Also, technology integration has facilitated the tracking of human behavior both online and physically with advanced analytics and greater personalization. An increase in contactless shopping experiences with a major focus on zero-waste production and sustainable consumption practices in the e-commerce travel retail sector is anticipated to generate excellent opportunities in the market.

Duty Free Retailing Market: Regional Insights

Among the regional markets, Asia Pacific emerged as the largest duty-free retail market in 2022 with the highest revenue share. Also, China, India, South Korea, and Japan supply most of the product demand in the Asia Pacific region. This is mainly due to an increase in disposable income associated with the growth of foreign tourism. Another important factor in the growth of the region is the growing number of foreign students, especially in emerging economies such as China and India.

The North America duty free retailing market is expected to witness the fastest growth at a CAGR during the forecast period. Various companies are collaborating with Responsibility Tree Stores for limited edition or exclusive products, driving the growth of the market.