SIGNY, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fresh data from Global Blue (NYSE:GB) reveals that the global dynamic recovery for Tax Free Shopping has accelerated across Continental Europe and Asia Pacific.
Globally, issued Sales in Store like-for-like recovery reached 135%1 in January 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, vs. 127% in Q4 ’23.
A worldwide sustained recovery, compared to 2019 levels
In Continental Europe, the recovery strengthened, reaching 125%1 in January vs. 118% in Q4 ‘23, fueled by a strong recovery in France (164%1) and Spain (153%1). Regarding origin markets, US shoppers sustained a strong level of recovery, reaching 290%1 in January vs. 248%1 in Q4 ’23. Similarly, GCC shoppers reached 273%1 in January vs. 240%1 in Q4 ‘23. Mainland Chinese shopper recovery continues to accelerate, reaching 80%1 in January vs. 58%1 in Q4 ’23, thanks to increased flight connections and higher visa issuance capacity.
In Asia Pacific, the recovery rate reached a record level at 161%1 in January vs. 150%1 in Q4 ‘23, led by Japan (232%). In terms of origin markets, travelers from Hong Kong and Taiwan sustained a high recovery, reaching 426%1 in January vs. 538%1 in Q4 ‘23. Following behind are North East Asia travelers, with a recovery rate of 242%1 in January vs. 318%1 in Q4 ‘23. Mainland Chinese shopper recovery continues to propel, reaching 127%1 in January vs. 105%1 in Q4’ 23.
A strong year-on-year performance for international shopping
When analyzing the year-on-year variation in Tax Free Shopping growth, Issued Sales in store in Continental Europe grew by +17%2 in January 2024 vs. last year.
In terms of origin markets, the growth was positively influenced by most nationalities, with Mainland Chinese shoppers leading the way with a +259%2 growth rate in January 2024. Despite a high basis of comparison, GCC shoppers continue to show strong growth at +27%2, while US shoppers Tax Free Spend remains flat compared to last year (-2%2).
In Asia Pacific, the growth rate reached +71%2 in January 2024 vs. last year. Most nationalities are positively contributing, with Mainland Chinese shoppers leading the way at +239%2 in January 2024 vs. 2023, North East shoppers at +54%2 and Hong Kong and Taiwan shoppers at +13%2.
APPENDIX
Worldwide recovery rate (versus 2019)
Issued SIS L/L |
% Tax Free |
January |
Q4 |
Q3 |
Q2 |
Q1 |
France | 22% | 164% | 140% | 138% | 146% | 147% |
Italy | 24% | 111% | 123% | 126% | 128% | 97% |
Spain | 14% | 153% | 133% | 127% | 122% | 114% |
Germany | 13% | 70% | 74% | 70% | 77% | 66% |
Other countries | 27% | 121% | 111% | 119% | 121% | 108% |
Total Continental Europe | 100% | 125% | 118% | 119% | 121% | 109% |
Japan | 54% | 232% | 225% | 185% | 121% | 98% |
Singapore | 42% | 85% | 75% | 84% | 95% | 74% |
South Korea | 4% | 131% | 111% | 116% | 109% | 73% |
Total Asia Pacific | 100% | 161% | 150% | 134% | 111% | 87% |
TOTAL WORLDWIDE | 100% | 135% | 127% | 123% | 118% | 101% |
Worldwide Year-on-Year Growth rate (2024 vs. 2023)
Issued SIS L/L |
% Tax Free |
January |
France | 26% | +11% |
Italy | 25% | +26% |
Spain | 15% | +31% |
Germany | 8% | +20% |
Other countries |
26% |
+8% |
Total Continental Europe | 100% | +17% |
Japan | 65% | +100% |
Singapore | 27% | +15% |
South Korea | 8% | +108% |
Total Asia Pacific | 100% | +71% |
TOTAL WORLDWIDE | 100% | +34% |
Glossary
– Gulf Cooperation Council countries include: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman
– South East Asia includes: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore
– North East Asia includes: Japan, South Korea
ABOUT GLOBAL BLUE
Global Blue pioneered the concept of Tax Free Shopping 40 years ago. Through continuous innovation, we have become the leading strategic technology and payments partner, empowering retailers to improve their performance and shoppers to enhance their experience.
Global Blue offers innovative solutions in three different fields:
In addition, our data and advisory services offer a strategic advisory to help retailers identify opportunities for growth, while our shopper experience and engagement solutions provide data-driven solutions to increase footfall, convert footfall to revenue and enhance performance.
For more information, visit https://www.globalblue.com/about-us/media
Global Blue Monthly Speaker Notes Data, January 2024, Source: Global Blue
____________________________
1Recovery rate is equal to 2023 Issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).
2Growth rate variation year-on-year (2024 vs. the same period in 2023)
Contacts
MEDIA CONTACTS
Virginie Alem – SVP Marketing & Communications
Mail: valem@globalblue.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS
Frances Gibbons – Head of Investor Relations
Mob: +44 (0)7815 034 212
Mail: fgibbons@globalblue.com
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