In 2024, tax-free shopping didn’t just rebound, it surpassed the broader luxury market with a +29%* growth. More than a momentum, this growth reveals a long-term shift in global retail, driven by three key factors:
1) The resurgence of international travel.
2) A rising demand for luxury goods.
3) The spending power of high-value shoppers.
Luxury remains at the core. At Global Blue, 80% of tax-free sales in 2024 came from the luxury sector, a trend expected to remain strong throughout 2025.
To help luxury retailers navigate the landscape, Global Blue has released a new report – entitled Tax Free Shopping a Key Growth Driver for 2025 – drawing on exclusive tax-free shopping data and international shopper surveys.
To support the growth of tax-free shopping for retailers, Global Blue continues to refine its solutions – enhancing mobile-first refund experiences, expanding the VIP Lounge network for top spenders, and investing in targeted digital marketing to help brands attract footfall where it matters most.
*Global Blue Tax Free Shopping data 2024