How tax-free shopping outpaced luxury in 2024 – and what’s next

3rd June 2025

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

Read the Global Blue's 'Tax Free Shopping a Key Growth Driver for 2025' report
Click here to read Global Blue report
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