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The launch this month of Middle East Exclusive, the latest travel-retail exhibition, poses some timely questions about the industry?s ability to sustain yet more trade events. And, by extension, it also questions its maturity and even its viability as a global business.
The forecasts for traffic and travel-retail sales growth across the wider Middle East region show just why the organisers of Middle East Exclusive are confident their event will be a success.
Singapore Changi airport is experiencing a slow but steady recovery from the worst effects of September 11, and the airport authority is pressing ahead with extensive refurbishment plans for terminal two. Dermot Davitt talks to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore about its next phase of development.
Hardly a day has gone by since the September 11 atrocities when international newspapers have not reported on another airline industry crisis. But eight months on there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. Asian airlines are reporting a steady increase in passenger numbers, and with the imminent start of football?s World Cup they have reason to be optimistic. Isabelle Caprano talks to the region?s leading players.
Marbert?s entry into Asia/Pacific completes its global distribution network and opens up a market of enthusiastic skincare consumers. Jane Labous asks Marbert Far East Marketing managing director Mike Bowden why he believes the company?s prospects are so good.
Givenchy has two priorities this year?travel-retail and Asia. Jane Labous finds out why the brand?s first travel-retail exclusive fragrance Into The Blue is expected to appeal to the consumer in this all-important region.
Duty-free operators have had a tough time during the first four years of operations at Kuala Lumpur International airport. But there are signs the gloom may be lifting. There has been an influx of Middle East and Chinese travellers, and the airport authority is considering a complete overhaul of its retail facilities. Dermot Davitt reports.
Tenders are planned for the pivotal airport concessions in Kuala Lumpur this year, but there is plenty of duty-free activity elsewhere in Malaysia.
Malaysia Airports-owned retail subsidiary Eraman may be consolidating its business through what has been a tough period, but it still has an eye for an opportunity.
When Nuance-Watson clinched the Singapore Changi terminal two beauty contract last year, The Nuance Group ceo Peter Petersen promised there would be changes.
A new promotional campaign from British American Tobacco intends to change how consumers perceive its leading Lucky Strike brand. By Gavin Lipsith.
After almost five months of trading at Malé International airport, Alpha is taking on new challenges in the Maldives with a wine distribution business to resorts and liquor licence holders.
Nuance-Watson?s beauty operations were catapulted into the spotlight last year following its gain of the pivotal Singapore Changi T2 contract. Since then the joint venture has managed to secure a monopoly on fragrances and cosmetics at the location, by gaining the lucrative terminal one concession. The message is crystal clear. Nuance-Watson means business at Singapore. Few would deny it had a good start but has it got what it takes to go the distance? Rebecca Mann reports.
The strategic alliance between L?Oréal?s Luxury Products Division and Japanese make-up artist Shu Uemura signalled the beginning of a global future for the popular Asian cosmetics brand. Jane Labous talks to Philippe Larrieu, manager of the developing brands division at Scental?L?Oréal?s Asia/Pacific travel-retail arm.
Building on its presence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Alpha Retail has finally established a long-promised foothold in India with the opening of its new venture at Cochin International airport in the province of Kerala. What?s the potential of this new site, and can it change the face of Indian duty-free retailing?
King Power Group?s joint venture with China Duty Free Group last year formed a blockbuster retail alliance which now controls the pivotal Chinese market, and which aims to take the region by storm. On the eve of the China Travel Retail Summit, organised by new China Power Duty Free Group, King Power managing director Antares Cheng speaks to DFNI about the potential of the Chinese business, and the ambitions of the new venture.
Hong Kong International airport already has 150 outlets, including 26 restaurants, with 65% airside and 35% landside, and is embarking on a fresh expansion drive.
?It?s business as usual? is the message emanating from the Nuance camp, as the company?s sale to Italian retailers Gruppo PAM and Stefanel nears completion. Nuance president and ceo Peter Petersen insists that the company?s strategy of competing aggressively on the world stage will continue.
While the rest of the world is struggling to emerge from the gloom that followed September 11, Asia/Pacific offers hope that a sustainable recovery is possible. Indeed, that recovery is already under way in this vibrant region.
Improved travel-retail environments that mimic downtown stores are creating new sales opportunities for watch manufacturers. Kevin Rozario finds out what really appeals to suppliers, and what gets results for operators.
In August 2000, Swatch opened a shop in the home of luxury retailing, Place Vendôme in Paris.
In this report, released at this month?s China Travel Retail Summit and exclusively to the trade in DFNI, JRA analyses the crucial Chinese market, examines how passenger traffic will develop and asks what factors will influence its growth.
A number of senior Weitnauer executives are leaving the Swiss travel retailer amid a wide-ranging restructure. Among them are chief operating officer Asia/Pacific and Far East Sunil Tuli, who departed at the beginning of May.
A category management expert seeks new role.
Retail News Analysis
ITALY/SWITZERLAND. Italian clothing group Stefanel has confirmed it is to exercise an option to buy half of The Nuance Group for about Eur138m ($126m). It will finance the deal by raising debt.
CHINA. China Power Duty Free Group, the alliance between King Power Group and China Duty Free Group, will conduct purchasing for all product categories for both partners as the companies extend their cooperation.
ASIA/PACIFIC. Operators are increasingly confident that Asia/Pacific travel-retail is on the verge of a strong recovery, and that the worst effects of September 11 may be over. Many retailers believe that the third and fourth quarters of 2002 will signal a surge in sales and a return to growth.
JAPAN. After years of lobbying by the country?s duty-free industry, the Japanese government has finally lifted all restrictions on what may be sold in duty-free. From April, products such as confectionery, sunglasses and leathergoods including belts and shoes may now be sold duty-free for the first time, giving operators a welcome boost.
HONG KONG. Last month Airport Authority Hong Kong began a project to increase retail and catering space on levels six and seven in the East Hall of Hong Kong International airport (HKIA). The entire hall will be redesigned, increasing lettable space from 8,300sq m (89,340sq ft) to 15,118sq m (162,730sq ft). The additional 6,800sq m (73,200sq ft) of retail space will be let to new and existing tenants, and tenders will be called as each phase is completed. Completion of the entire project is expected in December 2003.
UAE. Abu Dhabi Duty Free has completed phase three of its expansion programme at Abu Dhabi International airport with the installation of 20 new boutiques and themed outlets.
UK/INTERNATIONAL. Interest is building in this year?s Inflight Sales Person of the Year Awards, to be held in London on November 28 and 29.
INTERNATIONAL. Interactive shopping and online service provider FlightStore has entered into a joint venture with handheld and wireless computing group Handspring. The venture?s aim is to make seatback shopping more accessible to passengers.
INDIA. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has cancelled the duty-free tender it called at the country?s leading airports. Potential bidders are furious at the decision after investing thousands of dollars in preparing their proposals.
Liquor & Wines
UK travel retailers have signalled their relief at the government?s decision not to introduce tax stamps on bottles of spirits.
Indian duty-free operator and tourism promotion body India Tourism Development Corp (ITDC) has begun to open wine corners in its stores to boost sales.
German winemaker Langguth hopes the popularity of icewine among Asians will help the company build its presence in Asia/Pacific duty-free.
Tobacco Products
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has rebuffed rumours over the future of duty-free tobacco in the country. The speculation arose after the fourth round of negotiations on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Geneva this March.
German manufacturer Reemtsma has won recognition for its new West Lights Formula Edition in a national packaging design competition.
Fragrances
Maürer + Wirtz has acquired the fragrance licence for fashion and lifestyle brand s.Oliver, in a move which it hopes will firmly establish it in the younger market segment.
Givenchy?s new Into The Blue fragrance has been created exclusively for travel-retail as part of a sustained effort to grow the company?s duty-free business.
A white pebble is the design for the new Issey Miyake edt spray.
The new women?s fragrance, Intrusion, from YSL Beauté?s Oscar de la Renta stable was launched earlier this month and is rolling out now to travel-retail markets worldwide.
Rouge Hermès Eau Délicate is a complete line of fragrance and body products, and is an extension of the existing Rouge Hermès range, following the trend for lighter, fresher fragrances.
Parfums Scherrer has launched its first new fragrance line for some time, which is also the first men?s fragrance it has ever produced.
New from Italian brand Gai Mattiolo is That?s Amore XXX, targeted at the younger audience.
A new survey by US market research company NPD BeautyTrends reveals that fragrance marketing initiatives such as store testers and gwps are an effective way of increasing sales.
Estée Lauder?s Aramis division is extending its Tommy Hilfiger travel-retail offering with an exclusive set based on the Tommy Hilfiger women?s fragrance.
P&G Prestige Beauté?s Boss In Motion fragrance is the latest addition to the powerful Boss franchise, based on the Hugo Boss ?orange label? fashion collection.
Cosmetics
Duty-free suppliers and retailers see a bright future for the whitening market in Asian and Middle Eastern regions, with brands continuing to expand their ranges of whitening products.
New to the Origins range is Silk Screen Refining Powder Makeup, available now on travel-retail markets in Singapore, Oceania, Hong Kong, Denmark, Iceland, Japan and Korea.
Clarins has teamed up with French perfumery chain Marionnaud to launch an interactive website.
Pikenz?s new sun range Pikenz The First includes products offering a range of protection factors for all types of skin.
Nuance-Watson (HK) is poised to introduce Biotherm to its beauty operations at Hong Kong International airport. On June 1 the retailer will open a free-standing Biotherm boutique at the facility.
L?Oréal Travel Retail Americas is closing its Puerto Rico headquarters this month to join its luxury division partner Parbel in Miami.
Lancôme?s new eye cream is targeted at women over 55 who are worried about thinning skin, loss of elasticity and dullness around the eyes.
Confectionery & Fine Foods
Distriworld has taken over direct accounts in Asia/Pacific?including Chocolate Sales & Supplies and Nuance-Watson?from Toms International, which wants all new business to be channelled through the Singapore distributor.
Belgian biscuit specialist Jules Destrooper has taken direct responsibility in duty-free for its Hanssens chocolate subsidiary.
Gifts & Electronics
Weitnauer Singapore?s electronics business at Singapore Changi airport is holding up well despite a slight fall in passenger numbers at the location.
Jewellery & Watches
Dutch jewellery manufacturer Gerzon Duty Free will unveil its latest collection in the Vivaldi range at this month?s TFWA Asia Pacific show.
Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith has unveiled four different movements for its new watch collections.
US fashion-watch company Fossil demonstrated its colour-changing technology called Kaleido at the Basel World Watch and Jewellery show last month.
Fashion & Leathergoods
HMSHost Corp has been awarded a five-year contract at Vancouver International airport for two new speciality retail concessions, called Gifts of the Raven and Exploration.
