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For all the talk of potential, the children?s market has remained a tough sector to manage in duty-free. Domestic competition and changing trends require constant monitoring, yet suppliers are optimistic about long-term prospects. Rebecca Mann reports.
In some Asian markets?notably Japan?there are consumers whose choice of liquor brand depends on the free gift that is invariably attached to the bottle. Is this the right way for retailers and suppliers to build sales? John Rimmer reports.
Eulogised by rap artists, yet still seen as the drink of the old guard?can cognac really be all things to all men? As suppliers jockey for position in the market, John Rimmer looks at the polarisation of views on southwest France?s finest export.
Suppliers have long recognised the potential of the children?s market, but to date few have targeted teenagers who are notoriously difficult to please. However, writes Michael Eaton, exciting products and careful positioning could help to change that.
At this month?s World Watch and Jewellery Show in Basel and Zürich a Swiss directive over the SARS virus prevented Asian delegates from working on their stands. The decision provoked fury among exhibitors. Jonathan Brown reports.
This year?s Basel Watch and Jewellery Show, ?Baselworld?, saw a mix of classic design and stunning innovation. DFNI reports on a few of the most eye-catching launches.
Retail News Analysis
JAPAN/US. Following the news that the State Department of Transportation is to sue for $49m of unpaid rent, DFS Group has received another blow to its Hawaiian business.
By Jane Labous and Anna FentonCAMBODIA. A new terminal is to open at Siem Reap airport in 2006 in response to expected growth in visitor numbers to the country. Duty-free retailer Weitnauer and food and beverages concessionaire Select Service Partner will operate at the new location.
US. Northwest Duty Free is to renovate and expand its general merchandise outlet at Reno/Tahoe International airport, president Peter Bellecy told DFNI.
HONG KONG. Operators anxious to hear the result of the two news and books licences under tender at Hong Kong International airport will have to wait several more weeks.
ITALY. The Nuance Group is to roll out its Olympic Store concept in Turin following an agreement with the organisers of the 2006 Winter Olympics, to be held in Turin.
MEXICO/SPAIN. Barcelona-based travel-retail and catering services operator Areas has posted profits of Eu18m ($19.35m) in fiscal year 2002, up 22% on the previous year. Sales turnover was up by 73% to Eu483.3m ($519.7m).
IVORY COAST. The conflict between the government and rebels in the West African nation Ivory Coast has badly affected passenger numbers and duty-free sales at the capital?s Abidjan airport, a spokesperson has told DFNI.
BAA has named Andrew Jurenko managing director of BAA International, a new role with responsibility for developing BAA?s international airport business.
By John RimmerUS. Duty Free Americas (DFA) has won the tender to operate duty-free at Washington Dulles and Reagan National airports.
By Dermot DavittJust as the US pledged to loosen Saddam Hussein?s grip on Iraq, so this industry is hoping the looming end of that conflict will mean that war?s tight grip on our business will weaken.
INTERNATIONAL. LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton has announced consolidated sales of Eu2.8m ($3m) in the first quarter of 2003, down 5% on the same period last year.
Exclusive: by Jane LabousUK/FRANCE. Brittany Ferries has claimed a new standard for cross-channel ferry retailing with the shops onboard its new flagship vessel, the Mont St Michel.
Exclusive: by Anna FentonHONG KONG. The worsening outbreak of SARS has prompted retailers to ask for rent reductions, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has told DFNI.
Exclusive: by Dermot DavittFRANCE. The new joint venture between Aelia and Aéroports de Paris at Paris Charles de Gaulle terminal 2E will launch a raft of new specialist stores when it begins operating in June.
As DFNI went to press, Tax Free World Association confirmed that the TFWA Asia Pacific show is to proceed next month as planned.
Exclusive: by John Rimmer and Gavin LipsithUS. Duty Free Americas (DFA) ceo Jerome Falic has confirmed that the operator plans to bid in the forthcoming liquor, tobacco and fragrances tender at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport.
By Dermot DavittINTERNATIONAL. Switzerland-based operator Weitnauer has announced a 35% increase in earnings before tax for 2002 despite a 7% fall in sales to SFr1.02bn ($734m).
HONG KONG. Nuance-Watson (HK) has been awarded the audio-visual and electronics contract at Hong Kong International airport.
Liquor & Wines
By Dermot Davitt
By John Rimmer
Tobacco Products
By Gavin Lipsith
Fragrances
By Rebecca Mann
By Jane Labous
Cosmetics
Confectionery & Fine Foods
Exclusive: by Michael Eaton
Gifts & Electronics
By Rebecca Mann
Jewellery & Watches
Fashion & Leathergoods
Exclusive: by Kevin Rozario