Add to Favorite
Magazine 
Magazine
People & Company
Julian Lewin, former president of the Frontier Duty Free Association in Canada, has established Julian Lewin & Associates, an agency dedicated to serving the travel-retail and duty-free market in the Americas
Alpha Airports Group held its employee recognition evening Alpha Heroes at the Birmingham International Conference Centre earlier this month, welcoming nearly 500 staff and guests
Maxxium Global Travel Retail is to set up a new division to represent its brands in US duty-free
Andrea Robinson has been named chief marketing officer for the Estée Lauder brand
Inflight concessionaire Duty Free World is to hold its first Celebrations of Success staff training event on April 16–17, immediately before the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale
Raven Fox has revealed the shortlist for its inaugural Raven Fox Awards for Travel Retail Excellence in the Americas
More people and company news
Features
Now under private management, Montevideo Carrasco airport is at the forefront of a revolution in Latin American duty-free retail standards. As operator Duty Free Uruguay completes the first phase of its renovation work, John Rimmer reports on its first year in business
Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 is Latin America's most ambitious airport manager, with an ever-expanding network of locations. John Rimmer talks to commercial director Marcelo Orfila about the company's plans for retail
With over 20 years' experience of the peaks and troughs of travel-retail beauty at The Estée Lauder Companies, group president international Cedric Prouvé is accustomed to change. And Lauder's commitment to the industry seems as unshakable as ever. Here, Prouvé shares his thoughts on some of the most contentious issues facing the industry and his vision for its development
For a lesson on how closer relations between airports and retail tenants can benefit the customer, look no further than Buenos Aires Ezeiza International airport, where InterBaires is working to build penetration with a number of impressive new stores. John Rimmer talks to CEO Enrique Urioste about the retailer's new approach
As Latin American trade association ASUTIL prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary, president Samuel Kauffmann and secretary general José Luis Donagaray talk to John Rimmer about past and present challenges for the regional industry
John Gallagher talks to Falic Group president Leon Falic in Panama about the company's plans to consolidate and grow its business throughout the Americas
A new, more international passenger profile is changing the duty-free business in Brazil, where dominant retailer Brasif is determined to take advantage. John Rimmer reports
The Caribbean is one of the world's most dynamic tourist markets
Retailers may consider it a chore, but keeping an eye on regulatory changes is critical to the industry, as IAADFS Washington lobbyist Jon Kent tells DFNI
Asian markets are thriving, traditional toy brands are getting serious about travel-retail and toy planes and teddy bears are selling fast inflight. From any angle, it looks like child's play is finally being taken seriously, writes Emily Pacey
Wielding considerable influence over their parents' purchasing decisions, children represent a growing market in travel-retail. Lorna Strickland examines
how the industry is harnessing children's pester power
The outlook for tourism in the Americas is increasingly positive although the US has been slow to recover.
Sandra Newman reveals how some of the region's key
markets are benefiting
Duty-free beauty will need to change dramatically if it is to capitalise on the tastes of the airport shoppers of the future. Tina Milton reports on developments planned for 2010 that are likely to be science fact rather than science fiction
The fall in the value of the US dollar has been a feature of the North American business for some time. Pricing adjustments are helping retailers adapt, as Tina Milton discovers
Competition in the Mexican duty-free market is intense, with international operators Aldeasa and Dufry Group vying for supremacy with local specialists. The result is a vibrant business characterised by strong growth and regular renovation, reports John Gallagher
San Juan International airport concessionaire Bared Group enjoyed the best year in its history in 2004. Record sales have enabled the operator to implement an extensive renovation programme and the outlook for 2005 looks bright. John Gallagher talks to president Luis Bared Sr and his son Jorge
Although passenger figures from airports across North America suggest that tourists are returning in force to Canada and the US, a full recovery in traffic from Asia is likely to take longer. DFNI looks at how this crucial market is faring at key locations
Ferry company Buquebus, which operates routes linking Argentina and Uruguay, has benefited not only from the improving spending power of Latin Americans but also from increased international tourism to the region. John Rimmer gets an update on progress from onboard concessionaire and port store operator Zeinal Hermanos
Duty Free Caribbean, a joint venture between Cave Shepherd and Dufry Group, has become a leading operator in the region and is keen to expand further. John Gallagher talks to CEO Peter Allan about the secrets of its success
BAA is one of the world's most commercially-driven airport companies, and director of international retail Paul Weber believes its US business is responsible for increasing retail awareness at the country's airports. He talks to Gavin Lipsith about the group's progress in the market
A captive audience means cruiseship outlets are well placed to capture customer spend and jewellery sales, in particular, are showing encouraging growth. Lorna Strickland gets a category update from two of the biggest onboard retailers in the sector
By Dermot Davitt Executive Editor
By Joe Bates Liquor & Wines Editor
Are US airports finally embracing more balanced
relationships with their retailers?
By Gavin Lipsith Retail News Editor
A new law offers stability—at a price.
By Tina Milton Beauty Editor tmilton@ravenfox.com
By John Rimmer Editor
Last week in Birmingham, DFNI had the pleasure of attending the Alpha Heroes 2005 event, in which retailer and caterer Alpha Airports Group recognised excellence among its employees.
By John Rimmer Editor jrimmer@ravenfox.com
Retail News Analysis
AMERICAS. UK airports group BAA will seek to strengthen its retail management business by seeking new locations in the US and throughout the Americas
RUSSIA. Aer Rianta International (ARI) is to extend its presence at Moscow Domodedovo airport after securing two lots in airport authority East Line's latest tender for retail space
US. The duty-free contract at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport concourse E is likely to be re-tendered, the airport has told DFNI
BRAZIL. Leading Brazilian duty-free retailer Brasif Duty Free Shop plans to relocate one of its departures outlets at São Paulo International airport in a bid to improve penetration rates
US. Alpha Retail USA and Avid International are among US airport retailers to have benefited from the weakness of the dollar against the euro and pound sterling
LATIN AMERICA. Latin American trade association Asociación Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL) is to lobby governments in the Mercosur trading bloc to adopt a $500 arrivals shopping allowance across the region
MEXICO. Airport authority Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) has pledged to upgrade its commercial offer in 2005 following a strong start to the year
US/CANADA. Operators on the northern border of the US have voiced concern over the surging price of oil and are claiming that the increases are likely to deter US travellers from crossing the border
US. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has extended DFS Group's duty-free and speciality retail contract until November 30 2007
SPAIN. Aldeasa has signed an agreement of intent with Dominican airport authority Aerodom that could boost its presence in the Caribbean
US. Las Vegas McCarran airport and incumbent duty-free and speciality retailer The Nuance Group have reached an agreement to renovate retail areas at the airport's existing terminal this year
BULGARIA. Bulgarian Duty Free Association chairman Radostin Genov has welcomed Bulgaria's tax and duty-free bill, which was approved by the Bulgarian cabinet last month
SINGAPORE. Fashion company Chomel has won the contract for a mid-priced branded accessories shop at Singapore Changi airport terminal two, its second such award at the location
SWEDEN. Schiphol Group and Stockholm Arlanda airport authority and owner Luftfartsverket have signed an agreement to extend their joint venture to cover the management of all shops, catering and other passenger facilities at Stockholm Arlanda airport
PARAGUAY/BRAZIL. Paraguay and Brazil are to increase the duty-free allowance for tourists crossing the Friendship Bridge at Paraguay's Ciudad del Este from $150 to $300
ITALY. Branded boutiques from local luxury goods companies are driving commercial growth at Bologna airport
US. The International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores has won a commitment from US Customs authorities to speed up changes to its computer systems that will allow retailers to gain clearance for bonded goods electronically
UAE. Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has reported a 20% increase in first-quarter sales this year, driven by strong sales of electronics, gold and fragrances
US/BRAZIL. Inflight concessionaire Duty Free World has confirmed that it is to take over the onboard duty-free retail contract for Brazilian national flag-carrier Varig
UK. Alpha Airports Group CEO Kevin Abbott has told DFNI he is "delighted" with the retailer's performance last year, despite the fall in pre-tax profits reported by the company earlier this month
MAURITIUS. Mauritius Duty Free Paradise (MDFP) has contacted airport authorities in the Seychelles and Madagascar with a view to expanding its retail operations beyond its island base
SPAIN. Barcelona-based restaurant and duty-free shop operator Areas intends to bid for retail concessions at Spanish airports when they are tendered next year
ITALY. Dufry Group has pulled out of negotiations with airport authority Aeroporti di Roma (AdR) to take over specialist stores to be vacated by The Nuance Group at Rome Fiumicino airport
US. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has told DFNI that it has enjoyed an improvement in retail performance since switching its onboard retail contract from Starboard Cruise Services to Evoke International six months ago
Liquor & Wines
US duty-free distributor Haleybrooke International has signed an agreement to represent Tequila Siete Leguas in the Americas and selected international markets
Trinidad-based liquor supplier CL Financial has created a new drinks division, CL World Brands Global Duty Free, which is to be headed by experienced industry executives René Dafflon and Jacques Ielli
William Grant and Sons has released a rare duty-free exclusive Glenfiddich malt whisky to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Singapore's independence
World Duty Free (WDF) has raised the profile of cognac at its London Heathrow terminal three store with the introduction of the world's most expensive cognac, Louis XIII Cognac-Diamant Edition Spéctaculaire
US duty-free distributor Chase International has added two family-owned Italian liqueur brands and an Irish whiskey to its premium spirits portfolio
More liquor news
Tobacco Products
Cuban cigar supplier Habanos could be one of the parties to benefit from Aldeasa's change of ownership if the travel retailer's shareholders accept Italian catering group Autogrill's bid for the company, expected as DFNI goes to press
Incheon International Airport Corp (IIAC) is optimistic about the future of duty-free tobacco sales despite increasingly strict measures governing the sale of tobacco in the country
Greek cigarette manufacturer Karelia has maintained its position as the second best-selling cigarette house with Hellenic Duty Free Shops
German specialist tobacco supplier Von Eicken is to extend its range of flavoured cigars this year with the introduction of coffee- and whisky-flavoured variants.
More tobacco news
Fragrances
Supplier Selective Beauty is poised to sign a deal with fashion house Benetton to develop a range of fragrances.
Ferrari Passion and Sergio Tacchini Active Water will be the key launches for Italian beauty brand Morris in the duty-free market this year
Ferrari Passion and Sergio Tacchini Active Water will be the key launches for Italian beauty brand Morris in the duty-free market this year
ITF plans to make two additions to its fragrance portfolio during the second half of the year.
Cosmetics
Estée Lauder Companies has confirmed its commitment to the travel-retail industry and expressed high hopes for its speciality brands
L'Oréal's Americas duty-free division Parbel is forecasting high double-digit sales growth in the cruiseship sector this year
Beauty brand Rancé is to take its first step outside the Italian duty-free market when it enters Moscow Sheremetyevo airport later this year
Micys-owned supplier Pupa is forecasting a 10% sales increase in 2005 after sales revenues stabilised during 2004
Confectionery & Fine Foods
Toms Confectionery has commissioned a fresh advertising approach for its Anthon Berg Mocha Chocolate Coffee Dreams, which are available from this month after being previewed in Cannes last year (DFNI October 15 2004)
More news from the world of cofectionery
Distributor Chase International has won the exclusive rights to represent UK biscuit specialist Walkers Shortbread in Canadian and US duty-free
Masterfoods International Travel Retail (MITR) will present its 2005 range to the Americas duty-free business in Fort Lauderdale this month (booth 2527) after enjoying a record-breaking first quarter
Lindt & Sprüngli is to widen its use of maître chocolatier demonstrations, which play a key role in its partnership with The Nuance Group at Zürich airport's Airside Center (DFNI October 15 2004)
Gifts & Electronics
US-based retailer Hudson Group has opened a permanent Christmas shop at JFK airport. The store opened in terminal four's landside area and is named Christmas in New York
US-based gadget supplier Zelco is to showcase new additions to its line of travel products at the Duty Free Show of the Americas this month.
US-based distributor WNV Sales will be showcasing products from technology supplier Olympus at this month's Duty Free Show of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale, after securing a distribution deal earlier this year.
Jewellery & Watches
UK jewellery supplier and retailer Goldsmiths is to open a store at London Heathrow airport terminal one next month
Australian jewellery retailer Angus & Coote plans to close its two Melbourne airport stores and focus on the domestic market
US-based World Tour Enterprises is widening the roll-out of its line of Tommy Bahama men's watches
More jewellery news
US-based jewellery company Angelique de Paris will be launching its new line of watches at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale this month
Malaysian travel retailer Valiram Group is working with several leading watch and precious gifts brands and Formula One motor-racing teams in a special promotion at Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA) which focuses on merchandise associated with the sport
Fashion & Leathergoods
More fashion news
US luggage brand Tumi is to target new markets with a focus on stand-alone stores
Lingerie brand Agent Provocateur will use London Heathrow airport as a test bed for expansion into travel-retail when it opens its first airport store in terminal four in July
Handbag label Yasmena is considering an entry into the travel-retail market as a result of its acquisition by Mundi-Westport Corp, which is already present in the market
A source close to Aldeasa has told DFNI that the Spanish retailer will add more mid- and mass-market fashion brands at its new retail space at Madrid Barajas airport terminal four, now in development
Three years' experience at six of Harrods International's UK airport stores has convinced vintage-led handbags and accessories brand Lulu Guinness to exhibit for the first time at the Duty Free Show of the Americas (stand 1627) as part of a determined push into global travel-retail
Florida eyewear group Euro Vision is launching its Perry Ellis sunglasses collection in the travel-retail market in Fort Lauderdale (stand 116) as it makes its first visit to the show
Miami-based Pola Sunglasses is presenting a new range of extreme sports and motorcycle eyewear to travel-retail
More fashion news