Not only are sun-soaked island resorts drawing the usual beach crowd, the Balearics are now home to a club scene second to none. But are retailers and suppliers doing enough to capture this high-spending, brand-conscious market? Eluned Jones finds out

For retailers on the Caribbean islands the effects of September 11 have been less chronic than the heavy discounting that has become a regular feature of US domestic retailing. Kevin Rozario reports on a situation that is forcing operators to rethink their strategy

Growth in Cuba of 10% a year for the past five years was brought to a grinding halt this year as the effects of September 11 produced a fall in traveller numbers of 23% in the first half of 2002.

Even in an island paradise visitors seem to be obsessed with timepieces, electronics and gadgets, as Islanders Maldives is well aware. Eluned Jones finds out more

Pester power gets results?even in absentia. Belgian Sky Shops explains how its latest children?s venture, Kid?s Planet, is capturing the attention of business travellers at one of Europe?s top airport locations. By Rebecca Mann

In just three years Premier Portfolio has grown rapidly to become one of travel-retail?s leading inflight toy suppliers.

High-tech may be high maintenance and low profit, but the electronics category is powering ahead in the Middle East. Operators put their success down to staff training, promotional work, and above all, innovation, as Rebecca Mann found out

Household appliances have their part to play in travel-retail, says Rebecca Mann, even if they lack the cachet of more sophisticated items

At most airports pricing is a crucial factor influencing passenger spend rates, yet managers continue to devote only limited attention to the issue. Ivo Favotto calls on airports to show renewed vigour in keeping retail programmes price-competitive.

TRI has long argued that getting into the mind of travelling shoppers is vital to creating more effective in-store fixtures and POS displays. But how many travel-retailers have actually watched customers in the act? One person who has is guest writer Noreen Kinsey, associate director of retail research and design firm Visuality, and she reveals a few secrets

By Rosemary Nightingale, Macy?s West director visitor & convention services

Tough new Chinese regulations governing the import of European cosmetics are proving devastating for domestic and duty-free retailers. And the grounds for the ban?that ingredients derived from European cattle or sheep could contain BSE, or Mad Cow Disease, are proving even more frustrating. TRI gauges the reaction of leading suppliers

Pretty floral themes to appeal to modern romantics of all ages have made Lolita Lempicka a fairytale for owner Pacific Creations Parfums. Jane Labous quizzed international director Pierre-Yves Brézillon about his unique approach to promotions and product launches

As the deadline nears for ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, industry figures are increasingly alarmed that the latest text is open to interpretation?and could spell chaos, writes Gavin Lipsith

BAA retail director, joint-venture projects Sandy Lightfoot has retired after a distinguished career with the company.

Pernod Ricard World Trade (PRWT) treated travel-retail journalists to a guided tour of the world?s oldest licensed whiskey distillery last month.

After September 11 you would be hard-pressed to find travel retailers that can claim to have emerged unscathed?especially in North America. But The Paradies Shops managed to keep people flowing into their stores, thanks to innovative new concepts. Eluned Jones finds out more from vice-president marketing Lynn Bennett

Masterfoods International Travel Retail (MITR) is continuing its strategy of clarifying ranges and focusing on different sectors of the confectionery industry.

UK company Pro-Specs has created a fashion-trend forecasting website designed for fashion buyers, merchandisers, retailers and designers worldwide.

Scotch whisky company Edrington, producer of The Famous Grouse and The Macallan whiskies, has signed an agreement with South Korea?s leading liquor distribution company.

Belgian cigar manufacturer Vandermarliere has signed an agreement with JC Newman, allowing the US supplier distribution rights to the J Cortès brand on the country?s domestic and travel-retail markets.

By devoting 50% of the space in its shop-in-shop concept to skincare and cosmetics, the L?Oréal-owned beauty house reversed an established merchandising habit and boosted make-up sales by a third.

Sixty-three new companies will exhibit at the TFWA World Exhibition this year, including Paul Smith, Dolce & Gabbana, Torres, Piz Buin, Thierry Mugler and Escada.