ARI opens VIP outlet at Domodedovo

John Rimmer

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

Using the Runway Duty Free fascia, the retailer has opened a store in the airport's VIP lounge

Aer Rianta International has opened its tenth store at Moscow Domodedovo airport, using the Runway Duty Free fascia it devised last year. The new store is in the airport's VIP lounge and will offer high-end whiskies and cognacs, cigars, beauty items, leathergoods, ties and scarves.

Runway Duty Free Domodedovo general manager John Moriarty said: "We have had a showcase in the VIP lounge since early in the year but we could not trade there as both departing and arriving passengers mix in the one area. But we have now resolved this with Customs and border guards and opened the unit in an area that is airside. We expect the unit to be very popular as the VIPs can purchase in a quiet and suitable environment before they leave the area to board their flights."

Moriarty continued: "Opening in the VIP lounge is the culmination of a very busy year for us, having opened 10 units in the past 13 months. We are concentrating on getting ready for the busy Christmas and New Year period, which we expect to be huge as the first 10 days of January are holidays here in Russia and we'll have lots of passengers departing before and after the New Year."

Recent promotions at Runway in Domodedovo included a month-long initiative at the retailer's Swarovski outlet, where customers were offered a crystal travel case to celebrate the store's first anniversary. Runway general director Alexey Osipov said: "Sales in our first year have exceeded all expectations and prove the strength of Swarovski as a brand and also Russians' interest in it, predominantly in jewellery but also for collectors of crystal figures."

Meanwhile Runway has reported strong sales of bags and accessories at Domodedovo, given their increasing popularity among Russian men and women.