Aelia wins Marseille low-cost tender

Emily Pacey

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Aelia extends its reach at Marseille as it wins the retail contract at the airport's new low-cost terminal

Aelia has won the retail tender at Marseille Provence airport's new low-cost terminal known as MP2, scheduled to open in September.

The French travel retailer will open a 400sq m (4,300sq ft) store in the terminal selling fragrances, cosmetics, tobacco products, liquor, wines, confectionery, fine foods, fashion and accessories, sunglasses, jewellery, gifts and electronics.

Aelia also operates a 600sq m (6,460sq ft) airside shop at the main terminal and a 75sq m (807sq ft) duty-paid shop in Marseille's Schengen area. It won the eight-year contract from incumbent operator Dufry Group in December 2005. Since it took over the contract, the retailer has reported an increase in sales of 30%.

Aelia vice-president organisation and development Ambroise Fondeur said: "We are delighted to win this tender at a rapidly-growing airport. Duty-free sales at Marseille have grown sharply since we opened our stores there, and MP2 offers us another great opportunity."

Marseille Provence airport welcomed 5.86m passengers in 2005.