Alfarag outlines plans for growth

Tina Milton

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Ethiopian duty-free retailer Alfarag has revealed its plans for growth at Addis Ababa International airport

Ethiopian duty-free operator Alfarag Trading is studying ways to upgrade and modernise its shops at Addis Ababa International airport by focusing on the adjustment of product ranges, prices and the retail environment. The company has a 700sq m (7,532sq ft) Addis Ababa Duty Free store and recently opened a 480sq m (5,164sq ft) shop to develop its airport duty-free offer.

Alfarag managing director Ayderus Hussein told DFNI: “We don’t want to be associated with stagnation. The management always attempts to bring energy to its shops both for the customers and the employees. To this end it was obvious that, with the introduction of more and more brands, the space [in one shop] was no longer enough to accommodate and do justice to all the brands handled. Hence, we participated in a tender and acquired new space of 480sq m to open a new store, designed by French architect Jacque Dubois and Italian consultant and designer Carlo Stronati.” Hussein also hinted that the company has some exciting new projects planned for the duty-free sector.

The duty-free stores sell fragrances and cosmetics, food and confectionery, tobacco, watches and jewellery, writing instruments, toys, sunglasses, menswear, luggage, electronics, sports accessories and local products.

Alfarag has a 10,000sq m (107,600sq ft) head office in Addis Ababa, which comprises modern offices and warehouses for its local market and duty-free operations. It also owns 2,000sq m (21,520sq ft) of land and is finalising plans to construct a 12-storey building that will accommodate department stores, offices and apartments.

Alfarag is a family owned-business that was established in 1932 in Dire Dawa and in 1965 it moved its headquarters to Addis Ababa.