Auckland set to open expanded airside retail space

Emily Pacey

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DFS Group and HMSHost are among retailers operating at the new airside retail space in Auckland International airport

Auckland International airport will unveil its expanded airside retail precinct this week. The new area is situated in international departures and adds around 600 sq m (1,970sq ft) to existing retail space. Regency Duty Free and DFS Group, booksellers Whitcoulls and food and beverage supplier HMSC-AIAL—a joint venture between the airport company and US-based HMSHost —are among retailers operating in the new retail area.

A destination product precinct incorporating fashion store Merino Discovery and expanded high-end souvenir offerings (Kiwi Discovery and the Great New Zealand Shop) has also been created as a result of the changes.

Auckland airport general manager retail Nick Forbes outlined the design principles of the new area: "We are introducing a much lighter, brighter area. The aim is to create a space for the passengers to feel comfortable and relaxed. There's plenty of seating, so it's a good staging point before they move to their gate lounge.

"We are moving away from carpeted retail areas towards brighter tiles which create life and atmosphere. The lighting levels are going to be increased and the more open area and higher ceilings means that passengers feel less enclosed than in the current space.

"Signage has been well thought out and any point that passengers stand in the retail area, they will be able to see the whole range of services on offer."

The improvements are part of a security upgrade which will see a second level added to the international terminal pier to separate arriving and departing passengers.

"The pier segregation programme will ensure that those passengers who are departing can get the greatest benefit of the duty-free experience," said Forbes. "Arriving passengers will also have a refreshed duty-free offering. We will see significant opportunities for retail at Auckland airport in the coming years."

Last month the airport announced that first-half passenger figures were up by 4.6%, although retail sales lagged behind, rising just 3% in the same period. Forbes attributed this to security checks, congestion and over-trading in some stores. He claimed that improvements, including the expansion of the Customs and aviation security screening areas last year, would alleviate problems caused by congestion and security checks.

The retail area will open on Friday September 16.