Bahrain reveals fresh investment and greets 25-year extension

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Bahrain Duty free is to invest a further $2m in its Bahrain International airport operations following a 25-year extention to its contract at the location

Bahrain Duty Free is planning a further $2m of investment in its stores at Bahrain International airport over the coming years, as it builds on the success of the $8m revamp that has transformed its departures store at the location. The news comes as it celebrates an extension to its contract at Bahrain until 2028.

Of the extension, Bahrain Duty Free managing director Abdulla Buhindi said: "This move gives us exclusivity on all airside retail operations for 25 more years. Bahrain Duty Free is the only stock exchange listed company in the region, and any such company needs longevity of tenure to secure its value. This extension gives us that stability and has been greeted by all our shareholders."

The first phase of change comes with the doubling of the arrivals store at Bahrain, scheduled for completion by late November. The store will feature a walk-in humidor, personalised display units for the leading confectionery suppliers, an improved presence for fragrances and cosmetics, plus a fresh emphasis on electronics and electrical items.

Under plans to develop the main departures store, sunglasses will be relocated into the main shop from the existing opticians from October 1, a new plush toy area will be introduced to take advantage of the Eid and Christmas holidays, plus there will be an extension to the range of electronics and computer-aided merchandise.

Bahrain Duty Free is also rethinking its landside offer, with a view to revamping the existing landside store and updating the range over the next six months.

In the longer term, the operator is considering adding new stand-alone stores towards the gates that are further from the main shop, to be dedicated to pharmaceutical items, confectionery and electrical items among others. And it is also examining the potential for a discount shop with all items priced within a certain range.

Bahrain Duty Free general manager Maurice Burke said: "The initial moves involve an investment of around $500,000, but together with the other longer term plans, it will rise to about $2m, and raise the overall standard even further." Burke revealed that sales for the operation in the year to date were up 12% on the same time last year, and he expected strong sales rises in the months from October to December, as well as a return of charter passengers before year-end.