Belgian Sky Shops reaches new heights at Charleroi

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Belgian Sky Shops has reported strong growth in its operations at Brussels Charleroi airport just over a year after taking on the airport?s duty-free contract

Belgian Sky Shops has reported strong growth in its operations at Brussels Charleroi airport just over a year after taking on the airport's duty-free contract. While passenger numbers to the end of August had surged by 50% compared with the same period in 2002, Sky Shops has more than trebled daily turnover since June last year.

Tobacco has been the most successful category to date - accounting for around 50% of sales - as a result of the high numbers of British passengers and the large price gap between cigarettes and ryo products on the Belgian and UK domestic markets. Fragrances and cosmetics account for 15%, while liquor contributes around 10% of all sales.

Belgian Sky Shops purchasing manager Luc Lauwers told TRW: "After operating as a wholesaler to the airport for many years, we have seen results quickly since we took on retail there last June. That has been fuelled by strong passenger growth, and also as a result of offering an appropriate product mix in the newly fitted shop."

Lauwers revealed that the airport is considering another retail expansion, possibly doubling or trebling the space allocated to duty-free. Approval of the expansion has been delayed while the European Commission investigates claims of unfair advantages given by European airports to Ryanair ? which represents 95% of Charleroi's traffic ? and a decision is expected in October. Lauwers said he expected Sky Shops to play a leading role in the expansion.