Belgian Sky Shops welcomes Brussels arrivals debut

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Belgian Sky Shops has grown sales by 2-3% since Brussels International Airport Co's decision to allow arrivals shopping at the airport last month

Belgian Sky Shop's has grown sales by 2-3% since Brussels International Airport Co's (BIAC) decision to allow arrivals shopping at the airport last month. After one and a half years of discussions between retailer and authority, passengers arriving at Brussels have been able to make purchases from existing airside outlets since August 1.

The move takes advantage of the many departures outlets that most arriving passengers must pass to reach baggage reclaim, and is operated on a basis of trust, with customs authorities auditing receipts to separate arrivals from departures sales. Belgian Sky Shops commercial manager Marc Leemans told TRW that the move was made in response to demands from several passengers.

He said: ?The effect has not been very significant, but today retailers must be grateful for every extra penny. It is not something I would like to publicise too much to departing passengers, as I would rather they shopped on departure than on their return. They have more time to shop then, and are much more likely to decide against going into the shops after a return journey.?

Arriving passengers are being made aware of the new service through BIAC banners placed at the arrivals gates.