Calais store investment boosts Hoverspeed

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Fast ferry operator Hoverspeed has announced plans to expand its retail business focusing on its main Hoverport store in Calais.

As first reported in Duty-Free News International, Hoverspeed has now taken full control of the store (from partner Ghesquiers), adding £20m ($28m) to the company's buying strength. With work to transform the Hoverport store scheduled for completion early this year, plans include increasing the size and depth of product range with a major promotional presence from the leading beauty houses.

This new asset for Hoverspeed will enable the company to further coordinate its one-stop-shop service for passengers on the main Dover to Calais route in an exclusive environment for land shopping as well as pre-order and bulk buying.

Hoverspeed managing director Geoffrey Ede commented: "As the only cross-channel operator with its own shore-based shops, our plans for the Calais store will offer passengers a unique Continental shopping experience. As well as introducing products which up until now you could only buy from hypermarkets, a hassle-free shopping service will be on offer."

A new initiative will provide a pre-order service available from onboard the craft with goods available in Calais for pick up.