Heinemann joint venture plans walk-through shop at Varna

Tina Milton

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Gebr Heinemann joint venture Travel Retail Distribution has revealed plans to open a walk-through store at Varna airport in 2008

Gebr Heinemann joint venture Travel Retail Distribution (TRD) has unveiled plans to grow its retail presence at Varna and Bourgas airports in Bulgaria after winning the tender to operate duty-free stores and Travel Value outlets at both airports in May. The strategy includes the opening of a new walk-through shop at Varna.

Heinemann Central Eastern Europe sales director Ralf Tiedt said: “In 2008 we will extend and optimise our retail areas by opening the first walk-through shop at Varna airport of 400sq m [4,304sq ft] and increasing the retail area at Bourgas airport.”

TRD operates three duty-free and Travel Value shops in departures and one Travel Value outlet in arrivals at Bourgas and Varna totalling 850sq m (9,146sq ft). All stores sell liquor, tobacco, fragrances and cosmetics, confectionery and local souvenirs. Cigarettes account for 28% of sales, while liquor takes 23%, fragrances and cosmetics contributes 32%, confectionery accounts for 9% and other categories 8%.

Heinemann owns 60% of the TRD joint venture, which it formed with Bulgarian partner Vasil Mirtchev. TRD signed a three-year concessions agreement with Fraport Twinstar for the exclusive operation of eight duty-free and Travel Value shops at Varna and Bourgas airports earlier this year. As well as operating stores at Varna and Bourgas airports, TRD is also an importer and distributor of goods to border shops, airlines and ships.