ITDC expects new stores to open by January

?India Tourism Development Corp (ITDC) is to open new departures and arrivals duty-free stores by January 1. The largest and most high-profile store will be a 150sq m (1,615sq ft) arrivals outlet in Bangalore in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. But the operator is delaying construction of a departures shop in Bangalore, claiming the allocated 10sq m (110sq ft) is too small. It is in negotiations with the airport to increase the space.
Because Bangalore is the technology hub of India, an increase in the number of international flights prompted the Indian government to open the airport to duty-free shopping.

ITDC has also completed fitting new departures and arrivals stores in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Calicut. Elsewhere, a departures-only outlet is to open in the holy city of Varanasi. All the stores measure between 10sq m (110sq ft) and 150sq m (1,615sq ft).
ITDC vice-president duty-free trade Chandni Luthra said the operator was hoping to open the stores by Christmas, but added that January 1 was a more realistic date.
Meanwhile, ITDC is expected to start renovation work in the new year on expanding departures and arrivals duty-free outlets in Mumbai.