InterBaires boosted by Ezeiza refurbishment

Andrew Pentol

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The new main departures store at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International airport has helped spark an increase in turnover in the first half of the year

Argentinean operator InterBaires has attributed a 38.5% increase in turnover in the first half of the year to the refurbishment of the main departures store at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International airport in 2007. The retailer, which operates 13 shops in five airports in Argentina—the largest being a 3,000sq m (32,291sq ft) departures outlet at Ezeiza terminal A offering core categories such as confectionery, electronics, fragrances and cosmetics—said that performance in 2008 has exceeded expectations.

InterBaires marketing manager Manuel Aubone told DFNI: “We are still seeing the effect of the refurbishment of our main store, and the ability to adapt our offer, promotions and layout to the increasing demand of our region—led notably by Brazil, the nationality that grew in traffic and revenue in 2008—as a result of our information system has certainly helped.”

Aubone added that sales in almost every product category have grown in line with the business, particularly fashion accessories. “Accessories as a whole [including fashion, watches, sunglasses and luggage] have enjoyed exceptional performance, partly because we have been able to allocate more space and better exhibitions since the refurbishment of the main store,” he said.

He also highlighted the opening of the world’s first La Prairie Art of Beauty airport spa service and the retailer’s ability to quickly adapt to changes in passenger behaviour and nationality mix as InterBaires’ main achievements of the year so far.

Aubone concluded: “Our main challenges are to be ready to adapt to changes in the environment, but more importantly to continue to be prepared and skilful enough to propose changes, innovations and new ways to do things better and more effectively with the customer in mind.”