KLM Tax Free ousted from liquor and tobacco concession

Emily Pacey

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Schiphol Group will take control of Amsterdam's KLM-run liquor and tobacco concession next year

Amsterdam Schiphol airport plans to take over operation of the liquor and tobacco concession from incumbent retailer KLM Tax Free Services on January 1 2007. KLM's contract is due to expire on December 31 2006.

The concession includes six shops and 150 staff, who will retain their jobs. The takeover is in line with Schiphol Group's strategy to "reinforce retail operations".

Fellow concessionaire Kappe International, which runs its beauty megastore alongside the KLM liquor and tobacco store, admitted concern over its position at the airport. "We have a rolling contract," Kappe International chairman Jacques Parson told RavenFox.com. "So admittedly we are worried about what the airport has planned for our operations. We are waiting to see how they determine the future of our concession."

Keep an eye on RavenFox.com for more details as they emerge.