New WDF store is centrepiece of Gatwick extension

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BAA has completed the 50,000sq ft (4,646sq m) extension of its London Gatwick North terminal, which will feature a new World Duty Free store as well as several specialist branded outlets on two levels.

The £35m ($50m) extension has increased catering and retail space by 70%. On the ground level, the new WDF store focuses strongly on fragrances and cosmetics, with liquor, tobacco and gifts remaining in the original store, which continues to operate.

A new site, Best of the Best, gives customers the chance to win classic British cars, including an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage coupe and a Lotus Elise, while Swatch has also opened its first open-sell store. The main floor also includes Dixons, Harrods, WH Smith, China & Glass, Goldsmiths and a new Boots the Chemist. On the upper level, stores include Warner Bros, Nike and Marlboro Classics.

BAA retail director Gatwick airport Danny Sloan said: "This has been a first for BAA in that it's the only project that we have been able to work on without having to phase construction around the day to day operations and therefore avoiding unnecessary disruption to our passengers and retailers."