Nuance extends stay in Sweden

Tina Milton

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The Nuance Group has secured a deal to extend all existing contracts at Swedish airports until 2010, as Stockholm Arlanda begins an ambitious retail renovation

The Nuance Group has secured an extension of its retail contracts at Swedish airports until 2010. The retailer will now revamp its stores in partnership with Swedish airport authority Luftsfartverket (LFV) and Arlanda Schiphol Development Company, a joint venture between Schiphol Group and LFV.

Nuance confirmed it is reviewing the retail offer at Stockholm Arlanda airport, as reported in DFNI December 15, to cater for the needs of a changing customer base. The revamp will also include some regional airports.

As a result of the review Nuance will open a 145sq m (1,560sq ft) fragrance and cosmetics shop and a 35sq m (376sq ft) electronics outlets in Arlanda terminal four, which has yet to feature a meaningful commercial offer. The stores are designed to meet the demands of Swedish shoppers and will open in January. In T5 the company will open a 120sq m (1,291sq ft) technology store selling hardware, software and accessories. In the same terminal a walk-through store will be created by moving the existing fragrances and cosmetics shop next to the liquor/ tobacco and confectionery outlet. The area currently dedicated to fragrances and cosmetics will be replaced by a Sweden design concept and a Hugo Boss boutique.

Another walk-through store will be added in T2 to serve non-Schengen passengers. To accommodate the new shop layout the store will double in size to 240sq m (2,582q ft). The outlet will feature all core product categories and an enhanced wine and champagne offer. Gothenburg airport will also introduce a new terminal layout in 2007.

LFV group airports division commercial director Anders Melander commented: "We are full of expectation regarding The Nuance Group and its contribution to Gothenburg airport and its potential new and exciting layout. For the other airports, our prolonged agreements will give us healthy and necessary continuity."

Arlanda Schiphol Development Company managing director Gert-Jan de Graaff said: "Nuance is presently one of the major tenants and part of the highly successful retail offer at Arlanda airport. This investment plan further consolidates an important and mutually beneficial partnership between Arlanda airport and world-class global retailer Nuance."

He added: "ASDC has been delighted with the existing partnership with Nuance and we look forward to the group's expanded activities at our terminals. Shoppers can expect to see a marked extension of our selection of shops, products and brands." Graaff said he was excited by this new support for renowned branding throughout the terminal's outlets of Arlanda airport. "I was extremely impressed when Nuance presented their plans and I look forward to the new shops and the revamped store layout and upgraded product presentation the group will introduce at Stockholm Arlanda airport."

Nuance CEO Europe Carlo Bernasconi said: "I am extraordinarily pleased with the results of our discussions with the Swedish airport operators. This shows how much can be achieved if airport and retailer team up in a true spirit of partnership to create the sort of environment that will make excellent airport retail a reality. We look forward to continuing to work together and to presenting an outstanding retail offer to our customers."