S3 heralds a new retail era at Paris Charles de Gaulle

Tina Milton

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

Almost 3,200sq m (34,432sq ft) of retail space and 1,400sq m (15,064sq ft) of bars and restaurants were revealed at the opening of the new S3 terminal today

The opening of Paris Charles de Gaulle airport's new S3 terminal today represents the beginning of a new retail era for Aéroports de Paris  (AdP) and Aelia, and in particular their joint venture Société de Distribution Aeroportuaire (SDA). It is the first time the partnership has been involved in the development of a terminal from its inception.

The terminal features 3,200sq m (34,432sq ft) of shops and 1,400sq m (15,064sq ft) of bars and restaurants. The design of the commercial area is reminiscent of the covered galleries of Paris and the idea was to create an area similar to the big department stores.

A 600sq m (6,456sq ft) Beauty Unlimited store occupies the largest commercial area in S3, which is otherwise known as Le Galerie Parisienne. This shop, which has a central aisle called Les Champs-Élysées de la Beauté, is described by AdP as an “invitation to dream and enjoy sophistication and luxury".

The inauguration was attended by French president Nicolas Sarkozy, minister of state, environment and sustainable development and planning Jean-Louis Borloo, minister for economics, finance and employment Christine Lagarde, secretary of state in charge of transport Dominique Bussereau and chairman and CEO of Aéroports de Paris Pierre Graff.

Marketing, retail and communications director Pascal Bourgue said: “In the shops our customers want to find the magic of Paris. Spacious and bright, the 21 shops represent the charm and reputation of the French capital. Colour, luminosity and accessibility have been our main themes in setting up the biggest airport commercial centre in France.”

AdP chairman and CEO Pierre Graff commented: “With this new satellite Paris Charles de Gaulle airport increases its handling capacity and reinforces its position as the most powerful hub in Europe.”