Swatch introduces new retail environment with BAA

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Swiss watch company Swatch, a division of The Swatch Group, has just introduced a new retail concept exclusively with BAA, at London Gatwick airport's south terminal.

Expanding on its existing open-sell retail design for watches, named "Casper", and introduced at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes last year, the Gatwick location (pictured) will be the first, fully open-sell store in the world. It will allow consumers free access to the Swatch watches, and creates a new retail environment in which to shop.

Swatch head of travel-retail international for Swatch, Frank Furlan, commented: "We are pleased to be working with BAA on this innovative project. Their open, and forward, approach towards travel-retail is a perfect complement to our global retail development strategy. Collectively, we have made significant efforts to bring a retail environment to the consumer that is simple, unique, and exciting".

BAA retail director of UK airports Colin Hargrave said, "We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Swatch Group through the arrival of the new Swatch kiosks. Swatch is a top name brand that offers a wide choice of products and value for money for all our customers which fits well with our retail strategy."

This retail expansion with BAA complements existing Swatch kiosks at London Heathrow, terminals 2 and 3, with an additional opening scheduled for November 2001, at London Gatwick north terminal.