Sydney releases RFP documents

John Rimmer

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The airport has sent tender documents to shortlisted contenders for its duty-free concession, as one of the most keenly-awaited tenders of the year proceeds

As reported in DFNI February 15, Sydney airport has sent requests for proposals to shortlisted candidates for its duty-free concession after launching the tender process last November. A number of leading retailers are understood to have registered interest in the concession, which is one of Asia/Pacific's most lucrative contracts at A$200m annually. The Nuance Group is Sydney's incumbent retailer and has vowed to defend its contract.

Sydney Airport general manager of retail and commercial development Bob McFadyen said that the call for registration of interest had attracted "a strong field of international and local companies".

"We are not looking at simply sustaining the existing business under a different brand or contract," he said. "Rather we are seeking new ideas and new thinking to deliver a better service to all segments of the growing market base irrespective of nationality, purpose of travel or socio-economic status." He added that improving penetration rates should be the priority for the retailers hoping to secure the Sydney contract.

"This is a significant contract from Sydney Airport's perspective and we are seeking to appoint a retailer with established experience and success in developing and managing leading duty free businesses to join us in delivering the next exciting phase of duty free development at the airport," said McFadyen.

The Sydney tender has attracted interest from all of the world's leading retailers and will prove a stern test of Nuance's hold on the business. Among the other companies understood to be on Sydney's shortlist are King Power Group (Hong Kong), Dufry Group, Aldeasa, DFS Group, Alpha Retail, Aelia and Gebr Heinemann.

Keep an eye on RavenFox.com for updates.