Unifree sets sights on new Bodrum terminal

Tina Milton

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The Turkish retailer plans to expand at Milas-Bodrum airport with space at the new international terminal

Turkish retailer Unifree Duty Free hopes to increase its duty-free space at Milas-Bodrum airport by expanding into the new international terminal, which is the subject of a current build-operate-transfer (BOT) tender. The company currently operates a 68sq m (731sq ft) store at Bodrum and also has a 21sq m (225 sq ft) shop at Bodrum marina.

Unifree general manager Kadir Ishakoglu said: "We are planning to expand at Bodrum because the location has high tourism potential and is very convenient for development. We will have meetings with the company that wins the tender. We believe BOT projects and joint ventures will be key to future developments."

Unifree expects the variety of products sold at its stores to grow as it increases its retail portfolio. Accessories, fashion and souvenirs, which have so far accounted for a low sales percentage, are likely to record a "considerable rise", said Ishakoglu.

The company is also interested in the tender at the Kapikule border between Turkey and Bulgaria, where the duty-free area is being refurbished.