Weitnauer to operate main Nice T2 concession

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Weitnauer has won the tender for the main liquor, tobacco and fragrances concession at Nice Cote d'Azur International airport's new terminal two

Weitnauer's was the second highest financial bid behind Swiss rival The Nuance Group, but airport authority Nice Chamber of Commerce decided its bid was the more realistic. French operator Aelia also bid for the concession.

"Weitnauer's was an excellent bid and the best solution for the new terminal," the airport's commercial manager Eric Trichot told TRW. "They will now operate the main duty-free store in T2 as well as the fashion area [as revealed in the April 15 issue of Duty-Free News International]."

TRW understands that Nuance was the original frontrunner for the contract, but uncertainty over its recent takeover by Gruppo PAM and Stefanel, added to fears over its high bid for the fragrances business, prompted the landlord to turn to Weitnauer. Trichot would not confirm these rumours but insisted that Weitnauer's bid was the most balanced of the three received.

Nice has also awarded the remainder of the landside concessions in the new T2, with Phénix taking on the fragrances and fashion business and Aelia winning the sunglasses contract. Two airside brand boutiques, covering 140sq m (1,506sq ft) remain unallocated. "Fashion, toys and electronics suppliers have already given us their ideas," said Trichot. "We will announce our choice in September."

The new terminal is to open before the end of November, a month later than planned. Air France, Easyjet, Delta AirLines and various North African carriers will all serve the new facility.